Starter Kits Aid Integration With Qseven Modules

MSC Vertriebs is offering Qseven Starter Kits based on MSC's Qseven modules, featuring a 70 x 70mm form factor and the Intel Atom processor. These kits simplify the evaluation of and the integration with this new technology. The kits are based on the new 3.5in platform board Q7-MB-EP1 and offer a variety of useful interfaces. Along with the kit, the user can select a suitable Qseven module from the MSC portfolio. Additionally, the kit features a Qseven Heatspreader, a ready-to-run Linux installation on USB Flash Stick and a suitable 12V power supply.

The evaluation kit is optionally available with a TFT panel, including a suitable cable kit. The starter kit does not yet contain a Qseven module. Instead the user is encouraged to order their Qseven module of choice so that the kit always uses the module with the most suitable processor speed and feature set from the MSC range of Qseven modules with Intel Atom processor. The Q7-MB-EP1 combines the most important interfaces for embedded applications on a compact 3.5in printed circuit board (pcb) with the following features: Qseven module socket, Mini-PCI-Express socket, MMC/SD Card socket, VGA/CRT and LVDS interfaces, two SATA interfaces and four USB connectors, on-board four/five-wire touch controller for resistive touch panels, six-channel HD audio codec, serial interface and 10-28V power converter.

These features make the Qseven carrier board suitable for a range of embedded applications, from industrial controls to information kiosks and POS systems, to name just a few. For the Qseven Starter Kit, the chosen module will be mounted on the EP1 baseboard and covered with the Qseven Heatspreader, which acts as a heat sink and effects a steady distribution of the resulting heat. In addition, an aluminium rail called Heatrail leads heat from the underside of the module down to the metallisation of the carrier board's PCB. For small housing with little air circulation, an optional heatsink may be mounted on the heatspreader.

For operation without LCD, a CRT/VGA output connector is available on the baseboard. Alternatively, an LVDS TFT panel may be connected using the JILI30 interface of the carrier board. A starter kit with an optional TFT is also available, and MSC can also offer a selection of further LCD panels from its product portfolio, encompassing many renowned LCD manufacturers. A 12V power supply with suitable cables is enclosed in the delivery so that the starter kit may be powered up immediately after unwrapping. To further alleviate the integration of Qseven modules, a 4GB USB Flash stick is included, which contains a ready-to-run, bootable Ubuntu 9.10 Linux installation. Manuals, drivers and additional tools can be found on the included resource CD. The carrier case of the starter kit also contains a comprehensive start-up manual.

EASIC In-A-Box Kits Make ASIC Design Accessible

EASIC has announced the availability of two ASIC-in-a-Box design kits that enable ASIC design to be widely accessible. Through simplifying the design flow, the design kits allow engineers who are unfamiliar with ASIC design to quickly complete designs. Nextreme ASICs are constructed to help simplify design, verification and silicon processing steps within the overall flow.

The ASIC-in-a-Box design kits provide software and documentation for completing and implementing Nextreme chip designs, and also deliver board design and debug guidelines for designing systems that incorporate Nextreme devices.

The kits contain: EASIC's eTools software suite that includes utilities for configuring PLLs/clocks, assigning pins/pads, generating memories and post-placement configuration; and DRC Magma DA's Blast RTL software for performing synthesis and placement; documentation and design tutorials to accelerate design implementation; JTAG programming cable for configuration and debug; and technical support website access. Designers can choose from one of two design kits.