ADLINK ReadyBoard 910 - Manual (Page 9)

ReadyBoard 910 Reference Manual 3
Chapter 2 Product Overview
This overview presents general information about the EPIC form factor and the ReadyBoard 910 Single
Board Computer (SBC). After reading this chapter you should understand:
• EPIC architecture
• Product Description
• ReadyBoard 910 features
• Major components
• Connectors
• Specifications
EPIC Architecture
In 2004, five companies collaborated to fill the void between the EBX size and the PC/104 size with a new
industry standard form factor (115mm x 165mm, or 4.5" x 6.5") called “Embedded Platform for Industrial
Computing
 (EPIC).” The EPIC standard principally defines physical size, mounting hole pattern, and
power connector locations. It does not specify processor type or electrical characteristics. There are
recommended connector placements for I/O, graphics, and memory expansion. This embedded SBC
standard ensures that embedded system OEMs can standardize their designs and that full featured embedded
computing solutions can be designed into even more space constrained environments than ever before.
The EPIC standard boasts the same highly flexible and adaptable system expansion as EBX, allowing easy
and modular addition of functions such as Firewire or wireless networking not usually contained in standard
product offerings. The EBX system expansion is based on popular existing industry standards, PC/104 ,
PC/104-Plus , and PCI-104. PC/104 places the ISA bus on compact 3.6" x 3.8" modules with self-
stacking capability. PC/104-Plus adds the power of a PCI bus to PC/104 while retaining the basic form
factor, but PCI-104 expansion cards only provide the PCI Bus to the PC/104 form factor. Using PC/104
expansion cards, an EPIC board can be easily adapted to meet a variety of embedded applications. See
Figures 2-1 and 2-2 .
The EPIC standard also brings stability to the mid-sized embedded board market and offers OEMs assurance
that a wide range of products will be available from multiple sources – now and in the future. The EPIC
specification is freely available to all interested companies, and may be used without licenses or royalties.
For further technical information on the EPIC standard, visit the web site at:
http://www.pc104.org/epic_specs.php .
Figure 2-1. Typical ReadyBoard and PC/104 Module Stack
EPICstackthru
nuts
or chassis standoffs
(4)
I/O
Connectors
PC/104 Plus Module
ReadyBoard (EPIC-Compatible)
ISA Bus
Expansion
Connectors
Stackthrough
0.8 inch spacers (4)
PCI Bus
Stack
Connectors
through
screws or
(0.6 inch spacers (4)
for next board)
(4)
0.6 inch spacers (4)
PC/104 Module