Kontron X-Board

Introduction

The embedded world is still expanding, several board level form-factors and modules have been established. There are many different so called Single-Board-Computers (SBC) from PC/104 to EBX to Slot-cards featuring ISA and/or PCI expansion that can either run standalone or utilize a backplane for expansion. On the other side we see a growing number of embedded modules for semi-customized systems, like the DIMM-PC ® , ETX Component SBC™ , MMC2 or PMC modules. The modules provide the core functions, a custom carrier card (a.k.a. baseboard) adds the specific features for the application. Driven by time-to-market, future upgrade paths, minimized design risk the embedded CPU modules are on a path of continuing growth. X-board™ closes the gap between the "CPU only" DIMM-PC ® and the feature laden ETX Component SBC™. The compact definition of the X-board™ module with all modern interfaces allows for very power efficient processor-modules without making compromises.

The next generation embedded processor module DIMM-PC © allows for 386 to 5x86 (or AMD SC520) processors, allowing for micro-processor replacement or upgrades with x86 compatible operating systems and integrated Ethernet. Only the ISA-Bus is available for expansion and a separate module is needed for graphic features.

ETX on the other side is multi-media capable module, with processor speeds up to 1.8 GHz and all I/O a x86 based processor board can offer. ISA and PCI busses, USB and serial ports together with two IDE channels and LCD graphics the ETX modules are full featured. The open-end in performance and features results in a board sized like a post-card and power consumption.

X-board™ - reduced to the maX

With the size of a business-card (68x49mm) X-board™ provides all essential features on a compact board. No extra baggage like legacy device support or ISA bus inflate the module definition. In addition it is now possible to migrate to new processor technologies like XSCALE, ARM or MIPS. Optimised on extra low power consumption X-board™ does not need an extra cooling device, like a heatsink or fan, but provides best achievable CPU performance.

X-board technical-features:

• PCI bus expansion
• LPC bus expansion (replacement for ISA-bus)
• 3 USB ports
• 2 serial ports (TTL signals)
• 10/100 MBit Ethernet
• AC97 Audio (digital link)
• LCD-digital, CRT-Analog and TV-composite graphics interfaces
• IDE-ATA parallel interface, prepared for serial ATA
• Onboard DRAM
• Onboard Flash-storage
• 3.3V single voltage design
• 200 Pin DDR-SO-DIMM socket
• Format 68 x 49 x 8 mm (2,6" x 1,9" x 0,3")

The major advantages for applications

• Low power technology, no cooling devices needed
• Open for modern CPU architectures like XSCALE, ARM or MIPS
• Maximum expansion flexibility with PCI, LPC and USB interfaces
• On board storage device (Flash based media)
• Highest module integration

Typical X-board applications

• Intelligent Sensors and intelligent Actors
• Soft SPS
• Replacement/upgrade for microprocessor systems
• Distributed Systems
• Medical instruments
• Handheld devices
• Mobile computing, mobile data acquisition
• Factory automation, Building automation
• Building automation
• Security system (Point of Access)
• Man Machine Interfaces, Human Machine Interfaces
• Point of Sales systems

X-board™ - roadmap preview

The first X-board<861> is based on a Geode SC1200 processor running at 266 MHz. It includes 3x USB, Fast Ethernet, 2 x COM, PCI, LPC, Audio and IDE expansion. CRT and 18-bit TFT graphics support are included for small to medium panel resolutions, as well as TV-out. Up to 128 MB of on-board RAM can be used and 128 MB of on-board flash is provided.

A RISC-based version, using Intel's PXA250 XSCALE processor for Thin Clients and PDA applications, as well as a version with enhanced communication interfaces are next on the list for Kontron's X-Board development department. For first designs a starter kits will be available. All variants, regardless of whether they are x86, ARM or PowerPC processor based, are fully capable of running operating systems such as Windows CE, Linux and VxWorks because this software is for the most part independent of the hardware platforms used. The gap between processor worlds is being narrowed as much as possible and in future it will most likely be based on performance requirements for customer specific software applications. X-boards will provide the appropriate hardware that can be scaled to meet the individual requirements for all of these applications. Kontron is scheduled to release the new standard after the completion of the Geode processor based X-board module.

Comparison to DIMM-PC and ETX modules

Documentation

X-Board <861> manual, PDF, 397kB
X-Board <PXA> manual, PDF, 374kb
X-Board <GP8> manual, PDF, 374kb
X-board Spec Rev 1.2, PDF, 133kB
X-Board Design Guide, PDF, 945kB