CoreModule/XTPlus

Ultra-compact PC-compatible, stackable module

• Includes all PC motherboard functions:
  • 16 MHz, 16-bit NEC V51 CPU
  • 2M bytes onboard DRAM
• Other built-in functions:
  • Dual-serial and parallel controller
  • Bootable "Solid State Disk" option
  • Watchdog timer
  • Real time clock
• Ultra compact PC/104 form-factor
• Very low power consumption (1.4 watts)
• Stackable PC/104 expansion

The CoreModule/XTPlus offers a high performance PC compatible subsystem in a compact, preconfigured module. Within just 14 square inches of space, the CoreModule/XTPlus includes the equivalent functions of a PC motherboard plus several additional expansion cards.

Designs that formerly required single-chip microcontrollers can now benefit from an off-the-shelf module with the power of a 16 MHz, 16-bit NEC V51 (V30 core) CPU, along with hardware and software standards like PC and MS-DOS compatibility.

The CoreModule/XTPlus is designed to meet the demands of embedded systems, through its extreme compactness, low power consumption, +5V-only operation, wide operating temperature range, ruggedness, and high reliability.

Configuration Flexibility

The CoreModule/XTPlus can be used as a component-like module, plugged into a custom circuit card, or it can be combined with Ampro's PC/104 compatible MiniModule expansion products to form compact, highly integrated control subsystems. Multiple modules can be stacked together without the cost and space penalties of additional mounting hardware, or they can be separately mounted on a custom circuit board.

Solid State Disk Reliability

One of the unique features of the CoreModule/XTPlus is its pair of byte-wide memory device sockets. These are typically used as a Solid State Disk (SSD), substituting EPROM, Flash EPROM, or nonvolatile RAM (NOVRAM) memory devices for conventional disk drives. Using Ampro's SSD Support Software, any DOS-based software - including the operating system, programming languages, drivers, and application programs - can easily be run from SSD without modification.

Enhanced BIOS

Another important feature of the CoreModule/XTPlus is its inclusion of enhanced BIOS services and functions that meet the unique requirements of embedded microcomputer system applications. A partial list of these BIOS enhancements appears in the specifications section of this data sheet.

SPECIFICATIONS

PC MOTHERBOARD FUNCTIONS

• 16-bit NEC V51 CPU, 16 MHz (V30 core, 8086 superset)
• System DRAM:
  • 2M bytes onboard DRAM
  • LIM 4.0 compatible EMS memory management
• 3 DMA channels (8237 equivalent)
• 8 interrupt channels (8259 equivalent)
• 3 programmable counter/timers (8254 equivalent)
• PC-compatible keyboard port
• Speaker port with 0.1 watt drive
• 8-bit PC/104 expansion bus
• Award ROM-BIOS with Ampro extensions

ADDITIONAL ONBOARD FUNCTIONS

• Real time clock; requires external 3.0-3.6V battery (Tadiran TL-5242/W or equivalent)
• Serial/parallel controller:
  • Two PC-compatible COM ports with full handshaking (82C50 equivalent)
  • On-board generation of +/-9V for RS232C signal levels
  • Parallel printer port with bidirectional data lines
• Two 32-pin byte-wide memory sockets:
  • One DIP socket, usable with 32K-1M byte EPROMs, 32K-512K Flash EPROMs, or 32K-512K SRAMs
  • One PLCC socket, usable with 128K-1M byte EPROMs or 32K-512K Flash EPROMs
  • RTC backup battery converts SRAM in DIP socket to NOVRAM
  • Software-controlled +12V programming power for Flash EPROM
  • Software-controlled write protect
  • Configurable as 32K-, 64K-, or 128K-byte window, addressed in the range D0000-EFFFFh
• 1K-bit configuration EEPROM, with 512 bits for OEM use
• Watchdog timer:
  • Utilizes real time clock alarm function
  • Timeout triggers hardware reset or non-maskable interrupt

BIOS ENHANCEMENTS

• Solid State Disk (SSD) support:
  • Substitutes EPROM, Flash EPROM or NOVRAM devices for normal floppy drives
  • SSDs may coexist with standard floppy and/or hard disk drives
• SCSI services:
  • Supports DOS-based system operation using a wide variety of SCSI drives
  • Adds a unique SCSI/BIOS function to simplify development of custom SCSI applications
  • SCSI and IDE hard disks may coexist
• Extended floppy services: supports all PC and PC/AT capacities, including 360K, 720K, 1.2M, and 1.44M byte formats
• Watchdog timer support: initializes onboardwatchdog timer: adds BIOS function for use by application software
• Serial console option: substitutes an ASCII terminal or other serially-connected device for the standard PC keyboard and display
• Serial loader: allows download of executable code from a remote device prior to system boot
• EEPROM access function: provides high level access to the 512-bit nonvolatile OEM data area in the configuration EEPROM
• OEM "hooks:" execute custom code prior to system boot; allows system customization without BIOS modification

MECHANICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL

• Size: 3.6 x 3.8 x 0.6* in. (90 x 96 x 15 mm) *(Add 0.3 in. (8 mm) for stackthrough pins)
• Power requirement:
  • +5V +/-5% at 270 mA (typical, includes 2M RAM)
  • +12V required for Flash EPROM programming
• Operating environment:
  • 0 to 70 C temperature
  • 5% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing
• Storage temperature: -55 to +85 C
• Weight: 2.5oz. (70 gm)

NOTE: Contact Ampro for custom configurations and extended temperature information.

ORDERING INFORMATION

When ordering, refer to the following model numbers:

• CMX-XTP-K-53 Development Kit, CoreModule/XTPlus, 2M RAM
• CMX-XTP-Q-53 CoreModule/XTPlus, 2M bytes RAM (Quantity Orders)
• CBL-XTP-Q-01 CoreModule cable set (2 serial, parallel, utility, and DC power)

CoreModule/XTPlus Development Kits include: CoreModule/XTPlus with 2M byte of RAM, DR DOS operating system, interface cable set (2 serial, parallel, utility, DC power), backup battery, technical manuals, utility software, and mounting hardware. Quantity orders include only the CoreModule/XTPlus (with 2M bytes RAM).

To make a development system, you install the CoreModule/XTPlus Development Kit on a CoreModule Development Chassis along with a MiniModule/FSS (for floppy, serial, and SCSI interfaces) and the video controller of your choice. Select from the following optional modules to create a fully integrated system tailored to your application (refer to the MiniModule Products section of this catalog for complete technical and ordering information on MiniModule expansion modules):

Development Chassis

• EXP-CHS-K-03 CoreModule Development Chassis (110V)
• EXP-CHS-K-04 CoreModule Development Chassis (220V)

The CoreModule Development Chassis includes a module carrier board (provides two headers for stacking CoreModule and MiniModules), 50W power supply, 1.2M floppy drive, 2-slot backplane, all appropriate interface and power cables, and technical manual.

Disk Interfaces

• MMX-FSS-K-51 Development Kit, MiniModule/FSS (floppy, serial, and SCSI interfaces)

The above development kit includes: MiniModule/FSS, interface cables (floppy, serial, and SCSI), and technical manuals. Consult the section on MiniModule Products for additional technical and ordering information.

Please contact your local Ampro representative or Ampro Sales Administration for ordering information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
TRILOGIC
187 Ballardvale Park
Wilmington, MA 01887
Fax: 508-657-5927
Phone: 508-658-3800