Embedded CPUs include built-in data acquisition.
Press Release Summary:
Measuring less than 4.2 x 4.5 in., Athena CPUs utilize VIA Eden processor to deliver Pentium-III performance. Fanless Model ATH400-128 offers 400 MHz operation, while fan-cooled Model ATH660-128 provides 660 MHz operation. Both include 128 Mb RAM, four 12-bit D/A channels, 24 programmable digital I/O lines, and 2 programmable counter/timers. Built-in data acquisition circuit provides 16-bit A/D performance with 100 KHz sample rate.
Original Press Release:
High-Performance Embedded CPU with Data Acquisition Offers Increased Ruggedness with Reduced Size
PC/104 Expandability Enables Mounting of Additional I/O Modules to Meet Application Needs
Newark, CA - August 25, 2004 - Diamond Systems Corporation, a leading supplier of embeddable computer and I/O boards, today announced the availability of the Athena high-performance embedded CPU with data acquisition. Athena utilizes the VIA Eden processor family to deliver Pentium-III performance in a small, low-power embedded CPU measuring less than 4.2" x 4.5". It offers the key attributes of integration, high performance, and ruggedness required for today's demanding military, aerospace, and mobile embedded computing applications.
Originally designed and utilized for a harsh-environment military vehicle application, Athena includes on-board memory, Ethernet, video, audio, and data acquisition to form a complete, rugged industrial CPU. All features, including memory, are soldered directly on board for maximum immunity to shock and vibration. Configuration jumpers can be optionally replaced with zero-ohm shunts for additional ruggedness. Athena dissipates only 10 watts and operates over the -40 to +85°C extended temperature range.
Athena uses the same I/O connector types, locations, and pinouts as Diamond Systems' low-cost Prometheus PC/104 CPU. This makes it easy for Prometheus users to upgrade to higher performance without having to make major changes to software, hardware, or cabling.
The built-in data acquisition circuit provides high-accuracy, stable 16-bit A/D performance with 100KHz sample rate, wide input capability, and programmable input ranges. It includes 4 12-bit D/A channels, 24 programmable digital I/O lines, and two programmable counter/timers. A/D operation is enhanced by on-board FIFO with interrupt-based transfers, internal/external A/D triggering, and on-board A/D sample rate clock.
Placement of the analog circuitry away from the high-speed digital logic ensures low-noise performance for critical applications. Free advanced driver software and technical support are provided for Linux, RT Linux, Windows 2000/XP, Windows CE, QNX, DOS, and VxWorks operating systems.
Two processor configurations are available: 400MHz fanless with 128MB RAM (model no. ATH400-128) and 660MHz fan-cooled with 128MB RAM (model no. ATH660-128). In quantity 1-9, the ATH400-128 is priced at $825 while the ATH660-128 is $925. Volume discounts apply when purchasing 10 or more units. Both versions include 4 RS-232 ports, 4 USB ports, LCD and CRT video, 10/100Mbps Ethernet, AC97 audio, IDE port for hard disk or board-mountable solid state IDE flashdisk module, watchdog timer, full-featured data acquisition including analog and digital I/O, and PC/104 expansion bus. Models without data acquisition are also available. For more information on this and other Diamond Systems products, call (510) 456-7800 or visit www.diamondsystems.com.
About Diamond Systems Corp.
Diamond Systems, founded in 1989, was one of the first computer peripheral manufacturers to adopt the PC/104 embedded computing standard. Today the company is a leading supplier of PC/104 CPU, data acquisition, serial port, and power supply modules to the embedded market. The company also designs custom CPU and I/O boards.
