| Tiny, low-cost uClinux computer board targets home hackers |
Sep. 14, 2005
 Simtec is shipping a tiny board-level computer targeting commercial and home project designs. The EB675001DIP module measures 1.55 x 3.65 inches (40 x 93mm) and is powered by a 60MHz ARM7-based processor. It comes with uClinux and documentation, has several configuration options, and costs just $50 in quantity.
(Click for larger view of EB675001DIP)
The tiny module is also available one-off for as little as $175, Simtec says, depending on configuration options. The module has three standard configurations, with custom configurations cost-effective in lots above 25, the company says.
The module is powered by an OKI ML675001 microcontroller, with an additional onboard Xilinx XL9572XL CPLD (complex programmable logic device) optionally available. It comes standard with 4MB of Flash and 32MB of RAM, and on-board serial and Ethernet ports, eliminating the need to use a JTAG cable to program it.
The new Simtec module comes preinstalled with an ABLE bootloader and uClinux. Simtec spokesperson Vincent Sanders, who also maintains the Debian ARM kernel and authored a GPL'd guide to booting ARM Linux, said, "Unfortunately we couldnt use our favorite open source operating system on this occasion, so we used our second favorite in uCLinux."
According to Sanders, designed based on the EB675001DIP module can be prototyped using breadboard materials, since its connectors have a pin spacing of 0.1 inches. However, the feature Sanders is proudest of is the optional Xilinx CPLD, which supports applications ranging from "simple programmable logic" up through "complete integrated solutions."
Simtec has long offered cost-competitive Linux development boards, yet the company builds its modules in-house, Sanders says, "to our high quality standards -- no corners cut."
Availability
The EB675001DIP is available now, priced as low as $175 quantity one (depending on options), with volume pricing as low as $50 also available.
More complete specs and configuration options can be found here. Simtec also maintains an application notes page with documentation related to various possible applications.
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