Embedded Computer Pioneer's First Product Based on This Leading Embedded
Architecture Expands Line to 3 CPU Architectures; Further Validates Platform's
Processor Independence
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampro Computers, Inc., the
inventor and leading supplier of PC/104 and EBX form-factor single board
computers for embedded applications, today introduced the EnCore(TM) PP1
module, the first entry in its new EnCore family of high integration embedded
processor modules based on a PowerPC(TM)-compliant microprocessor. Ampro
combined Motorola's 300MHz MPC8245 integrated host processor with a fast 66MHz
PCI-bus interface, SDRAM memory and additional I/O to provide a complete
standards-based CPU subsystem on a small form-factor circuit board assembly.
Like all EnCore modules, the EnCore PP1 relieves developers of most of the
processor-development overhead in creating an embedded system. Yet unlike most
single board computers, EnCore modules are easy to incorporate in a customized
embedded design by interfacing to a custom logic board or baseboard. EnCore
modules communicate with a baseboard via a PCI bus interface and standard I/O
signals. Since the EnCore-to-baseboard interface avoids processor
dependencies, EnCore modules with various processor architectures can be
easily interchanged on a common baseboard. Ampro also provides boot-ready
operating system Board Support Packages for the EnCore PP1 supporting both
Linux(R) and the VxWorks(TM) real-time operating system (RTOS) from Wind River
Systems, Inc.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990503/AMPROLOGO )
"The EnCore PP1 can shorten product development by up to 40 weeks," said
Paul Rosenfeld, vice president of marketing for Ampro Computers, Inc. "EnCore
processors eliminate the need to design, bring up and debug the CPU and the
need to port or configure an operating system. And since all EnCore processors
are fully compatible, the new EnCore PP1 enables OEM designers to create a
single application board and trade off performance, power consumption and cost
against Ampro's x86- and MIPS-based EnCore modules."
"Networking and communications equipment vendors are looking for faster
ways of getting their next-generation routers, switches, and network storage
systems to market," said Thomas Fehr, director of strategic marketing for
Motorola's Networking and Computing Systems Group. "We're happy to see Ampro
bring their EnCore family of high integration embedded processor modules to
the PowerPC instruction set architecture and Motorola's MPC8245. Together,
this module and our MPC8245 processor deliver a comprehensive off-the-shelf
MPC8245 processor subsystem-speeding time-to-market and time-to-revenue for
advanced networking equipment."
"By extending its EnCore line to embrace the PowerPC ISA, in addition to
x86 and MIPS(R) architectures, Ampro offers potential time-to-market benefits
to a much wider group of interested OEMs," says Paul Zorfass, senior analyst
with International Data Corp./FTI, Framingham, MA. "By keeping price points
close to the cost of custom-developed boards, Ampro has an opportunity to
establish a leadership position in a high volume segment of the merchant
boards market."
"The Computers-on-Modules approach, of which Ampro's EnCore series is a
prime example, has the potential to really change the embedded board
business," states Eric Gulliksen, market analyst at Venture Development Corp.,
Natick, MA. "In addition to reducing time to market for OEMs," he adds, "they
now can upgrade their CPUs without having to redesign their system. They can
simply plug a higher-performance EnCore module into the carrier board they
already designed. Expanding the EnCore line to include the popular
PowerPC-compliant microprocessors is a good move."
The EnCore product family now provides a choice of the PowerPC ISA, MIPS32
or three Intel Architecture (x86) CPUs ranging from 486 to Pentium(R) III.
Each module provides a processor along with a rich set of standard peripherals
and I/O. All EnCore modules provide: 10/100BaseT Ethernet, serial, parallel,
USB and sound. For program storage, designers can choose from flash, IDE
(including CompactFlash) or floppy. Some EnCore modules provide 2D/3D graphics
and flat panel controllers and a second 10/100 BaseT Ethernet controller. Best
of all, each EnCore is ready to run VxWorks or Linux.
The EnCore PP1 CPU module will be demonstrated at the Embedded Systems
Conference, Booth #1234, March 13-15 at Moscone Center in San Francisco. Beta
units are available in 30 days with production in second quarter of 2002.
EnCore PP1 is priced under $300 in volume. For more information, visit
http://www.ampro.com.
About the EnCore PP1
The EnCore PP1 incorporates a 300MHz MPC8245 processor with a built-in
66MHz PCI bus interface. It supports up to 512MB SODIMM SDRAM and provides 2MB
Flash memory with Ampro universal bootloader / monitor software. As with all
EnCore modules, the EnCore PP1 provides the functionality of a complete
embedded CPU subsystem in a small, 100x145mm, format. On-board I/O includes a
10/100BaseT Ethernet controller, JTAG interface, two serial ports, two USB
ports, enhanced Ultra 33/66 EIDE interface to two drives, floppy disk
controller, PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports, IrDA port, an ECP/EPP bidirectional
parallel port and an AC97 audio interface.
About Ampro Computers, Inc.
Ampro Computers, Inc. is the leading global provider of modular embedded
computing solutions for OEM applications. Ampro's mission is to provide time
saving solutions for embedded systems designers that accelerate the product
deployment process. Ampro pioneered the embedded PC industry creating the
popular PC/104 and EBX standards. The new EnCore family enables designers to
obtain all the benefits of an off-the-shelf CPU solution while maintaining the
flexibility of a full custom design. In addition to EnCore, Ampro offers three
product lines; PC/104-compatible CoreModule CPUs and MiniModule expansion
products, and EBX form factor Little Board single-board computers (SBC). Ampro
was awarded EDN magazine's "Innovation 2000" for computers, boards and buses
for the initial EnCore announcement. For more information on Ampro Computers,
visit http://www.ampro.com .
NOTE: AMPRO is a registered trademark and EnCore, Little Board,
CoreModule and MiniModule are trademarks of Ampro Computers, Inc. All other
trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
SOURCE Ampro Computers, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.ampro.com
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990503/AMPROLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
CONTACT:
Paul Wcislo of Ampro Computers, Inc.,
+1-408-360-4324, or pwcislo@ampro.com; or Bruce LeBoss of
ChipShots, Inc., +1-408-541-8744, or leboss@chipshots.com, for
Ampro Computers, Inc.
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