MEN Micro launches G20 CompactPCI single-board computer for Harsh-Environment Computing

MUNICH, 22 March 2012. MEN Micro Inc., a provider of embedded computing and input/output (I/O) solutions for mission-critical mobile and harsh environment applications, has released its first single-board computer (SBC) based on the PICMG CPCI-S.0 CompactPCI Serial specification.

The G20 uses the fast 64-bit Intel Core i7 with a base processing speed of 2.53 GHz that supports Intel Turbo Boost Hyperthreading technology to provide a maximum speed of 3.20 GHz. The SBC’s fast serial data transfers make it ideal for monitoring, vision, and control systems, as well as test and measurement applications found in a variety of markets, including industrial automation, multimedia, traffic and transportation, aerospace, shipbuilding, medical engineering, and robotics.

A CPU-independent microprocessor in the G20 based on the Intel Advanced Management Technology (AMT) allows remote access via an integrated Ethernet controller, even when the computer is in soft-off or stand-by state.

AMT also enables users to remotely access different functions, such as reading status information, changing configurations, switching the PC on and off, and forwarding or redirecting I/O devices such as hard disks and CD-ROM (Serial Over LAN) via keyboard, video, or mouse.

In addition to the standard, fast 8 GB DDR3 ECC SDRAM soldered against shock and vibration, a CompactFlash and a microSD card slot connected to the G20 via one USB interface can extend memory capacities.

The new board offers a multitude of serial interfaces. Standard front I/O includes two PCIe-driven Gigabit Ethernet and two USB 2.0 interfaces as well as two DisplayPorts that can be used as an HDMI or DVI connection via an external adapter. A total of eight PCI Express links in the front and back of the G20 enable fast communication. For user-specific applications, the rear I/O also provides eight USB ports, six SATA ports, a Display or HDMI port, as well as a PEG x8 port and five PCI Express x1 links.

MEN Micro also offers the GM1 CompactPCI Serial mezzanine module that leads four of the possible eight Ethernet interfaces specified in the standard to the backplane where they are implemented on CompactPCI Serial connector P6 assembled on the GM1, saving costs and increasing system flexibility.

For building complete systems in a full mesh Ethernet architecture, the G20 can be used with Schroff’s IEEE 1101.10/11-compliant, 19-inch CompactPCISerial rack that offers a system slot and eight peripheral slots on the backplane, with two of the peripheral slots supporting PCI Expressx8. The rack features a pre-wired 460 W ATX wide-range front and two 12 V fans at its bottom for cooling. An optional slim-line DVD drive can be integrated.

The G20 includes an InsydeH2O EFI BIOS specially developed for embedded applications. Different watchdogs for monitoring the processor and board temperature complete the functionality of the SBC, which is shipped with board support packages for Windows and Linux. VxWorks and QNX are available upon request.

The rugged board holds DIN, EN, and IEC certifications to enable its use in harsh environments. It comes coated for use in humid and dusty environments and has a guaranteed minimum standard availability of seven years.