Multicore ARM Single Board Computers Boast High Performance Graphics with Industrial I/O Mix

Application areas include security, transportation, and medical where graphics and industrial control are required.

The efficient, high-performance of ARM cores coupled with readily available software tools make them an excellent choice for embedded systems. Many applications must balance the requirements of increasing levels of performance while simultaneously lowering power usage. ARM CPUs have made remarkable gains in this area, especially in tablets and smart phones. These products have driven considerable operating system and application development, which can be leveraged for embedded systems.

PRODUCT FEATURES

The SBC35-C398 product family features the scalable Freescale i.MX 6 processors in the de facto industry standard 3.5 SBC format, 102 x 146 mm. The i.MX 6 processors use dedicated hardware accelerators to obtain high-performance multimedia at low-power consumption, while having the CPU core relatively free for performing other tasks. The video engines can drive three simultaneous display interfaces while maintaining communications and control functions. Power can be provided by wide range 10-50V DC input or Power over Ethernet to provide flexibility and reduce wiring requirements.

Industrial I/O options include Gigabit Ethernet with IEEE-1588 support, multiple USB 2.0 channels, multiple serial channels, and dual CAN interfaces. Each of the 24 onboard GPIO lines are tolerant of voltages up to 30V DC and configurable for software-enabled interrupts.

The SBC35-C398 series also introduces the IO60 expansion connector to allow for additional functionality. The IO60 specification supports I2C, SPI, TTL-UART, and PWM signals allowing stackable expansion through off-the-shelf 72 x 50 mm modules or application specific designs. When coupled with the Mini-PCIe socket, the SBC35-C398 is one of the most expandable ARM designs currently on the market.

Linux, Android, Windows Compact 7, and other operating systems can be booted from the CFast, SD/SDIO, or MicroSD sockets providing flexible storage options. WinSystems has a Linux sample image available at the time of release with Android and Windows Compact 7 due for release by the end of Q2.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
The quad core SBC35-C398Q-2-0 will ship in May 2013. The dual core SBC35-C398DL-2-0 and single core SBC35-C398S-1-0 will ship in June 2013.