Arrow platform speeds development of Intel Atom embedded systems

Arrow’s Intel Atom platform is a comprehensive development kit and reference design for benchmarking, developing and testing embedded systems based on the Intel Atom 500 series of processors. Combining a host processor module, motherboard and touch screen LCD, the platform will significantly simplify the implementation of embedded applications requiring high-performance, low-power operation.

The kit is available with a choice of two CPU module boards, featuring the Intel Atom Z530 and the Intel Atom Z510 processors respectively. Each board measures just 120mm x 90mm and combines the processor with an Intel US15W System Controller Hub (SCH), power management and clock driver functionality, a variety of connectors for expansion and memory, and ports for programming and debugging. The Intel SCH is a low-power, highly integrated graphics memory and I/O control chipset that supports advanced 3D graphics and extensive I/O capabilities including USB 2.0, SDIO and PCI Express.

As well as connectors for the CPU module and DC power, the motherboard features VGA and LVDS outputs interfaces for a keyboard, mouse, a 16x8 keypad and USB peripherals. Gigabit Ethernet LAN, UART and IDE connectivity further enhance development flexibility, while a CF socket allows users to directly connect portable compactFlash media. The LCD touchscreen is connected to the motherboard via an external USB module.

Arrow’s Intel Atom development platform is supplied in default configuration with a Linux operating system. The kit also offers full support for Microsoft Windows® Vista, Microsoft Windows XP Embedded and Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 operating systems.

As well as the hardware and software, Arrow’s new kit is supplied with full PCB schematics and a comprehensive user guide. Designed for portability and ease of use, the full kit offers a working, plug-and-play development system with a footprint of only 200mm x 192mm.