Ampro Expands Its EnCore Module Line with 486 and Pentium III; Broad Range of IA -- x86 -- Modules Supplements New MIPS32 Module.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 27, 2001 Ampro Computers, the inventor and leading supplier of PC-compatible single-board computers for the embedded market, today announced two new Intel(R) Architecture, IA, (x86) members of its EnCore(TM) family of embedded processors. The 486-based EnCore 400 and the Pentium(R) III-based EnCore 700 modules extend the range of the EnCore family further across the IA (x86) price/performance spectrum. EnCore modules provide embedded developers with a short development-time, processor-independent, common-interface design approach to custom embedded system development. EnCore modules connect into the developer's target system 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 industry-standard IO signals. The new modules expand developers' choices of architecture and clock speed. The EnCore line previously announced 400 MHz 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)-based (see accompanying release) and 266 MHz Mobile Pentium-based (Tillamook) modules. All the EnCore modules incorporate rich support for peripheral 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 , so that developers can concentrate development exclusively on the proprietary functions that will distinguish their products. "EnCore modules can shorten product development by up to 40 weeks," 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. "The availability of a wide price/performance range of EnCore modules enable developers to build a complete and comprehensive product line from the same design. It can incorporate different modules with different price points in their end product while using the identical application-specific logic board. Future upgrades are now easier to execute as well." Within the EnCore line, embedded developers can now select from a 133 MHz 486, 266 MHz Pentium, 500 MHz Celeron, 850 MHz Pentium III or 400 MHz MIPS32 processors. Each EnCore module provides a choice of a 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. or CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) Pronounced "sisk." The traditional architecture of a computer which uses microcode to execute very comprehensive instructions. 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. along with a rich set of standardized peripherals and I/O. 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 is program storage with a choice of flash, IDE or floppy. EnCore modules can provide 2D/3D graphics and flat panel controllers. Best of all, the EnCore modules are OS ready to run VxWorks(TM), Linux, QNX A multiuser, multitasking, real time operating system for PCs from QNX Software Systems, Ltd., Ottawa, Ontario (www.qnx.com), that is noted for its low-memory requirement and rapid response. Similar to Unix, it has been in use since the early 1980s. (R), or Windows(TM) 98 / NT / 2000 / NT Embedded. The EnCore 400 and EnCore 700 beta units are available now with production by the end of the year. EnCore 400 is priced under $300 and the EnCore 700 under $500 in volume. For more information on EnCore embedded processors, visit www.ampro.com, or contact your local Ampro representative at 800/966-5200. About EnCore 400 The EnCore 400 module is based on ST Microelectronics' new STPC STPC Short-Term Power Control STPC Stopover Paid by Carrier (airline industry) Atlas microprocessor running at 133 MHz. Like all EnCore modules, the EnCore 400 provides two serial ports, EPP/ECP parallel port, two USB UHCI UHCI Universal Host Controller Interface ports, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, floppy and Ultra/DMA 33 IDE controllers, 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface and an AC97 audio interface. EnCore 400 supports from 16MB to 128MB 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. DRAM, and interfaces to an application-specific logic board using a 33 MHz PCI bus. EnCore 400 also includes a 2D graphics controller which provides both CRT (1) (C RunTime) See runtime library. (2) (Cathode Ray Tube) A vacuum tube used as a display screen in a computer monitor or TV. The viewing end of the tube is coated with phosphors, which emit light when struck by electrons. and TFT flat panel video interfaces. About EnCore 700 The EnCore 700 module is initially available with either a 500 MHz lower cost Mobile Celeron or 850 MHz high-performance Mobile Pentium III processor. Each EnCore 700 incorporates the new Intel 815em chipset and provides two serial ports, EPP/ECP parallel port, two USB UHCI ports, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, floppy and Ultra/DMA 33 IDE controllers, 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface and an AC97 audio interface. EnCore 700 supports from 16MB to 512MB SODIMM DRAM, and interfaces to an application-specific logic board using a 33 MHz PCI bus. EnCore 700 also includes a 2D/3D graphics controller which provides both CRT and TFT flat panel video interfaces. About Ampro Computers 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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