RISC-based processor modules can be used as “supercomponents“ which can lead to a reduction of the development process, writes Peter Eckelmann, product marketing manager for embedded computing technology at MSC Vertriebs
The technical requirements for hardware design with recent 32-bit RISC microcontrollers have become as high as for an x86 development. That is one of the reasons why more and more designers are choosing pre-fabricated processor modules which encase the gigahertz signalling requirements and the complex pcb layout with more than 10 layers in the module, and which already come with drivers and operating system implementations.
Similar to embedded modules incorporating PC technology, e.g. COM-Express, ETX and Qseven which have long been an industry standard, there are modular approaches for RISC processors on the market which aim to reduce the design effort of the users. This effort will then mainly consist of providing a suitable socket for the processor module chosen and the adaptation of the I/O interface signals.
This application-specific part would be solved by the developer in most cases, while the RISC processor with his main functional components such as memory and standard periphery can be considered a “supercomponent” which does not have to be invented from scratch every time. Much rather can the processor core including boot loader and Board Support Package (BSP) be purchased from outside bringing about a strong decrease of the complete system’s development time.
As opposed to PC processors with their limited set of I/O interfaces, there are RISC processors for embedded applications with a more or less comprehensive periphery on the chip depending on part type and manufacturer.
For a module with RISC processors, a standardisation on only a few interfaces would be inadequate, so that as yet there is no widely accepted popular standard in the world of RISC processor modules. But the newly-extended nanoRISC module family from MSC represents an eligible candidate which covers most requirements for interface diversity and functional flexibility for embedded applications, but still features compact size and tight financial economy.
The nanoRISC family is a series of compact and inexpensive processor modules which uses the robust and cheap Qseven connector. Having been the standard extension socket for graphics cards in notebook computers for years, this connector has already served the Qseven PC modules very well. Recently an automotive version of this MXM connector has been introduced.
nanoRISC Module S5PC100
The first member of the nanoRISC family was already announced a few months ago. It is based on the Samsung Cortex-A8 S5PC100, an ARM processor clocked at 667 or 833MHz which features a 2D/3D graphics accelerator that enables video displays up to Full-HD (720p). The module provides up to 512Mbytes DDR2 DRAM, up to 4Gbytes NAND flash (which can be extended by a microSD or eMMC card on the module) and touch interfaces.
Ethernet, USB, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, Real-Time-Clock, PWM, Watchdog and system monitoring are proof of the ample multitude of interfaces, completed by a digital camera input and RGB-TTL, HDMI and TV-Out outputs. The power consumption is typically around 2...2,5W.
Even more powerful than the first nanoRISC module is the newly-announced second processor module which features the Samsung Cortex-A8 S5PV210. This ARM processor is clocked at 800MHz or 1GHz and offers superior computing and graphics performance. Displays connected to the HDMI port can show a resolution up to FULL-HD (1,920 x 1,080), while LCD contacted directly via RGB-TTL signals may feature up to 1,366 x 768 pixels (HD).
Up to 1GB DDR DRAM and up to 4GB NAND flash memory may be soldered on the module, and all other I/O features are identical to the S5PC100 module. Power dissipation is typically 2.5 Watts.
Because of the complete hardware and software compatibility, both modules can be operated on the same platform (baseboard). For applications requiring higher computing and/or graphics performance, the new S5PV210 module should be selected, while the S5PC100 module lends itself for lower requirements or headless systems.
The nanoRISC form factor is 50 x 79 mm, and the modules may be populated with RISC processors of different performance classes. The resulting power consumption is between 2 and 3 Watts, so that usually no cooling will be required. The first available modules feature Cortex-A8 ARM processors, but MSC already indicates that new members of the nanoRISC family with ARM-9 processors are in development. For later MSC is contemplating modules with ARM-11 and even Cortex-A9 (dual core) processors. With these, the resulting family would offer a wide choice from 400MHz to 1GHz and compatible product classes of different performance and price.
nanoRISC 3.5“ Baseboard MB2
The nanoRISC specification defines a minimum set of I/O interfaces which are mandatory, and a maximum set which is defined by the pin-out of the 230-pin connector to the baseboard. Therefore, if a particular module only uses the minimal interface set, then each other nanoRISC module may be inserted in order to achieve more or less compute power (scalability) or a different price point. MSC promises the availability of each nanoRISC module for 5 years after introduction, while mostly there will also be compatible successor products.
Drivers and Board Support Packages (BSP) for Windows CE and Linux are available for all nanoRISC modules. Additionally, starter kits are offered consisting of a 3.5” baseboard with connectors for most I/O interfaces of the nanoRISC modules, a 7” TFT Display and a power supply. Linux is already installed so that the kit can be booted up immediately after reception. These starter kits can also be used as starting point for a board development with the Samsung processor used on the chosen module.
Target applications for nanoRISC-based systems can be found everywhere where ARM-based applications with their inherently low power consumption and relatively high graphics and computing performance can be identified. Among these are industrial control and automation, Digital Signage, POI (Point of Information) and POS (Point of Sales) as well as medical systems, communication equipment and all portable, battery-powered systems.
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