| Tiny, 3W Linux system sprouts expansion options |
Jan. 19, 2004
 German embedded multimedia company MyCable has added a larger case option and a graphics card to its "XXS" line of incredibly small systems based on AMD's Alchemy processor. The modules are delivered with a Linux development kit, and target high-end embedded multimedia, networking, and control systems. Additionally, an MPEG accelerator module is planned for release in February, 2004. The case can hold CPU, graphics, and accelerator modules (or three CPU modules) in the space of 3 3/4- by 2 3/4-inches (95 x 70 mm).
(Click for larger view of XXS3HC)
The CPU module
The XXS line is powered by the XXS1500 CPU module, based on an AMD "Alchemy" au1500 MIPS23 processor running at 500MHz. The passively cooled XXS1500 draws just 3 watts of power, and supports up to128 MByte of SDRAM. The unit includes 16 MB Flash memory, 2 Fast Ethernet ports, USB 1.1 host port, USB 1.1 device port, 2 RS232 RS232 ports, CompactFlash slot, stereo audio in/out (AC97-codec), and a PCI expansion bus. The XXS1500 comes with linux kernel and root file system pre-installed in flash memory.
The XXS1500 CPU module
(Click for larger view)
The original case for the XXS1500
(Click for larger view)
The new case
XXS3HC device case has room for up to three XXS modules, all of which are passively cooled, connected through an integrated backplane. The case offers an additional mini-PCI slot (there's already one on the CPU modules) for use with a wireless LAN card. The case and configurations based on it target highly integrated multimedia prototyping and end devices for travel infotainment, consumer, and wireless networking applications.
MyCable's XXS3HC case makes room for three XXS modules
The graphics module
The XXS3DI graphics card is based on Fujitsu's Coral P 2D/3D graphics accelerator with geometry engine and alpha-blending. It supports resolutions up to WXGA, DVI, VGA, native TFT and CVBS out, 2 x CVBS and 2 x ITU656 in. Linux framebuffer, QT/Embedded Free, and the QNX Photon GUI are supported for the XXS3DI module, according to MyCable, and code supplied under the GPL.
XXS3DI graphics module supports DVI/LVDS
(Click for larger view)
The development kit
MyCable's Linux development kit includes a cross tool-chain (gcc, gdb, glibc, uclibc), board support package (BSP), and kernel (currently 2.4.21), as well as add-ons such as a CF-server, CF-IDE driver, JFFS2, Busybox, Web-Server, MP3-Player, Kaffe, QT/Embedded Free, and CompactFlash/Mini PCI WLAN are supported and maintained by MyCable.
Availability
The XXS1500 CPU module with Linux development system costs €449, or €539 with case. The XXS3HC development system, including CPU, 3D graphics module, case, and backplane costs €999 ($1,199 U.S.).
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