EK03 (MEN MIKRO)

Embedded System Modules are complete computers on a module. A final application consists either of a stand-alone ESM, an ESM with an application-specific carrier card and/or an ESM with additionally plugged PCI-104 modules. The EK03 is a starter kit that allows evaluation of the functions of the ESM EM05. The kit consists of the CPU module, an FPGA with additional I/O functions, the carrier card, DRAM memory, PSU, VGA and RJ45 to D-Sub cables, and an adapter for mounting a PCI-104 module. The EK03 provides versatile mounting options and can also be installed in a standard PC. After evaluation, the design overhead for each application is limited to I/O. Depending on the application and quantity it may be necessary to develop a simple carrier card, choose PCI-based standard components, load additional I/O functions into the FPGA, write software drivers for those additional functions, or design a housing. The EM05 is a powerful industrial PC designed to operate in harsh environments (-40 to +85°C, shock, vibration, humidity etc.) -- an ideal solution also for infotainment applications. It is controlled by the Crusoe TM5900 from Transmeta, a Pentium-like x86 with an integrated Northbridge. What makes this CPU attractive is its low power consumption of typically 5W at 800MHz and a long-term availability of five years. The EM05 is equipped with 512MB DDR RAM (133MHz) and a CompactFlash slot for scalable program storage. It provides two RS232 interfaces and two Fast Ethernet channels via RJ45 connectors at its front panel. Further I/O deriving from the onboard Super I/O controller such as USB, IDE, PS/2 etc. are routed to the I/O connector of the ESM by means of an FPGA. Additional I/O functionality is implemented in the onboard FPGA, comprising a graphics controller with 800x600 resolution and controllers for IDE, SPI and GPIO. The physical interfaces are accessible on the carrier board which is included in the kit. The ATX-compatible carrier board provides the mechanical platform, the power supply and the I/O connectors. It comes with one ESM slot and three PCI slots, which allow the use of standard extension cards in the PC. It is equipped with USB (front), a 9-pin D-Sub for RS232 or RS422 or RS485 (front) and connectors for IDE, floppy, PS/2, TFT, and VGA. Optionally, the floppy can be replaced by 4 SA adapters. Thus, further serial lines and CAN would be available via FPGA on the carrier. The ESM carrier also features an I2C EEPROM for the board ID and revision information.