Ampro Delivers MIPS32 Module to Speed and Simplify Embedded Design
Ampro Delivers MIPS32 Module to Speed and Simplify Embedded Design
First RISC-based entry to new EnCore product line validates processor-independent architecture
San Jose, CA, August 27, 2001. Ampro Computers, Inc., the inventor and leading supplier of PC/104 and EBX form-factor single board computers for embedded applications, today introduced the EnCore™ M2, the first RISC-based entry in its new EnCore family of high integration embedded processors. Ampro combined Alchemy Semiconductor's 400 MHz Au1000 chip, a MIPS32™-compatible processor, with a PCI-bus controller, SDRAM memory and additional peripherals to provide a complete standards-based CPU subsystem on a small form-factor module. Like all EnCore modules, the EnCore M2 relieves developers of most of the processor-development overhead in creating embedded systems. The EnCore module communicates with a custom logic board via a PCI interface and standardized IO signals, essentially without regard to processor architecture. Processor integration, verification and temperature testing have already been taken care of by Ampro.
"The EnCore M2 can shorten product development by up to 40 weeks and EnCore processors speed development projects by eliminating the need to bring up and debug the CPU portion of the design as well as eliminating the need to configure and port an operating system to a custom CPU design," said Joanne Williams, president and CEO of Ampro Computers, Inc. "And since all EnCore processors are functionally and electrically pin-compatible, the new EnCore M2 enables embedded designers to create a single application board and trade off the performance, power consumption and cost benefits of MIPS32 versus x86 designs."
"The EnCore M2 will accelerate many projects currently being designed to operate using the MIPS32 architecture," said Jim Moore, president and CEO, of Alchemy Semiconductor. "The Au1000 is targeted to meet the communications market demand, whose products operate on the outer edge of the Internet network. The EnCore M2 allows these products to reach market with the Au1000 faster than ever before."
"MIPS Technologies is pleased that Ampro has chosen the MIPS32 architecture processor for its first RISC EnCore Module", said John Bourgoin, Chairman and CEO of MIPS Technologies, Inc (Nasdaq: MIPS, MIPSB). "This represents further evidence that the MIPS architecture has penetrated the mainstream of embedded systems development. MIPS has selected the EnCore M2 as its primary reference platform for the development of MIPS32-based application software and tools."
The EnCore product family now provides a choice of a MIPS32 highly integrated processor or three Intel Architecture CPUs (see accompanying release). Each module provides a processor along with a rich set of standardized peripherals and I/O. EnCore I/O include: Ethernet, serial, parallel, USB and sound. Also included are program storage with a choice of flash, IDE or floppy. Some EnCore modules provide 2D/3D graphics and flat panel controllers. Best of all, the EnCore M2 is OS ready to run VxWorks™, and Linux.
The EnCore M2 beta units are available now with production in sixty days. EnCore M2 is priced under $300 in volume. For more information on the Encore M2 CPU module, visit www.ampro.com, or contact your local Ampro representative at (800) 966-5200.
About the EnCore M2
The EnCore M2 is rated at 480 Dhrystone MIPS with a typical power consumption of the entire module is less than 2 watts. The module features a 33 MHz PCI Bus Interface. As with all EnCore modules, the EnCore M2 provides the functionality of a complete embedded CPU subsystem in a small, 100x145mm, format. It includes two 10/100 BaseT Ethernet controllers and an AC97 audio interface. It supports up to 256MB SODIMM SDRAM and provides 2MB Flash, two serial ports, two USB ports, enhanced Ultra 33/66 Synchronous DMA IDE interface to two drives, floppy disk controller, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, IrDA port and an ECP/EPP bidirectional parallel port.
About Ampro Computers, Inc.
Ampro Computers, Inc. is the leading global provider of modular embedded computing solutions for OEM applications. Ampro's mission is to provide time saving solutions for embedded systems designers that accelerate the product deployment process. Ampro pioneered the embedded PC industry creating the popular PC/104 and EBX standards. The new EnCore family enables designers to obtain all the benefits of an off-the-shelf CPU solution while maintaining the flexibility of a full custom design. In addition to EnCore, Ampro offers three product lines; PC/104-compatible CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, and EBX form factor LittleBoard single board computers. Ampro was awarded EDN magazine's "Innovation 2000" for computers, boards and busses for the initial EnCore announcement. For more information on Ampro Computers, visit http://www.ampro.com.
AMPRO is a registered trademark and EnCore, LittleBoard, CoreModule and MiniModule are trademarks of Ampro Computers, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Media Contacts:
Ampro Computers, Inc.
Victoria Kostka
Tel: 1-408-360-4324
Email: vkostka@ampro.com
Backgrounder
Ampro Overview