Module Targets Harsh Environments

ETX 3.0 CPU Module Targets Harsh Environments
Intel® Atom processor powers rugged, I/O-rich ETX module

Diamond Systems has launched an ETX 3.0 compliant computer-on-module (COM) based on Intel’s low-power, high-performance Atom N270 processor. Rated for operation over an enhanced, -20° to +70°C temperature, the ETX-N270 is aimed at defense, transportation, energy management, industrial automation, and medical applications.

Within a compact 4.5 x 3.7-inch (114 x 95mm) footprint, the ETX-N270 integrates a high- performance, low-power 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, up to 2GB of high-speed DDR2 system DRAM, and a complete set of PC- compatible system controllers and interfaces. The module’s advanced high-resolution display controller supports analog and LVDS-interfaced CRTs and LCDs and also provides a TV output option.

The ETX-N270 COM’s extensive set of I/O
interfaces also includes:
1 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
1 IDE interface (supports 2 drives)
2 SATA interfaces (support 1 drive each)
4 USB 2.0 ports
2 serial ports
AC’97 audio (mic in, line in/out)
PS/2 keyboard/mouse support (USB keyboard mouse also supported)
1 parallel port (shared with floppy interface)

It is intended to be used as a macrocomponent, plugged into system baseboards
containing application-specific circuitry, interface buffering, I/O connectors, and other required functions and components. The module’s inclusion of both 32-bit PCI and 16-bit ISA expansion buses on its ETX 3.0-compliant interface maximizes the ease and flexibility of system development.

Supported operating systems currently include Windows XP and Linux 2.6, with support for additional OSes and RTOSes (real-time OSes) available on request.


Pricing and Availability
The ETX-N270 CPU module is immediately available, priced at $325 (quantity 1).
Also available are several pre-integrated “Pluto” (ETX form-factor) and “Neptune” (EPIC form-factor) development kits, which include generic or application-oriented ETX baseboards, complete sets of interface cables, OS driver software, and comprehensive documentation.