New low-power SBC offers EPIC form factor

By Control Engineering Staff March 9, 2006

An ultra-low-voltage 1 GHz processor is an optional feature on Axiomtek’s EP820 EPIC form-factor SBC.

Axiomtek recently announced its first SBC conforming to the EPIC (Embedded Platform for Industrial Control) form factor. Named EP820, the single-board computer (SBC) features an Intel 915GM with ICH6M chipset and supports Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors (with 400 MHz or 533 MHz speed).

To enhance expansion, EP820 comes with a PCI-104 slot for 32-bit PCI add-on interfaces and offers a dual LVDS LCD option, as well. Dual LVDS is a popular display solution for transaction terminals, such as DualView self-help fueling machines and DualView POS systems, says the company.

With an Intel Product Development (IPD) program, EP820 is guaranteed to have long-term availability, says Axiomtek. In addition, the board’s SATA IDE (serial advanced technology attachment interface and integrated design environment) reportedly ensures customers have the most updated peripherals without difficulties of swapping boards due to a peripheral’s end of life. Numerous I/O device features like dual Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports for high-speed peripherals, audio, and digital I/O port round out features and maximize users’ opportunities to integrate EP820 into various applications.

—Frank J. Bartos, executive editor, Control Engineering fbartos@reedbusiness.com