13 January 2012
Computer module targets intelligent devices
Single board computer specialist, Blue Chip Technology has announced the release of its RM2, an ARM Cortex A8 based, small footprint computer module that is suitable for powering small and portable intelligent devices.
The RM2 is the latest addition to Blue Chip's Computer On Module range. It is based on the latest ARM Cortex A8 processor together with integrated digital signal processor and 2D/3D graphics engine. The RE2 is available with a choice of processor speeds - 800Mhz or 1GHz - and dsp speeds of 660 and 800MHz. According to the company, the device offers engineers exceptional performance with very low power consumption and a footprint of 50x50mm.
UK based Blue Chip Technology is one of Europe's leading designers and manufacturers of industrial and embedded computers, designing and manufacturing computer boards for a range of industrial sectors such as automotive, public transportation, medical, defence and energy.
'Computer on Module' is a concept whereby a single board computer is split into two parts. A 'compact core module' containing all the components needed for a bootable host computer - processor, North bridge, South bridge, memory and Flash but without the standard connectors for any input/output peripherals. This COM is sold as an off the shelf entity and will have a standardised footprint and set of connectors that mate to an 'application specific carrier board' with the system IO and peripherals. The carrier board is capable of accepting any COM in that specific Computer On Module family of boards. Together, the COM and carrier board deliver the functionality of a single board computer.
Barry Husbands, managing director of Blue Chip Technology, said: "The Computer on Module, COM, concept offers designers and manufacturers design freedom. It enables different products to share similar core modules or maybe, a single product to easily be upgraded. Adopting a COM approach to a range of intelligent devices can also help reduce costs, so it can be a powerful approach to embedded design."
The RM2 supports 256 or 512Mbytes mobile LPDDR memory, 400 MT/s and has on board 256Mbytes to 1Gbytes NAND Flash memory for code storage. Storage such as SD is located on the carrier board. RM2 peripheral support includes Ethernet, Audio, USB, Graphics, GP Expansion Bus, IO, and camera. The RM COM specification allows for two separate video displays, twin cameras and SATA. Furthermore, the carrier board can include whatever peripherals are required.
The RM2 board also comes in an extended temperature range for industrial and automotive applications. Software support is also available on request with options for Embedded Windows, Linux or RTOS support as required.
Author
Blue Chip Technology
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.bluechiptechnology.co.uk
Companies
Blue Chip Technology Ltd
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