Microsemi, Emcraft deliver FPGA-based SOM for embedded apps

The folks at Microsemi say they've teamed with the guys and gals at Emcraft Systems, a provider of microcontroller-based hardware and software solutions, to deliver a miniaturized system-on-module (SOM) for embedded applications.

The new SOM features Microsemi's SmartFusion customizable system-on-chip (cSoC) solution, as well as pre-loaded, royalty-free uClinux in a small 30 millimeter by 57 millimeter package. The jointly developed SOM allows product developers to reduce engineering and manufacturing complexities. Both the SOM and a starter kit are available now.

"Emcraft's system-on-module with SmartFusion will accelerate our customers' product development cycles," said Paul Ekas, vice president of Marketing at Microsemi. "It will also allow our customers to differentiate their equipment with the lowest power solutions and very small form factor."

Microsemi's SmartFusion cSoC integrates a field programmable logic array (FPGA), ARM Cortex-M3 processor and programmable analog on a single chip. The uClinux kernel and applications execute on the 100 megahertz 32-bit ARM core, while the integrated SmartFusion peripherals, FPGA fabric, and programmable analog blocks are used to implement various communication interfaces and protocols.

"Our co-developed SOM allows us to address growing customer demand for a highly integrated system solution that combines feature-rich uClinux with the design flexibility and low-power consumption that Microsemi's SmartFusion cSoC provides," said Kent Meyer, managing director of Emcraft Systems. "Customer interest in the miniaturized SmartFusion SOM is high and we have already begun shipping this new solution and our baseboard design files to customers for next-generation embedded products."


Additional technical information
The highly integrated SOM includes 16 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM), 8 MB of flash, an Ethernet PHY, clocks and supporting circuitry, minimizing the number of external requirements necessary on a customer's baseboard. Additional features include:

• Powered from single +3.3 V power supply
• Serial console interface
• 802.3 Ethernet interface
• Watchdog timer (WDT)
• Real-time clock (RTC)
• Uncommitted SmartFusion interfaces (including 90+ FPGA I/Os) on the interface connectors

To purchase the SmartFusion SOM and starter kit online, contact Emcraft at +760-444-4165 or Click Here to bounce over to the appropriate page on their Website.

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