AMBLER, Pa. – June 2007 – MEN Micro Inc., a world-renown provider of embedded computing and I/O solutions for demanding industrial, mobile and harsh environment applications, has expanded its advanced series of PowerPC-based Embedded System Modules (ESMs) with a new single board computer (SBC) that employs Freescale’s latest MPC8548, providing up to 1.5 GHz of processing power. Also using Altera’s Cyclone™ II FPGA, the new EM9 is a universal computer core for extremely cost-critical embedded solutions in particularly harsh industrial environments, and provides individual I/O for each application through IP cores. Specific applications include industrial control and safety or network systems as well as machine control, human-machine interfaces or embedded terminals.
The board’s PowerQUICC III processor consists of a highly integrated e500 core with FPU, MMU and L2 cache. MEN Micro’s new EM9 can also employ an MPC8543 processor. Depending on the processor, the entire module requires only 10 to 14 Watts and has a wide operating temperature range of -40 to +85°C. (-40°F to +185°F)
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Three Gigabit Ethernet channels and one COM interface accessible at the front of the EM9 can be connected via RJ45 connectors or optionally via D-Sub connectors. The Cyclone II FPGA enables the user to choose among further I/O functions such as additional COMs, graphics, CAN bus or IDE to connect mass storage devices, accessed via the I/O connector on the carrier board.
The 2 GB of fast DDR2 SDRAM memory are permanently soldered against shock and vibration, making the EM9 useful in mobile applications as well. The soldered 1 GB NAND Flash memory can replace a hard disk in the system, and the fast, non-volatile FRAM is ideal for applications with low power consumption.
The module supports Linux, VxWorks and QNX software.
For evaluation of the EM9 functions, an EK9 starter kit, consisting of the standard CPU module, a preconfigured FPGA, the carrier card with I/O connectors, an external PSU and an adapter for mounting a PCI-104 module, is available.
About ESMs – Embedded System Modules
ESMs are complete computers on a plug-in module. They consist of the hardware (PowerQUICC III, memory), board-specific I/O, an FPGA that is not fixed to any application-specific function and board support packages (BSPs) for various operating systems. A complete embedded control consists of a stand-alone ESM (the power supply connection is
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sufficient to operate the module), an ESM with an application-specific carrier card and/or an ESM with additional plugged PCI-104 modules.
Pricing for the EM9 is $1,195. Delivery is six weeks ARO.
For additional information, visit www.men.de/products/default.asp?prod=15EM09– or contact Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro, Inc., 24 North Main Street, Ambler, PA 19002;
Phone: 215-542-9575; Fax: 215-542-9577; E-mail: [email protected].
READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please forward all reader service inquiries to Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro, Inc., 24 North Main Street, Ambler, PA 19002;
E-mail: [email protected].
About MEN Micro, Inc.
Since 1982, MEN Micro has focused on innovation, reliability and flexibility to develop standard and custom board-level solutions that are used throughout industrial embedded applications and harsh environments.
The company provides a robust offering of highly reliable embedded computing and I/O solutions that employ the highest technology and innovations. In addition, MEN Micro offers exceptional custom development and environmental qualification services in accordance with industry standards. The company’s standard product range contains more than 100 different computer boards and systems with corresponding BIOS, BSP and driver software based on different PowerPC and Pentium platforms.
The company has more than 170 employees and is a member of several industry associations, consortiums and alliances.