Next-Generation SBC from Aitech features latest Core 2 Duo processor

Citation

(2009), "Next-Generation SBC from Aitech features latest Core 2 Duo processor", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781ead.004

Next-Generation SBC from Aitech features latest Core 2 Duo processor

Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 5

Aitech Defense Systems, Inc., one of the largest independent manufacturer of open architecture electronic boards and subsystem level products for harsh, environmentally demanding defense and aerospace applications, has introduced a new 6U VME single board computer (SBC) using Intel's latest T7500 low power, high performance Merom Core 2 Duo dual core processors. The new C160 is designed for rugged, mission critical mobile applications requiring exceptionally low power and high processing throughput.

The new single-slot C160 now claims clock frequencies up to 2.2 GHz for the high-performance version and 1.67 GHz for the low-power version, which draws only 25 W. The new board also uses Intel's Virtualization Technology, enabling the board to run different applications simultaneously using multiple virtual partitions.

The fully featured C160 incorporates a custom metal thermal management frame supporting an array of integral stiffeners for increased resistance against high shock and vibration. This makes the board ideal for rugged and harsh military environments such as radar and sonar communications processors, autonomous vehicle IED and RPG protection subsystems, mission management computers and heads-up display controllers.

The newest addition to Aitech's extensive family of high-performance SBCs, the C160 offers 2eSST and 2eVME functionality as well as VME and PCI legacy support via a Tundra Tsi148 bridge. The bridge's decoupled architecture can handle simultaneous transactions and the large first-in-first out (FIFO's) to prevent PCI/X to VME deadlock conditions for better, more reliable data throughput.

The board offers large memory arrays providing extensive volatile and non-volatile memory resources. These include up to 2 GB fast DDR2 SDRAM operating at 667 MHz and up to 8 GB of onboard flash disk (NAND Flash) with IDE controller eliminating the need for externally attached mass-storage media. Additional onboard, non-volatile mass storage for convenient, local program and data file storage is provided by a solid-state disk with up to 16 GB of memory as well as auto-wear levelling to ensure long media life.

For man-machine interface applications, the C160 also provides an integrated GM965 graphics engine with 2D and 3D graphics outputting in either CRT (RGBHV) or composite NTSC, PAL or RS-170 video formats. Graphics language support includes Microsoft DirectX 10 and SGI OpenGL 1.5/2.0.

The C160 offers a comprehensive range of input/output (I/O) resources including two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two SATA II interfaces and two USB 2.0 interfaces as well as legacy interfaces consisting of two 16C550-compatible RS232/422/485 serial ports and eight discrete I/O lines.

For local onboard I/O expansion, the C160 provides two industry standard PMC sites capable of up to 133 MHz PCI-X operation for expanded flexibility and integration. All PMC I/O is routed to the backplane's P0 and P2 connectors per ANSI/VITA-35.

Additional board features include high-definition audio interface, onboard/on-chip temperature sensors, an onboard SuperCap and Li-Ion battery-backed real-time clock, 32/64-bit and two 32-bit timers/counters as well as an avionics-style, windowed Watchdog timer are provided for real-time, hard deadline, and mission critical applications.

Built-in test and power-on self-test firmware are supported in BIOS to allow the C160's easy integration with other Aitech VME and PMC I/O products, enabling flexible configuration of reliable subsystems. Operating system support includes Microsoft XP Pro, XP Embedded, Linux and Wind River's VxWorks and others by request.

The C160 is available in two basic processor configurations, optimised for either maximum performance (2.2 GHz) or for lowest power consumption (1.67 GHz).

The board comes in either air-cooled or conduction-cooled versions, per ANSI/VITA 1-1994 and IEEE 1101.2, respectively.

Details available from: Aitech Defense Systems, Tel.: +1 888 248 3248.