SBC replaces multiple boards for high-end embedded apps

VersaLogic Corp., in collaboration with Intel’s elite Early Access program, has announced Copperhead, a new benchmark for embedded single board computer (SBC) performance. The Copperhead is powered by a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor. Its performance level, combined with the high-speed PCIe expansion site, enables the integration of complex high-bandwidth functions, such as Digital Signal Processing and video processing. These applications have historically been performed with large chassis-based systems and custom hardware.

The Copperhead's dual- or quad-core performance allows high-end compute-bound and video-bound applications to now be tackled with just a single embedded computer board, not a set of boards in a rack. This opens new opportunities for automating high-end applications that need to be more portable, rugged, or lower cost than previous CPU architectures allowed. Based on the industry-standard EBX format (5.75 x 8 inches), Copperhead’s numerous next-generation I/O interfaces, thermal solutions, and real-world connectors work to remove system design limitations. Various Copperhead models support high-performance dual- or quad-core processing, up to 16 GB DDR3 RAM, and flexible video output with support for three independent displays.

The Copperhead features on-board data acquisition via sixteen analog inputs, eight analog outputs, and sixteen digital I/O lines. System I/O includes dual Gigabit Ethernet with network boot capability, two USB 3.0 ports, ten USB 2.0 ports, four serial ports, and HD audio. Dual SATA 3 and SATA 6 interfaces support Intel Rapid Storage Manager with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 capabilities (SATA 6 ports only). Flash storage is provided via an mSATA socket, eUSB interface, and a Mini PCIe socket. The Mini PCIe socket also accommodates plug-in Wi-Fi modems, GPS receivers, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet channels, and other plug-in mini cards. The Copperhead supports an optional TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip for applications that require enhanced hardware-level security functions.


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For stacking expansion using industry-standard add-on boards, the Copperhead offers models that support either PCIe/104 Type 1 or SUMIT expansion. The on-board expansion site provides plug-in access to a wide variety of expansion modules from numerous vendors, all with bolt-down ruggedness. The PCIe/104 Type 1 interface includes a PCIe x16 lane to support expansion with extremely-high-bandwidth devices.

The SPX expansion interface provides additional plug-in expansion for low-cost analog, digital, and CANbus I/O.

Available in both standard (0º to +60ºC) and industrial temperature (-40º to +85ºC) versions, the rugged Copperhead boards meet MIL-STD-202G specifications for mechanical shock and vibration. The high tolerance +12V power input allows the board to operate with power ranging from 9 to 15 volts. This eliminates expensive precision supplies and makes the Copperhead ideal for automotive applications.

Optional high-reliability Ethernet connectors provide additional ruggedization for use in extremely harsh environments. Thermal solutions include heat sink, heat sink with fan, and heat plate. For extremely-high-reliability applications, IPC-A-610 Class 3 versions are available.

Copperhead is RoHS compliant and includes VersaLogic's 5+ year production life guarantee. Customization options include latching Ethernet headers, TPM chip, 16-bit A/D and D/A, conformal coating, revision locks, custom labeling, customized testing and screening, etc.

The Copperhead SBC will be available from stock in Q4 of 2012. Contact Sales@VersaLogic.com or visit www.VersaLogic.com for more information.