Embedded Systems

Embedded x86 platform

An embedded motherboard has been designed aroung the ADM Geode GX-533 processor and its companion chip. The board offers a complete selection of peripherals and connectors, along with double miniPCI slots and a 10/100-BaseT LAN connection. For maximum expandability, the following connectors are available: VGA/TFT video output, IDE, USB (4 ports), PCI104Plus, serial ports.

The target operating system is Linux, and BIOS has been adapted by Insyde Software specifically for this platform.

Data acquisition and logging unit

Based on the NS9750 ARM9 processor by Digi, this unit features over 100 digital I/Os, several serial data channels, Ethernet and WiFi connections. Support for a graphical TFT is included, and an onboard slot for a uDoc (embedded storage solution on USB) is available. The operating system is Embedded Linux.

Embedded PC backplane

A specialized backplane has been designed for an industrial embedded PC in ETX form factor; on the board we crammed two USB slots for uDoc storage devices, a CompactFlash slot, a miniPCI slot for WiFi cards, a 5-port Ethernet switch, two Ethernet ports, VGA output, dual serial ports, an IDE connector header, and a power supply.

Custom VoIP unit

Starting from customer requirements, a dedicated VoIP embedded unit has been developed. It requires no VoIP server as every unit connects to the others as required, offering up to 3 simultaneous and full-duplex channels. Messaging and remote configuation services are included. The ARM7 section runs uClinux and controls the DSP+FPGA section; a local high performance Ethernet switch is included in the board to allow immediate insertion in existing networks.

ARM7 module

A high-integration NetSilicon processing module has been developed based on customer specifications. On the rear a 300 Kgates reprogrammable FPGA is available. The new module replaces an existing one, and for this reason it has been made fully compliant to the existing connectors and electrical interfaces.

A total of 150 expansion lines on dedicated connectors have been made available, with 8-layer PCB and an overall size of only 12 x 8 cm.