| EPIC SBC goes DDR3 |
Oct. 14, 2008
 Axiomtek announced an EPIC format single-board computer (SBC) targeting digital signage, DVR (digital video recorder), and gaming applications. The EP850 supports Intel's 45nm Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, accepts 4GB of DDR3 RAM, includes two gigabit Ethernet ports, and has a PCI-104 expansion slot, says Axiomtek.
(Click for a larger view of Axiomtek's EP850)
The EP850 appears very similar to the EP840, another EPIC board targeted at the same market by Axiomtek just a couple of weeks ago. However, the EP840 has Intel's Socket 478 on board, designed to accept various "Merom" Core 2 Duo and Celeron M processors. The EP850 sports a Socket 479 instead, keyed to accept the embedded-specific, 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo T9400, plus other 45nm "Penryn" processors, says Axiomtek.
To support the T9400, the EP850 employs Intel's GM45 Express chipset, consisting of the GM45 GMCH (graphics memory controller hub) and ICH (I/O controller hub). The chipset supports frontside bus speeds of up to 1066MHz, and power-saving DDR3 memory, says Intel. The EP850 accepts up to 4GB of RAM, installed in a single SODIMM slot on the back of the board, according to Axiomtek.
 
The front (left) and back (right) of Axiomtek's EP850
(Click either to enlarge)
Unlike the EP840, the EP850 has an analog VGA output, not a DVI connector. However, says Axiomtek, an optional DisplayPort connector will allow connecting multiple monitors using a single cable. Potential CRT resolution for the standard board is cited as 2046 x 1536 pixels, while an available LVDS pin header is said to support resolutions to 1920 x 1200.
The EP850 is equipped with dual gigabit Ethernet ports, and offers both a PCI-104 slot and a Type II CompactFlash slot for SSD (solid state disk) storage expansion. Other I/O includes two SATA II ports, a PS/2 connector for keyboard and mouse, two RS232 ports, six USB ports, audio, and eight channels of digital I/O.
Finally, the EP850 includes an Infineon SLB9365 TPM (trusted platform module), for secure storage of information such as cryptographic keys. The device also includes an SMbus (system management bus), for advanced monitoring and control, says Axiomtek.
Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the EP850 include:- Processor -- Socket P (479) supports Intel Core 2 Duo processors, with 667/800/1066MHz frontside bus
- Memory -- 1 x 200-pin DDR3 SODIMM for up to 4GB
- Storage -- supports onboard flash storage via CompactFlash slot, or hard disk storage via SATA ports
- Networking -- 2 x gigabit Ethernet ports
- Other I/O:
- 2 x SATA II
- 2 x PS/2 for keyboard/mouse
- 2 x RS232 (COM 1/2), with 5V or 12V poert
- Digital I/O -- 3 channels in and 5 channels out
- 6 x USB 2.0 (2 x ports, 4 via headers)
- Audio mic in, line out, line in (via header)
- Expansion:
- Compact Flash Type II slot
- PCI-104 interface
- Dimensions -- 6.5 x 4.5 inches (165 x 115mm); EPIC format
- Operating temperature -- 32 to 140 degrees F (0 to 60 degrees C)
Further information
According to Axiomtek, the EP850 supports Linux, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows Vista. Pricing was not disclosed, but the board will be available in early November, the company adds.
More information may be found on the Axiomtek website, here.
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