What is an Embedded Processing Unit (EPU) ?

Embedded Processing Unit

Definition - Fully assembled and tested x86 embedded computer based on COM Express form factor.

The EPU concept is based on the flexibility of a 2-board set forming a complete embedded computer product. When you combine two completely separate CPU and I/O modules, tightly sandwiched together, the final product provide a huge range of advantages and a much smaller footprint than equivalent single board computers.

VersaLogic's family of rugged EPU products are designed around the COM Express form factor, and are delivered as fully assembled and tested units (including heat plate).



What's Inside

 

EPUs offer a long list of advantages over other embedded computer board products, including:

• Fast time-to-market 
• Smaller footprint 
•  -40° to +85°C operation 
• Fully tested 
• Available off-the-shelf!

There is also often the added complication of designing a custom carrier card for COM Express modules. EPUs eliminate the effort needed to design with high speed signals, validate the I/O circuits to make sure they work properly, create testing methods for the finished units, etc. The expertise required to create software drivers, BIOS customisation, and API code for the on-board I/O is also removed for easy integration.

EPU modules are almost obsolescence proof. The industry standard form factor means it's really easy to migrate to an EPU with a newer CPU module, but keep your existing I/O configuration and connectors for drop-in compatibility. This is combined with VersaLogic's standard 5-year availability guarantee and Product Life Extension programs for almost completely future-proof technology solutions.

Have a look at the EPU Product Overview to find out more.

If you think one of VersaLogic's rugged, off-the-shelf EPU embedded computer models might be a good fit for your application please give one of our experienced engineers to discuss your requirements.

T: 01672 511166
E: info@sarsen.net  

VersaLogic Releases Intel Skylake-based Rugged Embedded Computer in COM Express Basic Form Factor

Blackbird from VersaLogic is a very high performance embedded computer built around Intel's Skylake processor.

Blackbird is the latest member of the growing family of VersaLogic's EPU (Embedded Processing Unit) format computers. EPUs combine processor, memory, video, and system I/O into a compact fully functioning embedded computer. Supplied fully assembled and tested these computers are based on COM Express standards. Available in dual- and quad-core versions, the Blackbird provides extreme CPU processing and video performance for its compact size.

See Datasheet

At 95 x 125 x 37mm the Blackbird is a small, ultra-rugged embedded x86 computer, combining the new 6th generation Intel® Core "Skylake" processor, with system interfaces and I/O features, in a configuration designed to withstand extreme temperature, impact, and vibration.

Depending on the selected configuration the Blackbird provides up to six times the processing power of Intel's Bay Trail processors, while keeping power consumption as low as 15 Watts. The Blackbird provides compatibility with a broad range of standard x86 application development tools for reduced development time.


"The Blackbird's i5 and i7 Skylake processors deliver amazing compute and video performance, at power levels that are very manageable. The on-board power supply, which accepts 8 to 30 VDC, makes it an easy match for fixed or mobile 12 and 24-volt systems." said Len Crane, President of VersaLogic. "The on-board TPM security chip, USB 3.0 ports, analog inputs and output, and other I/O, make the Blackbird a perfect fit for higher-performance systems."

Built-In Security
The on-board Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security chip can be used to block unauthorised hardware and software access. Additional security support is provided through built-in AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) processor instructions.

Powerful Video Processing
Intel's HD graphics 500 system provides superior graphics performance and is capable of supporting up to two 4K UHD monitors at once. The Skylake GPU can also transcode a 4K video up to 20 percent faster than the previous generation of CPU's. It also supports other graphic technologies such as OpenCL 2.0, DirectX 12, Open GL 4.4, HEVC/H.265 encoding and decoding, and H.264 encoder.
Dual DisplayPort outputs and a single/dual-channel LVDS display output is available.

High Performance I/O Capabilities
On-board I/O includes eight channels of 12-bit programmable Analog Inputs, four channels of 12-bit Analog Output, twenty four Digital I/O lines, I2C and SPI. Also included are two Gigabit Ethernet ports with network boot capability, two USB 3.0, four USB 2.0 host ports, and four serial ports. Two SATA III interfaces support high-capacity rotating or solid-state drives.

Three Mini PCIe sockets provide easy system expansion using plug-in Wi-Fi modems, GPS receivers, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, Firewire, and other mini PCIe cards. These sockets, one with mSATA capabilities, also provide flexible solid-state drive (SSD) options.

Designed, Manufactured and Tested for Extreme Environments
Blackbird is designed and tested for extended temperature (-40° to +85°C) operation and meets MIL-STD-202G specifications for high impact and vibration. The Blackbird is fully compatible with 12 or 24V vehicle applications, and the on-board power regulation supports inputs of 8 to 30 volts to simplify system power supply requirements. Reverse Voltage Protection, and Over Voltage Protection enhances field durability and reliability.

Long-term Availability
The Blackbird is covered by VersaLogic's 5+ year availability guarantee and a 5-year product warranty. VersaLogic's Life Extension programs typically keep products available for 10+ years.

For more information please contact Sarsen Technology.

VersaLogic launches BRAND NEW family of Embedded Single Board Computers

Roughly the size of a credit card and less than one inch thick, the Falcon is the industry’s smallest, lightest weight, and lowest power x86 rugged, embedded computer. 

The new Falcon EPU release from VersaLogic means we are talking to people about all kids of applications, including Mil-Aero, Medical, Security, R&D and Robotics. It’s a really compact board, (weighing under 40g) so it’s also a brilliant solution for use in for portable applications and unmanned systems where Size, Weight and Power consumption (SWaP) are critical design elements. 

It’s the first in a new family of VersaLogic Embedded Processing Units. EPUs combine processor, memory, video, and numerous system interfaces into an extremely compact embedded computer. 

Standard on-board features include up to 2 GB soldered-on RAM and a microSD socket. The standard Type 10 pin-out provides SDVO, LVDS, GbE, SATA, seven USB ports, three x1 PCIe lanes, two COM interfaces, HD audio, LPC, SDIO, GPIO, SMBus, and I2C to the baseboard. VersaLogic also offer an auxiliary board-to-board connector providing two additional COM interfaces, two GPIO lines, and one CAN interface. The Falcon is compatible with most x86 operating systems including Windows, Windows Embedded, Linux, and VxWorks. 

In a departure from their well-established high reliability PC/104 based product line, VersaLogic have applied the same strict quality and manufacturing practices to the PICMG Com Express form factor. Plus, offering a 5+ year availability guarantee and a 2 year warranty as standard on board level products you know your project is in safe hands. 

VersaLogic offer a 45 day evaluation scheme where you can 'try before you buy'. Evals are limited to single quantities of a specific product (including memory and development peripherals) and an evaluation survey needs to be completed before the product can be returned. 

If you would like more information on this exciting new product, or if you'd like to get your name on the list for an evaluation board please give us a call on +44 1672 511166, or email us - info@sarsen.net .