MEN Micro Inc. now offers the ESMexpress-based XM50 that provides COMs-style cost and time saving benefits tailored specifically for rugged, mobile and mission-critical embedded systems. ESMexpress is currently in the process of ANSI-VITA standardization. With the PowerQUICC III MPC8548 processor operating at up to 1.5 GHz and a multitude of high-performance integrated interfaces, the new XM50 is ideal for communication-intensive applications for the railway, avionics, medical engineering and industrial automation markets.
The XM50 accommodates up to 2 GB of soldered DDR2 SDRAM memory with error-correcting code (ECC), in addition to non-volatile SRAM and FRAM. Further memory elements such as USB Flash are supported on the carrier board. The XM50 is a Computer-On-Module of the ESMexpress® family in accordance with a proposed ANSI standard currently under development (ANSI-VITA 59, RSE Rugged System-On-Module Express). Together with an application-specific carrier board it builds a semi-custom solution for industrial, harsh, mobile and mission-critical environments.
The interfaces implemented on the XM50 are comprised of three Gigabit Ethernet channels, six USBs with host function and one USB with client function as well as three SATA connections. The PCI Express link supported by the processor can be flexibly configured with 1, 2, 4 or 8 lanes. Legacy I/O interfaces like COM or PATA can be used alternatively on a standard carrier board.
A watchdog for temperature and voltage and a real-time clock complete the functionality of the ESMexpress module. Having a maximum total power dissipation of 12 Watts, the XM50 is specified for an operating temperature of -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C with conduction or convection cooling. Like all ESMexpress modules it is installed in a closed housing that provides 100% EMC protection.
To ensure shock and vibration resistance, MIL- and railway-compliant connectors are used and all components are soldered. In addition, the board is coated to protect against humidity and dust. For testing of all XM50 functions and for developing the application, the XC1 universal carrier board in ATX format from MEN Micro can be used. The XM50 can also be plugged onto COM Express carrier boards (basic form factor type 2) via MEN Micro's AE12 adapter board.
The XM50 is screened for operation in a -40°C to +85°C conductive or convection cooled environment. As all ESMexpress modules it is embedded in a covered frame. This makes for 100% EMC protection and allows efficient conductive cooling. Air cooling is also possible by applying a heat sink on top of the cover. Where operation temperatures are moderate, the module may even do without the frame and cover, with a suitable low-power processor and airflow.
Features of the new XM50:
- RSE, Rugged System-On-Module Express (ANSI-VITA 59 in process)
- MPC8548 (or MPC8543), up to 1.5 GHz
- Up to 2 GB (ECC) DDR2 SDRAM
- Up to 128 KB FRAM, 2 MB SRAM
- 3 (or 2) Gb Ethernet ports
- 6 USB 2.0, 1 USB client
- 3 SATA ports
- 1 PCI Express x8
- MENMON BIOS for PowerPC cards
- -40°C to +85°C screened
- Conductive cooling
Congratulations to Eagle B&L Instrument Co., Ltd. for its breakthrough on new market development, as it expands its reach of business into computer peripheral products manufacturing. At the Hong Kong Electronic Fair from October 12-15, 2008, Eagle B&L Instrument Co., to meet this important milestone, is preparing to launch a newly designed tellurion "Turing Globe".
