Embedded computer offers multicore performance

Targeting embedded-system applications, such as industrial automation, multimedia kiosks, gaming, and medical devices, Ampro Computers recently announced the ReadyBoard 830 single-board computer, which the company based on the EPIC (embedded-platform-for-industrial-computing) form factor. Featuring a 1.66-GHz IntelCore Duo L2400 processor or 1.07-GHz ULV Celeron, sockets for as much as 4 Gbytes of RAM, and a built-in Intel GMA950 graphics display, the ReadyBoard 830 can support CRTs, flat panels, and wide-screen digital TVs at resolutions as high as 2048×1536 pixels. The module also features a variety of I/O interfaces, including dual GbE (gigabit-Ethernet) ports, six USB 2.0 channels, AC (audio codec) 97/high-definition audio, multiple storage device interfaces, a Compact Flash socket, four serial ports, eight general-purpose I/O pins, and a parallel port.

Expansion capability includes a PCIe (peripheral-component-interconnect express) Mini Card and a PCI-104 expansion bus. An optional MiniModule ISA (industry-standard-architecture) card provides a PCI-to-ISA bridge for compatibility with hundreds of commercial ISA-bus-based PC/104 cards. The 1.66-GHz dual core processor uses less than 15W total power, and the 1.07-GHz single processor uses less than 5.5W. Ampro supports the ReadyBoard 830 with several embedded and desktop operating systems, including a Linux 2.6-based distribution, Windows Embedded CE 6.0, and Windows XP Embedded. Prices start at approximately $650 (production quantities).