News and New Products

EPIC computer expands communications options

By Warren Webb, Technical Editor -- EDN, 11/29/2006

Targeting remote-terminal, data-logging, and protocol-conversion applications, Micro/sys recently introduced the SBC4670 single-board computer, which combines a low-power PX270 ARM  processor with standard peripherals and multiple onboard communication formats. The SBC4670 provides optional support for serial protocols, including a socket modem for GSM/GPRS (Global System for Mobile communications/General Packet Radio Service) or Bluetooth wireless, a serial-CAN (controller-area-network) bus, GPS (global positioning system), five serial ports, and 10/100 BaseT Ethernet. For control and monitoring applications, the board features eight channels of 14-bit ADC, eight channels of 14-bit DAC, and 24 channels of digital I/O. Available in a standard 4.5×6.5-in. EPIC (embedded-platform-for-industrial-computing) footprint, the SBC4670 also includes a watchdog timer, an SDRAM controller, a CompactFlash interface, and a USB-host controller. The board’s 720-mA maximum-power draw allows you to power it remotely using POE (Power-over-Ethernet) technology.

The SBC4670 design includes a 16-bit PC/104 bus interface for access to many off-the-shelf boards, such as modems, analog I/O, or digital I/O. With 128 Mbytes of SDRAM and a 64-Mbyte resident flash array, the board supports the Linux, Windows CE, and VxWorks operating systems. Prices for the basic SBC4670 start at $595 (one), and an industrial-temperature (–40 to +85°C) version is also available starting at $650. Prices for development kits begin at $950.