BVM has intoduced the next generation of energy-efficient, '3.5 inch Miniboard' form-factor mobile mother-board or single board computer (SBC). It is populated by the latest Mobile Intel 945GM ICH7M chipset, and includes a socket to accommodate the designer's choice of processor, from the Intel Core 2 Duo, Core Duo, Core Solo range. It addresses the requirements of a wide range of embedded mobile 'performance' applications such as graphics-intensive displays, global positioning system (GPS) navigation and digital video recorder (DVR).
The LS-371 'Core 2 Duo Embedded Miniboard' features a 667 MHz front-side bus and support for up to 2 Gbytes of dual-channel DDR2 memory. The new graphics core supports dual independent display, enhanced modes for wide-screen flat panels, and optimised 3D. Embedded platforms based on the Intel 945GM chipset can deliver an intense, realistic visual experience without requiring a separate graphics card.
Expansion is available via one Mini-PCI slot for a wireless or other add-on card/module, like the MP-954GPS (for GPS functionality) or the MP-878D for video capture functionality (to IEEE1394). An UltraATA100.EIDE controller and dual port SATA controller are provided on-board and the CompactFlash and FDD interfaces provide removable storage attachment.
The embedded market segment is growing and fragmenting to address divergent market needs, creating a multiplicity of form-factors. The area (164 cm²) of the '3.5 inch Miniboard' form-factor positions the LS-371 in the middle of the Embedded Computing Small Form Factor (ECSFF) sub-segment (up to 300 cm²). It measures 146.5mm by 112mm.
One of the key features of the Embedded Intel Architecture, Intel Advanced Digital Media Boost, accelerates a broad range of applications, including video, speech and image, photo processing and encryption. It supports high quality audio and Dolby noise reduction applications.
Graphics core speed up to 250 MHz provides a wealth of options for using high-resolution displays. The integrated display controller provides resolution options up to 2048 x 1536 (75 Hz refresh frequency) for both analogue and digital displays, and support for multiple interface types (LVDS, DVI-I, DVI-D, HDTV, TV-out, CRT) with HDTV 720p and 1080i display resolution support.
The LS-371 has a Gigabit LAN port, four USB 2.0 ports, and two serial ports, configurable as RS232/422/485.
The board is equipped with a 4-pin DIN power-inlet connector, operates from 8 to 21 Vdc, and is ideally suited to mobile applications.