| CPU module has FPGA onboard |
Sep. 27, 2008
 TQ Components released a 2.95 by 2.4-inch computer module with a Freescale i.MX31 SoC (system on chip) and Altera FPGA (field programmable gate array). The TQMa31 runs Linux, with 256MB of RAM, 1 GB of flash, plus CAN, I2C, SPI and serial interfaces, says TQ.
(Click here for a larger view of TQ Components' TQMa31)
The 2.95 x 2.4-inch (75 x 60mm) form factor used by this module is apparently of TQ Components's own devising. The company says the module has mezzanine connectors with 480 pins and a grid of 0.8mm, claimed to ensure "years of reliable operation in a terminal device." In addition, the device is said to support an extended temperature range of -30 to 85 deg. C.
The module's touted "outstanding unique feature" is the Altera Cyclone III FPGA integrated onto the module, and said to offer support for signal processing and many other specialized applications. Among other things, the FPGA can provide the module with a second Ethernet port, second CAN port, and additional GPIOs. The FPGA is also used to make the i.MX31 compatible with a 3.3V power supply, TQ Components says.
Freescale's i.MX31 SoC, familiar from a multitude of applications, is a high-integration, high-performance SoC that has an ARM1136 processor core. The SoC also includes a 2D/3D MBX graphics engine, Java accelerator, a vector floating point math coprocessor, a video processing engine said to support full-motion (30 frames/sec) 720 x 480 video encoding with MPEG-4 or H.264 formats, and numerous other functions and interfaces.
A block diagram of the TQMa31 module
(Click to enlarge)
The TQMa31 (see block diagram above) clocks the i.MX31 either at 400MHz or an available 533Mhz "boost mode," according to TQ Components. It comes with "up to" 256MB of RAM, 128MB of NOR flash, and up to 1GB of NAND flash storage, the company adds.
The device includes two USB 2.0 ports, serial, CAN 2.0, SPI, I2C, plus optional camera and ATA hard disk interfaces. It also has a 10/100 Ethernet controller, temperature sensor, and realtime clock.
Features and specifications listed by TQ Components for the TQMa31 include:- Processor -- Freescale i.MX31 clocked at 400MHz or 533MHz
- Memory -- up to 256MB of RAM, 128MB of NOR flash, and up to 1GB of NAND flash storage
- Networking -- 1 x 10/100 Ethernet interface
- Other I/O:
- 2 x USB 2.0
- Keypad
- Audio
- CAN 2.0
- Serial port
- SPI
- 2C
- Camera (optional)
- ATA (optional)
- Expansion -- Interface for PCMCIA or CompactFlash
- Power supply -- 3.3V, uses approximately 3.3Watts at 533MHz
- Dimensions -- 2.95 by 2.4 inches (75 x 60mm), with 480-pin connector
- Temperature range -- -30 to 85 deg. C extended, 0 to 70 deg. standard
Like other modules of its type, the TQMa31 needs to be plugged into a separate baseboard to convey any of its interfaces to and from the outside world. TQ Components says it offers an evaluation board and will assist customers in developing their own application-specific components, though further details were not provided.
Further information
TQ Components did not release pricing for the TQMa31, but the device appears to be available now. The RoHS-compliant module runs Linux and Windows CE, says the company.
More information may be available from the company's website, here.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.
Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.
Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.
Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.
High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.
Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.
Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.
Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed