Overview
TB486 is a very highly integrated PC/104 processor module. It has all the standard PC I/O functionality with many additional features and interfaces. This means that in many applications TB486 is the only board required, saving space and expense. TB486 has considerable support for operating in low power modes so is ideal for use in applications where power consumption is critical.
Processor
A 66MHz AMD Elan SC410 is fitted to TB486. This is x86 code compatible. The processor chip is soldered directly to the printed circuit board for reliable operation. An on-board switch mode power supply provides the necessary voltage for the processor chip and support logic from the single +5V power input.
BIOS
PC/AT compatible BIOS in Flash memory (Phoenix Technologies).
DRAM
A single Small Outline DIMM (SODIMM) socket is provided on the TB486. This allows the processor card to be populated with 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64M bytes. These are 3.3V for low power operation.
Solid State Disk
A solid state disk is provided on board TB486 using a 2M byte Flash chip combined with an easy to use Flash Filing System. A small part of the Flash is reserved for the system BIOS (128k) leaving about 1.8M bytes for an operating system and application software. The flash disk appears as drive C: assuming no mechanical disks present. Access it exactly as for a hard disk and it is suitable for both program and most data storage. The flash disk can be user disabled.
Physical Disk
TB486 contains both IDE and floppy interfaces so that IDE hard disks, IDE Flash drives, CD-ROMs and floppy disks can be attached. The IDE port uses a 44 pin high density connector for easy interfacing to 2½" IDE drives. The floppy disk part mates with a standard 26 way flat flexible cable.
Graphics
TB486 incorporates a Chips & Technology 65550 local bus graphics processor. This is incorporated with 2M bytes of video memory, sufficient for very high resolution applications. Both CRT and flat panel operation are supported. Different panel types are supported including many monochrome, DSTN colour, TFT colour and Electroluminescent varieties. TB486 will drive panels from 320 x 240 up to 1024 x 768 including the latest 3.3V operation LCDs. A range of display interface kits to make using common LCDs quick and easy is available.
Serial I/O
Three full furnction, serial ports are provided on board TB486. These are Com1:, Com2: and Com3:. All serial ports are buffered to RS-232 levels and Com2: can be user linked for RS-485 for full or half duplex operation. Com2: and Com3: are 16C550 compatible for reliable high speed data transmission.
Parallel Port
An enhanced parallel port is provided. It can be used as a Centronics printer port or as general purpose I/O. The BIOS provides support for bidirectional, EPP and ECP modes of operation.
Operator Interface
Both a keyboard and mouse port are provided. An external speaker can be connected to the sound output port.
Ethernet
TB486 has a standard Ethernet network port for twisted pair (10BaseT) connection to an external transformer module. This external module has an RJ45 connector and network status LEDs.
Reset and Power Monitor
Reset control circuitry includes built in power supply monitoring to ensure power fail detection and issue clean reset pulses. Watchdog circuitry can automatically restart TB486 on an application failure.
Clock/Calendar
An on board calendar clock is provided with an external battery connection. A serial EEPROM device allows the storage of the CMOS set-up parameters permanently. The clock module and BIOS are millennium compliant.
Analog Inputs
A four-channel, single ended (or 2 channel differential) 12-bit analogue to digital (A/D) converter is provided for real world measurements. The input range is 0 to +5V. An on-board temperature sensor is provided (LM60C).
IRDA
An IRDA interface is provided.
Non-volatile CMOS settings
A serial EEPROM device stores the CMOS set-up parameters permanently without the need for any external battery back-up. This feature allows batteryless systems to be realised .
Expansion
16 bit ISA bus (PCbus) via PC/104 interface.
Power Supply
Single rail 5V supply required.
Environmental
0 to +60ºC operating, -40 to 100ºC storage temperature range. PCB material to UL94VO.
Dimensions
PCB size 3.775" x 3.550" (96mm x 90mm).
Development Platforms
The TCDEV development board provides VGA graphics, floppy and IDE disk controllers, standard PC connectors and a PC/104 site for the processor module and I/O modules. The board is mounted over a 3½ inch floppy drive and space is available for a 2½ inch hard disk drive. Also available is the TBPAK486 starter kit which includes the TCDEV, TX486, power supply, utilities and manuals for a plug-and-go system (DRAM is ordered separately). |
