EK02 (MEN MIKRO)

Embedded System Modules are complete computers on a module. A final ESM-based embedded application consists either of a stand-alone ESM (the power supply connection being sufficient to operate the module), an ESM with an application-specific carrier card and/or an ESM with additionally plugged PCI-104 modules. The EK02 is a starter kit that allows evaluation of the functions of the EM04N Embedded System Module. The kit consists of the standard CPU module, an FPGA loaded with additional I/O functions, the carrier card with I/O connectors, DRAM memory, an external PSU, VGA and RJ45 to D-Sub cables, and an adapter for mounting a PCI-104 module. The EK02 provides versatile mounting options and can also be installed in a standard PC (including a PCI-104 module). 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 or different I/O functions into the FPGA, write software drivers for those additional functions, or design a housing. This minimal additional design effort can be carried out by the user or by MEN. The EM04N is an ideal computer for low-cost deeply embedded solutions in very harsh environments, for machine control, Man-Machine Interfaces, fieldbus bridges or embedded Linux PCs. It is controlled by an MPC8245 PowerPC (Kahlua II) at 400MHz (incl. FPU, MMU). The EM04N provides 256MB DRAM for data storage and a CompactFlash slot for program storage. It comes with two RS232 interfaces and two Fast Ethernet channels at its front panel. As an evaluation example, additional I/O functionality is implemented in the onboard FPGA, comprising a graphics controller with 800x600 resolution, a CAN controller, a quad UART as well as controllers for IDE and touch panel. The physical interfaces for these functions are accessible on the carrier board which is included in the kit. The carrier board has an ATX-compatible format and 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, touch, TFT, VGA, and 4 SA adapters. The ESM carrier also features an I2C EEPROM for the board ID and revision information.