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Embedded Processing Units (EPUs) |
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Simplify your Embedded Computer SearchThe Flexible Embedded ComputersToday embedded computer boards come in all shapes and sizes, so why is it so hard to select one for your application? New applications demand more performance, have power and heat constraints, need higher levels of reliability, and have to fit into a budget. That doesn’t make the selection process simple. VersaLogic’s new EPU embedded computers can put the "easy" back into the selection process. The key is flexibility. EPUs offer a long list of advantages over other embedded computer board products, including:
There are many more advantages, including being almost obsolescence proof. On top of VersaLogic’s standard 5 year availability guarantee and Product Life Extension programs, EPUs support easier technology migration. Migrate to an EPU with a newer CPU module, but keep your existing I/O configuration and connectors for drop-in compatibility. That’s easy migration! EPUs are currently offered with 8 CPU choices (performance levels) and 6 I/O configurations. Select from some of the popular in-stock models below. Built-to-order configurations are also available. For more details on the EPU concept click here.
The EPU StoryThe EPU (Embedded Processing Unit) story revolves around the flexibility of using a 2-board set to form a complete embedded computer product. Creating separate CPU and I/O modules, which are then tightly sandwiched together as a final product, allows for a wide range of advantages compared to a typical single board embedded computer. The anatomy of an EPU product: I/O ModuleWhile baseboard design is touted as "easy", in actuality it can take as long as the CPU design. There are multiple high-speed busses that need specific layout and routing rules: PCIe, DisplayPort, SATA, and USB 3.0 to name a few. In addition, each of these signals needs to be validated to the specification over temperature. CPU Module (COM)Each CPU module has various I/O functions implemented on the board and the signals routed to the inter-board connector. While there is a base requirement for implemented I/O, there are also many options to the specification that differ in implementation from CPU module to CPU module. VersaLogic does the work to match the on-board CPU I/O with the baseboard I/O and provide the necessary BIOS and API's to ease application development. Thermal InterfaceThermal Interface Material (TIM's) are used to transfer heat from the hot components to the heat plate. The purpose it to make sure that all components are properly cooled with no reverses heating of components on the board. Thermal / Mounting SystemAll EPU's are engineered with a heat plate designed specifically to match the CPU module. This plate provides mounting for other thermal extraction technologies (heat sink, etc.) or directly to a system chassis. Various Thermal OptionsVersaLogic offers several optional thermal management products: bolt-on heat sink, fan for the heat sink, and heat pipe adapter. Custom BIOSThe BIOS is written to support the functionality of the COM module as well as the I/O and features on the baseboard. There is never finger-pointing as to who is responsible to make the I/O function. Expansion via Mini PCIe / mSATA socketsThe Mini PCIe card sockets accept a variety of plug-in modules such as Wi-Fi modems, analog to digital converters, GPS receivers, additional Ethernet ports, flash data storage and other small sized plug-in cards for added flexibility. Custom API SoftwareThe Application Specific Interface (API) is provided that allows access to the I/O on the baseboard that is not supported by the operating system. This allows the software developer to easily access the functionality during initial development. When migrating to a new VersaLogic platform, the API allow easy of software portability. Various Thermal OptionsVersaLogic offers several optional thermal management products: bolt-on heat sink, fan for the heat sink, and heat pipe adapter. One of the keys to the EPUs success is that the CPU and I/O modules are not sold individually or left to the user to assemble correctly. All units are sold assembled and tested as a fully functional embedded computer. The unit is handled as a single piece, ready to install in your device. The advantages of VersaLogic’s EPU products include:
Myth vs. RealityAre there other ways to get this degree of flexibility? Yes. You can “roll your own” EPU-type product using COM modules that are available from a number of suppliers. If you have the R&D resources available, you can design your own I/O “carrier board” to connect with a commercial COM (processor) module, and then have the carrier card manufactured. It takes quite of bit of expertise to design with high speed signals, implement a validation program to make sure the I/O circuits work properly, and create a testing process for the finished board. Add in some effort for software drivers, BIOS customization, and API code to support your on-board I/O, and you’re almost over the finish line. Many EPU purchasers started out on a “build-it-yourself” plan, and quickly realized that the challenges and costs and time delays involved are substantial. Purchasing a carefully designed, fully validated EPU product today, is hard to compare to investing a year or two of development effort in hopes that the final in-house design will function as needed. |
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