Qseven scalability QUICK CHECK

The ability to transition between x86 and ARM embedded computer processors is critical for low-volume medical applications because a single carrier board – often the most costly component of a COM architecture – can suit the needs of both graphics-intensive systems and platforms that require more mobility and lower power. In addition to reducing Time-To-Market (TTM), this decreases Bill Of Materials (BOM) costs and eases Board Support Package (BSP) implementation, says Christoph Budelmann, General Manager, Budelmann Elektronik GmbH in Münster, Germany (www.budelmann-elektronik.com).

“Scalability is a key factor, especially for lower embedded computer volumes, and the Qseven standard offers the possibility to use the same baseboard with different processors depending on the user’s needs,” Budelmann says. “Some users only need a small control unit and prefer a simple ARM processor, whereas other customers want to implement large screens and need the graphical power of an x86 system. Of course, this can also be the case in medical applications. Even if the baseboard has to be adapted to very special demands, this is less complex than switching from a pure ARM platform to an x86 platform or vice versa. In the majority of cases, only some drivers, such as Ethernet PHY, have to be exchanged whereas the real application software can remain the same.”

refer to: http://smallformfactors.com/articles/qseven-coms-healthcare-mobile/

Trivias about DDR3L

DDR3L memory modules resolve the embedded computer double refresh rate requirement by selecting the lowest total electrical current, incorporating thermal-relief copper pour methodology PCB design, reducing chip count, and utilizing 1.35 V DDR3 Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM). Compared to current DDR3 designs, DDR3L memory can save up to +10 °C per module and remove the double refresh rate requirement. DDR3L VLP memory embedded computer module helps improve airflow and provides a low profile, allowing OEMs to offer higher-reliability products that reduce total cost of ownership. Specific DDR3L VLP modules also offer single refresh rates, which are now essential to maximize performance in high-temperature systems.

refer to : http://embedded-computing.com/articles/ruggedization-memory-module-design/

Innovation driven by In-Vehicle electronics

High-end electronics provide drivers and passengers with in-car navigation and in-vehicle entertainment and information delivered over a wireless network. In fact, many car buyers today care more about the infotainment embedded system in the dashboard than what’s under the hood. This phenomenon is requiring additional in-vehicle storage space for rich multimedia data and advanced software and applications and is driving an explosive growth of both volatile and nonvolatile memories. Embedded multimedia cards are helping meet this demand in today’s memory-hungry automotives.

The automotive market is moderately but steadily growing. Global car sales rose 6 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2012, despite the ongoing headwinds associated with the sovereign debt problems in Western Europe and some moderation in the pace of global economic activity. Global sales of passenger in-vehicle cars and light commercial vehicles are expected to grow from 78 million units in 2011 to more than 100 million units in 2018. In a recent study, Gartner confirmed that electronics are playing a major role in the advancement of automotive technology. Electronic content in cars has been steadily increasing since the first digital engine control modules were introduced in the ’80s.

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/articles/automotive-industry-innovation-driven-electronics/#at_pco=cfd-1.0

Credit card sized SBC

Vehicle PC, Embedded pc, single board computer

 

The initial goal in creating the Raspberry Pi credit card sized, Linux-based Single Board Computer (SBC) – targeted primarily at education – was to develop a response to the decline of students engaging with computer science and related engineering disciplines. Our desire was to reverse the trend of children becoming consumers rather than creators. The following case study follows the hardware development process from an early failure, initial prototypes, and through to the finished production design.
Over recent years there has been an increasing trend for children to be consumers of digital content rather than be future creators or engineers. This trend is driven by manufacturers looking to provide a seamless experience for target customers on a variety of electronic platforms, from gaming consoles to tablets and laptop computers.

refer to :http://embedded-computing.com/articles/case-card-sized-sbc/

Technologies enable true IVI experiences

fanless embedded systems, gaming platform, single board computer

Technologies enable true IVI experiences

Although major automotive manufacturers have already begun introducing various IVI technologies, enabling true in-vehicle wireless entertainment requires standards-based technologies built on a single System-on-Chip. The next wave of IVI applications will rely heavily on three wireless technologies – Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Near Field Communication– built on one combination radio chip. And as the market continues to evolve, OEMs will need in-vehicle to leverage traditional Wi-Fi rolling hot spots to offer vehicle-to-vehicle communications such as traffic management, incident avoidance, and social networking.

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/articles/wireless-accelerate-next-wave-in-vehicle-innovation/

Cloud security meets embedded systems

Fanless embedded system, in vehicle pc, Industrial PC

Cloud computing has demonstrated embedded computer cost savings and operational efficiency benefits for the private sector and now Department of Defense (DoD) IT managers are exploring the concept for enterprise and tactical applications. However, DoD planners are moving much more cautiously to assure they have plugged all the potential embedded computer inherent in something as nebulous as a virtual cloud.

refer to : http://mil-embedded.com/articles/cloud-security-the-dod/

 

Engineered embedded COTS for network systems

In recent years, embedded building, maintaining, and evolving proprietary network systems for telecom-grade applications that are highly available and “always on” have become increasingly prohibitive from the perspective of cost, risk management, time to revenue, and so on. The embedded custom-built approach becomes even less cost effective as Communications Service Providers (CSPs) move toward offering cloud-based services, where they have to compete with non-traditional providers that offer such services on networks built using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) building blocks….

refer to: http://xtca-systems.com/articles/engineered-cots-network-systems/

New Atom series solutions for customer

Fanless embedded system, in vehicle pc, Industrial PC

 

New Atom series solutions which include AMB-D255T1 Mini-ITX industrial mainboard and AMB-N280S1 fanless 3.5-inch single board computer. AMB-D255T1 is equipped with an Intel D2550 Atom processor. AMB-N280S1 is equipped with an Intel N2800 Atom. Both have a 5~7 year product warranty.

 

Stacked up: amazing gaming platform

Fanless embedded system, in vehicle pc, Industrial PC
Fanless embedded system, in vehicle pc, Industrial PC

Mezzanine modules are an important gaming platform element to many board form factors. They grew out of a necessity to gain more board real estate or to incorporate modular flexibility to the original form factor. In the early days, few, if any, standards for mezzanines existed. However, over time, standards emerged to make it easier to incorporate mezzanines into designs.

Ecosystems for various mezzanine form gaming platform at various levels, making some more popular than others. Companies still continue to develop proprietary mezzanines to meet specific requirements, and this is expected to continue as long as board-level components exist.

refer to: http://vita-technologies.com/articles/stacked-standardizing-mezzanine-modules/

Micromax’s giving WOW factors in Embedded World 2013

Fanless embedded system, in vehicle pc, Industrial PC
Fanless embedded system, in vehicle pc, Industrial PC
MicroMax announced today it is exhibiting its M-Max 810 PR/MS3, an ATR-based system for avionics, at Embedded World 2013 in Nuremberg.

MicroMax embedded Computer was founded in New York, USA, in 1979. It specializes in designing and manufacturing of embedded solutions for harsh environments, systems development and distribution of industrial computing and communication products.

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/news/micromax-exhibited-embedded-world-in-nuremburg/#at_pco=cfd-1.0