x86 processor maker Via Technologies has up-graded its 100x72mm Pico-ITX motherboard, and simplified its connections easing industrial use.

Most connections now come out through two long single-in-line pin headers. "Linear on-board pin-header placement means developers can use a single cable to connect various I/O devices in a streamlined way that reduces cable clutter," said Via.

"I/O connectivity through pin-headers and bundled companion cards include a Gigabit Ethernet port, a CRT/DVI header, a LVDS port, a COM port, three audio jacks, four USB 2.0 ports, a PS/2 port and an LPC/SM Bus/GPIO pin header."

In a further attempt to reduce necessary volume around the board, the firm has integrated a 12V power adapter coupled with the 5V S-SATA power cable to remove the need for a separate power daughterboard.

To add conventional PC-style connectors, two I/O companion boards are available, one per single-in-line connector. P700-A has an RJ45, VGA and a COM port, while P700-B sports four USB ports and three audio jacks for multi-channel audio.

The motherboard, dubbed EPIA P700, is based on Via's VX700 unified digital media IGP chipset with either a 1GHz C7 or fanless 500MHz Eden ULV processor. It includes both an onboard IDE and S-ATA II port.

"Flexible battery placement is also geared towards improved miniaturisation, making the VIA EPIA P700 the most slim line Pico-ITX board yet," claimed Via.

See also: Electronics Weekly's focus on x86 microprocessors, a roundup of content related to x86 microprocessor technologies and developments.