ERNI expands COM portfolio at embedded world 2014

Pin-compatible with their predecessors, the ARM-based mezzanine modules differ in terms of the CPU performance (clock frequency, number of cores, coprocessors), I/Os and/or memory configurations. Additionally, ERNI can provide a fully equipped adaptable baseboard, which can also be supplied with an optional display. The WHITEspeed 1.0 interface for the baseboard provides four MicroSpeed signal connectors and one MicroSpeed power module. It can support: Ethernet 10Mb/100Mb/1Gb, SATA, PCIe x1/x4, Express Card, UART, USB 2.0 High Speed, CAN, I2C, System Management Bus, SPI, LVDS LCD display, Serial Digital Video Out, High Definition Audio, SecureDigital memory card interface, GPIOs, RESET, watchdog, PWM and an optional camera interface.

Supplied in a credit card format (85x55mm), the CA8-1/Min and CA8-1/Max COMs feature a powerful Freescale i.MX537 CPU with an ARM Cortex-A8 core (providing up to 800MHz at temperatures from -40 to 85°C) offering extensive power management functions. The memory configuration includes DDR3-RAM (512MB or 1GB), reliable NOR flash memory (64 or 128MB) for the boot code, NAND flash and I2C-EEPROM with up to 128kB for the configuration data.

The top end of the range has been extended with a high-performance module based on a Freescale i.MX6 CPU with a Cortex A9 core. Available with one, two or four-core versions, this high-end solution is a suitable upgrade to the current CA8-1 modules. The COMs support sound, graphics and touch displays and it is even possible to simultaneously control two displays via HDMI and LVDS interfaces.

Offering exceptional value for money, another new version is the ARM Cortex-A5 based module suited as a successor for ARM9 and ARM11 solutions. This cost-effective COM offers various interfaces for peripherals and additional GPIOs.

The two new modules will be available from late 2014, either individually or as a development kit along with the WHITEspeed baseboard.