EBX displacing PC/104-plus in embedded shipments

Natick, Mass. – In a recent study entitled ‘2001/2002 Merchant Computer Boards in Real-Time and Embedded Applications,’ Venture Development Corp. (VDC) noted that board vendors projected substantial growth in shipments of EBX form factor motherboards during the period from 2001 through 2006. Vendors also projected that shipments of PC/104-Plus CPU modules would remain flat over the same period. These projections indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 20% for EBX shipments. Shipments of PC/104-Plus CPU modules are now expected to decline by nearly 8%. Both are contrary to vendor projections made in year 2000. VDC contends that these trends are not independent of one another.

Designed as an ‘upgrade’ to its predecessor (PC/104), PC/104-Plus utilizes the 32-bit PCI bus rather than the older, 16-bit, ISA bus. PC/104-Plus is, however, said to present some difficulties to board developers, as more tracks are needed to support the PCI bus on a small (3.8- x 3.6-in.), and already densely populated PC/104 form factor board.

Other than the potential drawback of its somewhat larger size (5.75- x 8-in.) and slightly higher cost, the EBX form factor presents all of the benefits of PC/104-Plus. PC/104 expansion modules may be stacked on an EBX board to add density and functionality while minimizing package volume. EBX may also be expanded through the use of PCMCIA cards.

Other advantages of EBX over PC/104-Plus may be attributed to its larger size. These include a more ready implementation of the PCI bus, potentially greater density, and the ability to use the latest in microprocessors. Deployment of a Pentium IV or other processor that requires additional space for a larger heat sink on a PC/104-sized card may be impractical, if not impossible. Thus, the larger EBX form factor inherently allows designers to achieve greater performance in their embedded designs.

VDC believes that the projected growth of the EBX form factor is due to its functionality and its practicality, as well as its advantages over PC/104-Plus in terms of density and performance. When upgrading from a PC/104-based design, embedded developers who are not constrained by the larger size may view EBX, rather than PC/104-Plus, as the next logical step in the evolution of their systems.

To see report availability, go to https://www.vdc-corp.com/embedded/annual/01/br01-28.html . Prices for the reports or report sections range from $1,995 to $19,950 for the entire planning service.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskGary A. Mintchell, senior editor gmintchell@cahners.com

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