New Ampro EBX single board computer Pushes Technology Envelope

Ampro Logo

New Ampro EBX single board computer pushes technology envelope
First to use emerging generation of laptop technologies


Embedded Systems Conference, San Jose, Calif., Nov. 3, 1998. Ampro today rolled out the latest member of its highly popular LittleBoard single board computer series, the LittleBoard/P5x. Like its predecessors, this new high-end member of Ampro's popular LittleBoard family contains - on a single highly integrated EBX form-factor assembly - all the functions of a fully configured PC-compatible system. This includes: CPU, disk interfaces, LCD/CRT display, Ethernet LAN, SCSI, keyboard and mouse interfaces, and serial and parallel ports. But in addition, the new LittleBoard/P5x represents the first embedded-PC to incorporate a whole new generation of laptop technologies; these include:

  • Intel* Tillamook - in addition to conventional desktop Pentium* processors, the module was designed to support Intel's new 266 and 166 MHz Low-power Embedded Pentium Processor with MMX* Technology, in the 296-pin PPGA (Socket 7) package. Thanks to the 0.25 micron process technology and inherent low power requirement of the new Intel low-power embedded processors, the LittleBoard/P5x boasts extended temperature operation as well as the option of fan-less operation.
  • USB - two Universal Serial Ports each provide up to 12 megabits/second high speed serial data transfer to standard PC peripherals. USB also promises substantially reduced wiring as well as increased serial transfer rates for communication among embedded system devices.
  • IrDA - an infrared com interface supports high speed wireless data exchange, at up to 4 megabits per second, with standard peripherals (printers, pointing devices, etc.). It also offers embedded system designers a means for wireless and optically isolated connection to specialized system devices.
  • CompactFlash - an onboard CompactFlash socket eliminates the need for rotating magnetic-media disk drives, which dramatically increases system reliability and permits operation in harsh portable and mobile environments.
  • Fast Ethernet - a built-in 10/100Base-T 'Fast Ethernet' LAN interface provides high speed connection to conventional LANs. The Fast Ethernet interface is also expected to be used as a specialized high speed serial com link among intelligent embedded subsystems.
  • Advanced Power Management - a full compliment of laptop-style Advanced Power Management (APM) support, compliant with the Intel/Microsoft APM spec (Version 1.1 or later), is also included. Clock throttling, standby, and suspend modes result in reduced power consumption and heat generation. A built-in thermal sensor allows the board's processor to monitor CPU temperature and reduce clock rate to maintain an acceptable maximum operating temperature, supporting fanless operation and extended high-end operating temperatures.
  • PanelLink / LVDS / NTSC / zoom video - the latest C&T 69000 series video controller drives both LCD and CRT outputs, at resolutions up to 1280 x 1024. It can drive virtually all 3.3V LCD displays directly, and is also configurable to provide PanelLink, LVDS, or NTSC signaling. A 'zoom video' input port is also provided, allowing efficient full-motion video overlay without PCI bus bandwidth impact.

Rugged Reliability

Like all members of Ampro's EBX form-factor compliant LittleBoard family, the new LittleBoard/P5x is designed to withstand the rigors of fixed, portable, and mobile embedded environments. The product's standard temperature range is 0 to 70 oC, and an extended temperature version is available that supports -40 to +85 oC. Additionally, the LittleBoard/P5x is rated for 50G shock and 12G vibration, under MIL-STD-202F. EMI, EMC, and ESD compliance is accordance with the European CE mark standards (EN 55022 Class B and IEC 801-2, -3, and -4). Additional reliability enhancements include a watchdog timer, a power-fail NMI generator, and an onboard bootable CompactFlash 'solid state disk'. Ampro has also included its unique 'ruggedized' embedded-PC BIOS which includes a rich set of embedded enhancements for maximum system flexibility and reliability.

Extensive OS Support

As expected, the new LittleBoard/P5x runs under Windows®95/98, Windows NT, and DOS. Additionally, to meet the specialized requirements of embedded systems, Ampro provides support for QNX, VxWorks, Datalight ROM-DOS, Lynx, Mentor VRTX, and Phar-Lap TNT. Also, in light of the growing interest in embedding Windows CE, Ampro has created two sets of support for customers developing Windows CE applications on the LittleBoard/P5x, through its strategic partnerships with Annasoft (San Diego, CA) and VenturCom (Cambridge, MA).

About Ampro

Now in its 16th year, Ampro Computers, Inc., is the leading manufacturer of PC-compatible computer modules tailored to embedded applications. The company originated the PC/104 and PC/104-Plus standards, and co-authored (with Motorola) the EBX high-performance non-backplane single board computer standard (based on Ampro's popular LittleBoard form-factor). Ampro's extensive line of PC/104 form-factor CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, and EBX form-factor LittleBoard single board computers enable OEMs to integrate PC-compatible architectures into their products while minimizing system size, time-to-revenue, and development costs and risks. Ampro's embedded computer modules are optimized for fixed, portable, and mobile environments and support extended temperatures (-40o to +85oC), shock/vibration, and European CE mark compliance. Applications include industrial, avionics, medical, and military. All Ampro products are manufactured to IPC-610A Class 2 standards in Ampro's two ISO9000-certified US factories. Detailed Ampro product information and extensive embedded-PC reference information may be accessed via the company's web site, www.ampro.com.

Availability

The LittleBoard/P5x is available immediately in three CPU speed options: 233 MHz with MMX technology, 200 MHz with MMX technology, and 133 MHz VRT. Versions using the new Intel Low-Power Pentium processor with MMX Technology ('Tillamook') will be available within 90 days. For further information, please contact Ampro Sales at 1-800-966-5200; info@ampro.com.

AMPRO is a registered trademark and CoreModule, MiniModule, LittleBoard, 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