First MEN Micro CompactPCI Serial SBC Brings Serial Interfaces to Harsh Environment Computing

Online, March 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - MEN Micro Inc., a world-renowned provider of embedded computing and I/O solutions for mission-critical industrial, mobile and harsh environment applications, has released the G20, its first single-board computer (SBC) based on the newly ratified PICMG CPCI-S.0 CompactPCI Serial specification announced at Embedded World 2011. The G20 uses the extremely fast 64-bit Intel Core i7 with a base processing speed of 2.53 GHz that supports Intel Turbo Boost Hyperthreading technology to provide a maximum speed of 3.20 GHz.

The SBC's fast serial data transfers make it ideal for monitoring, vision and control systems as well as test and measurement applications found in a variety of markets including industrial automation, multimedia, traffic and transportation, aerospace, shipbuilding, medical engineering and robotics.

A CPU-independent microprocessor in the G20 based on the Intel Advanced Management Technology (AMT) allows remote access via an integrated Ethernet controller, even when the computer is in soft-off or stand-by state. This is especially useful in systems where the operating system has crashed or the hard disk is defective, since an error diagnosis with repair can be carried out remotely as long as the system has standby voltage.

AMT also enables users to remotely access different functions such as reading status information, changing configurations, switching the PC on and off as well as forwarding or redirecting I/O devices like hard disks and CD-ROM (Serial Over LAN) via keyboard, video or mouse.

In addition to the standard, fast 8 GB DDR3 ECC SDRAM soldered against shock and vibration, a CompactFlash and a microSD card slot connected to the G20 via one USB interface can extend memory capacities.

The new board offers a multitude of serial interfaces. Standard front I/O includes two PCIe-driven Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 2.0 interfaces as well as two DisplayPorts that can be used as an HDMI or DVI connection via an external adapter. A total of eight PCI Express links in the front and back of the G20 enable fast communication. For user-specific applications, the rear I/O also provides eight USB ports, six SATA ports, a Display or HDMI port as well as a PEG x8 port and five PCI Express x1 links.

MEN Micro also offers the GM1 CompactPCI Serial mezzanine module that leads four of the possible eight Ethernet interfaces specified in the standard to the backplane where they are implemented on CompactPCI Serial connector P6 assembled on the GM1, saving costs and increasing system flexibility.

For building complete systems in a full mesh Ethernet architecture, the G20 can be used with Schroff's IEEE 1101.10/11-compliant 19" CompactPCI Serial rack that offers a system slot and eight peripheral slots on the backplane, with two of the peripheral slots supporting PCI Express x8. The rack features a pre-wired 460 W ATX wide-range front and two 12 V fans at its bottom for cooling. An optional slim-line DVD drive can be integrated.

The G20 includes an InsydeH2O EFI BIOS specially developed for embedded applications. Different watchdogs for monitoring the processor and board temperature complete the functionality of the SBC, which is shipped with board support packages for Windows and Linux. VxWorks and QNX are available upon request.

The rugged board holds DIN, EN and IEC certifications to enable its use in harsh environments. It comes coated for use in humid and dusty environments and has a guaranteed minimum standard availability of seven years.

Pricing for the G20 is $2,097. Delivery is six weeks ARO.

UPCOMING TRADESHOW: Embedded World; Booth 12-545 (Hall 12); March 1-3, 2011; Nuremberg, Germany

READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please forward all reader service inquiries to Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro Inc., 24 N. Main Street, Ambler, Pa. 19002.

About MEN Micro Inc.
Since 1982, MEN Micro has focused on innovation, reliability and flexibility to develop standard and custom board-level solutions used throughout industrial embedded applications and harsh environments.

The company provides a robust offering of highly reliable embedded computing and I/O solutions that employ the highest technology and innovations. In addition, MEN Micro offers exceptional custom development and environmental qualification services in accordance with industry standards. The company's standard product range contains more than 100 different computer boards and systems with corresponding BIOS, BSP and driver software based on different PowerPC and Pentium platforms.

The company has nearly 200 employees and is a member of several industry associations, consortiums and alliances.

About CompactPCI Serial
Based on the mechanics of CompactPCI (PICMG 2.0), CompactPCI Serial (PICMG CPCI-S.0) remains 100% compatible to IEC 1101. Only the connector is replaced by a modern type which is able to support the high frequencies of 12 Gb/s and more.

The CompactPCI Serial system slot supports a total of six PCI Express links with up to four lanes each, two links with up to eight lanes, eight SATA/SAS interfaces, eight USB 2.0 as well as eight USB 3.0, eight Ethernet interfaces and a number of signals for supporting these interfaces and for general system management.