Ampro Delivers MIPS32 Module to Speed and Simplify Embedded Design; First RISC-Based Entry to New Encore Product Line Validates Processor-Independent Architecture.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2001 Ampro Computers, Inc., the inventor and leading supplier of PC/104 and EBX EBX Electronic Book Exchange (XML standard) EBX Embedded Board Expandable (PC/104) EBX Electronic Branch Exchange EBX Enterprise Business eXtension (Orchestra Networks) form-factor single board computers for embedded applications, today introduced the EnCore(TM) M2, the first RISC-based entry in its new EnCore family of high integration embedded processors. Ampro combined Alchemy Semiconductor's 400 MHz Au1000(TM) chip, a MIPS (Million Instructions Per Second) The execution speed of a computer. For example, .5 MIPS is 500,000 instructions per second; 100 MIPS is a hundred million instructions per second. 32(TM)-compatible processor, with a PCI-bus controller, SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) A type of dynamic RAM (DRAM) memory chip that has been widely used since the late 1990s. SDRAM chips eliminated wait states by dividing the chip into two cell blocks and interleaving data between them. memory and additional peripherals to provide a complete standards-based CPU CPU in full central processing unit Principal component of a digital computer, composed of a control unit, an instruction-decoding unit, and an arithmetic-logic unit. subsystem on a small form-factor module. Like all EnCore modules, the EnCore M2 relieves developers of most of the processor-development overhead in creating embedded systems. The EnCore module communicates with a custom logic board via a PCI (1) (Payment Card Industry) See PCI DSS. (2) (Peripheral Component Interconnect) The most widely used I/O bus (peripheral bus). interface and standardized IO signals, essentially without regard to processor architecture. Processor integration, verification and temperature testing have already been taken care of by Ampro. "EnCore processors speed development projects by eliminating the need to bring up and debug the CPU portion of the design as well as eliminating the need to configure and port an operating system to a custom CPU design," said Joanne Williams, president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Ampro Computers, Inc. "And since all EnCore processors are functionally and electrically pin-compatible, the new EnCore M2 enables embedded designers to create a single application board and trade off the performance, power consumption and cost benefits of MIPS32 versus x86 designs." "The EnCore M2 will accelerate many projects currently being designed to operate using the MIPS32 architecture," said Jim Moore, president and CEO, of Alchemy Semiconductor. "The Au1000 is targeted to meet the communications market demand, whose products operate on the outer edge of the Internet network. The EnCore M2 allows these products to reach market with the Au1000 faster than ever before." "MIPS Technologies is pleased that Ampro has chosen the MIPS32 architecture processor for its first RISC RISC in full Reduced Instruction Set Computing Computer architecture that uses a limited number of instructions. RISC became popular in microprocessors in the 1980s. EnCore Module," said John Bourgoin, chairman and CEO of MIPS Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:MIPS, MIPSB). "This represents further evidence that the MIPS architecture has penetrated the mainstream of embedded systems development. MIPS has selected the EnCore M2 as its primary reference platform for the development of MIPS32-based application software and tools." The EnCore product family now provides a choice of a MIPS32 highly integrated processor or three Intel Architecture CPUs (see accompanying release). Each module provides a processor along with a rich set of standardized peripherals and I/O (Input/Output) The transfer of data between the CPU and a peripheral device. Every transfer is an output from one device and an input to another. See PC input/output. I/O - Input/Output . EnCore I/O include: Ethernet, serial, parallel, USB USB in full Universal Serial Bus Type of serial bus that allows peripheral devices (disks, modems, printers, digitizers, data gloves, etc.) to be easily connected to a computer. and sound. Also included are program storage with a choice of flash, IDE or floppy. Some EnCore modules provide 2D/3D graphics and flat panel controllers. Best of all, the EnCore M2 is OS ready to run VxWorks(TM), and Linux. The EnCore M2 beta units are available now with production in sixty days. EnCore M2 is priced under $300 in volume. For more information on the Encore M2 CPU module, visit www.ampro.com, or contact your local Ampro representative at 800/966-5200. About the EnCore M2 The EnCore M2 is rated at 480 Dhrystone MIPS with a typical power consumption of the entire module is less than 2 watts. The module features a 33 MHz PCI Bus Interface. As with all EnCore modules, the EnCore M2 provides the functionality of a complete embedded CPU subsystem in a small, 100x145mm, format. It includes two 10/100 BaseT Ethernet controllers and an AC97 audio interface. It supports up to 256MB SODIMM (Small Outline-DIMM) A DIMM module with a thinner profile due to the use of TSOP chip packages. SODIMMs are commonly used in laptop computers. See memory module and TSOP. SDRAM and provides 2MB Flash, two serial ports, two USB ports, enhanced Ultra 33/66 Synchronous DMA (1) (Digital Media Adapter) See digital media hub. (2) (Document Management Alliance) A specification that provides a common interface for accessing and searching document databases. IDE interface to two drives, floppy disk controller A floppy disk controller (FDC) is a special-purpose chip and associated circuitry that directs and controls reading from and writing to a computer's floppy disk drive (FDD). , PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, IrDA port and an ECP/EPP bidirectional parallel port See IEEE 1284. . About Ampro Computers, Inc. Ampro Computers, Inc. is the leading global provider of modular embedded computing solutions for OEM applications. Ampro's mission is to provide time saving solutions for embedded systems designers that accelerate the product deployment process. Ampro pioneered the embedded PC industry creating the popular PC/104 and EBX standards. The new EnCore family enables designers to obtain all the benefits of an off-the-shelf CPU solution while maintaining the flexibility of a full custom design. In addition to EnCore, Ampro offers three product lines: PC/104-compatible CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion products, and EBX form factor Little Board single-board computers (SBC). Ampro was awarded EDN magazine's "Innovation 2000" for computers, boards and busses for the initial EnCore announcement. For more information on Ampro Computers, visit http://www.ampro.com. Note to Editors: AMPRO is a registered trademark and EnCore, Little Board, CoreModule and MiniModule are trademarks of Ampro Computers, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
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