CompactPCI CPU features low-power M processor
By Warren Webb -- EDN, September 4, 2003
Kontron based its new CP306 CompactPCI 3U CPU board on the new Intel Pentium M processor (Picture). Kontron’s new board requires only passive cooling methods and touts approximately 50% lower power dissipation than its predecessors. The vendor soldered both the processor and the memory directly to the CompactPCI board; thus, the CP306 is suitable for use in harsh environments, such as robotics, mobile data-acquisition systems, aircraft cockpits, and train-driver cabins. Additionally, the 1.1-GHz CP306 variant can operate in the extended-temperature range of –40 to +85°C.
In addition to the 1.6-GHz processor clock rate, the CP306 design includes a 1-Mbyte Level 2 cache, a 333-MHz memory-clock rate, and a 400-MHz system bus. Onboard communications interfaces include Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, and as many as four COM channels. The board also includes a dual ATA100 interface and a CompactFlash socket. Memory options include a maximum of 512 Mbytes of DDR-SDRAM/PC333. The board is available in single- or two- slot-width versions. The CP306 supports Windows, Linux, and VxWorks operating systems, and prices start at $3300 (small quantities).
Kontron America, 1-858-677-0877, www.kontron.com.
