| EPIC SBC specializes in data acquisition |
Nov. 19, 2007
 [Updated Nov. 21] -- Diamond Systems says it is now shipping an EPIC form-factor single-board computer (SBC) with integrated data acquisition capabilities. The Poseidon features Via's C7 or Eden processors, and supports both Linux- and Windows-based operation, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of the Diamond Poseidon)
The Poseidon, which was originally announced in April 2006, is designed for harsh environments, says Diamond. It is available with a 1GHz Via Eden ULV processor, or a 2GHz Via C7. It also features Via's CX 700, a combined northbridge/southbridge chip that saves board area and design complexity.
Poseidon block diagram
(Click to enlarge)
The SBC features 256MB or 512MB of soldered-on 533MHz DDR2 DRAM, along with a 400MHz front-side bus. The CX700's built-in graphics capability is derived from Via's 128-bit UniChrome Pro IGP core, which with open source Linux drivers provides 2D and MPEG-2 acceleration, with closed drivers required for 3D acceleration. The board supports simultaneous CRT and LVDS flat-panel displays.
According to the company, the Poseidon offers an optional integrated data acquisition section. This has 32 analog inputs with 16-bit A/D and 250KHz sample rate, four 12-bit analog outputs with 100KHz waveform output capability, 24 digital I/O lines, and two counter/timers.
Poseidon's data acquisition subsystem
The analog circuitry uses Diamond's "patented automatic auto-calibration" technology to calibrate its A/D and D/A intervention, according to the company. It supports both interrupt and DMA A/D transfers, and uses an enhanced 1,024-sample FIFO with programmable threshold.
Features and specifications listed by Diamond for the Poseidon include:- Processor -- 1GHz Via Eden ULV or 2GHz Via C7
- Memory -- 256 or 512MB of soldered-on RAM
- Graphics capabilities:
- 2048 x 1536 pixel CRT resolution
- 1600 x 1200 flat-panel resolution
- 128MB of shared video memory
- Networking -- 10/100/1000 Ethernet
- Other I/O:
- 4 x USB 2.0
- 4 x serial ports (2 x RS-232; 2 x RS-232/422/485)
- PS/2 keyboard/mouse port
- SATA
- IDE UDMA 100
- "flash disk interface"
- Audio in/out; mic; amplified speaker interface
- Expansion -- PC/104-Plus stack location
- Dimensions -- 6.5 x 4.5 inches (165 x 115 mm)
- Weight -- approx. 9 ounces
Diamond says that in order to enhance the use of the Poseidon SBC in harsh environments, it is engineered with all on-board I/O brought to pin headers within the I/O zones identified in the EPIC specification. However, I/O that can utilize PC-style connectors is placed adjacent to an optional panel I/O board, allowing use in a suitably equipped enclosure. This panel I/O board is included in a development kit that also includes the Poseidon, cables, and a software CD. The development kit includes a flash-disk module with Linux pre-loaded, Diamond said.
Asked about Linux support, Diamond spokesperson David Fastenau replied, "In brief support for Poseidon is based on the 2.6.19 Kernel. Other than a kernel configuration to add support for Gigabit Ethernet and support for CX700 graphics on the chipset, this is a standard distribution. For the HDD kit we use slackware, for the FD we use busybox. Our contribution in terms of Linux drivers is DSCUD that supports DAQ. Poseidon has a DMM-32X build into it so it uses the same drivers that those for the DMM32X."
Availability
The Poseidon SBC is available now, with prices starting at $695, according to the company.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed