Embedded World 2017

Date: 14-16 March 2017
Location: Nuremberg, Germany
Visit: www.embedded-world.de

Whether your business is IT security for electronic systems, distributed intelligence, the Internet of Things or e-mobility and energy efficiency – the Embedded World Trade Fair in Nuremberg enables you to experience the whole world of embedded systems.

Over 930 exhibitors and numerous speakers from 42 countries will be presenting on a diverse selection of topics, ranging from construction elements through modules and full systems, operating systems, hard and software to services. The show is likely to welcome more than 30,000 trade visitors and approximately 1,700 conference participants from 73 countries.

Christos Flouris from Sarsen Technology will be at the show on 15th March, and will be supporting VersaLogic and DAVE Embedded Systems on their respective stands. Selwyn Henriques from EIZO Rugged Solutions will also be there throughout the show, and will be available to discuss your embedded video and graphics requirements.

DAVE Embedded Systems - Hall 4 - Stand 481: ARM Cortex, PowerPC and FPGA based embedded solutions for the future of industrial IoT.
VersaLogic - Hall 3 - Stand 259: State-of-the-art x86 COTS embedded computers based on PC/104 architecture.

If you'd like to meet with Christos, Selwyn or anyone from VersaLogic or DAVE Embedded Systems please get in touch to secure a time.

info@sarsen.net
+44 1672 511166

VersaLogic Announces New PC/104-Plus Computer with Intel "Bay Trail" Processor at Embedded World 2016

VersaLogic has used their attendance at embedded world 2016 to announce the release of the newest PC/104 board in their product line.

You can see the board for yourself on the VersaLogic stand at embedded world - Hall 4 - 550.

The "BayCat" is a rugged PC/104-Plus single board computer (SBC), based on Intel's highly successful "Bay Trail" System-on-Chip (SoC). BayCat combines high performance, low power consumption, enhanced security, and backwards compatibility with systems using PC/104-Plus ISA or PCI expansion.

Features

• Intel Atom "Bay Trail" Processor
  Up to 1.9 GHz clock rate. Quad, dual or single core options. Low power consumption.
• High-performance Video
  Integrated Intel Gen 7 graphics core supports DirectX 11, OpenGL 3, and H.264, MPEG-2 encoding/decoding. Analog and dual DisplayPort video outputs; both outputs support multiple display modes including Extended Desktop and Clone.
• Trusted Platform Module
  On-board TPM security chip can lock out unauthorized hardware and software.
• RAM
  Up to 8 GB DDR3L socketed memory (one SO-DIMM).
• Network
  Dual Ethernet interfaces, autodetect 10BaseT / 100BaseTX / 1000BaseT with remote boot support.
• Industrial I/O
  One USB 3.0 port and four USB 2.0 ports support keyboard, mouse, and other devices. Dual RS-232/422/485 serial ports, three 8254 timer/counters, I²C, PWM output, and audio support .
• Digital I/O
  Twenty-four 3.3V digital I/O lines
• SATA
  3 Gb/s SATA port. Supports rotating or solid state SATA drive.
• Mini PCIe socket
  Supports Wi-Fi modems, GPS receivers, flash data storage with auto-detect mSATA flash storage support, and other mini PCIe modules.
• SPI Interface
  Supports SPI and SPX devices, including low cost analog and digital modules.
• Main Power Input
  5V Input ±5%
• PC/104 Expansion
  Legacy PCI connector, stack-down
• PC/104 Expansion
  Legacy ISA connector, stack-down
• Industrial Temperature
  -40° to +85°C operation for harsh environments
• PC/104 Form Factor
  Industry-standard PC/104-Plus expansion
• MIL-STD-202G
  Qualified for high shock/vibration operation
• OS Compatibility: 10 Windows/8/7/XP, Windows Embedded Std. 7/XPe, Linux, VxWorks, QNX, DOS

As with all VersaLogic products, the BayCat is designed to support OEM applications where high reliability and long-term availability are essential. From application design-in support, to its 10+ year extended life programs and the 5 year warranty, the BayCat provides a durable embedded computer solution with an excellent cost of ownership.

Contact Sarsen Technology for more information.

General Standards - Frequently Asked Questions

General Standards Corporation develops and manufactures the highest-performance Analog I/O, Digital I/O and Serial I/O products based upon a variety of buses such as PMC, PCI, VME, PC/104 and cPCI.

Their extensive product line (currently over 70 different products) includes I/O boards, high speed links, cables,and software drivers, all designed to increase your system performance, improve your software integration, and maximise your development productivity.

As part of their ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction General Standards has put together answers to their most frequently asked technical support questions.

You can also visit the website, www.generalstandards.com, for the latest product brochures and upcoming product announcements.

If you'd like to see the technology in the flesh please visit us on Stand S4-453 at DSEI 2015, where we will be showcasing a number of General Standards products.

For more information please contact Sarsen Technology on +44 1672 511166 or send us an email - info@sarsen.net

PCIe/104 OneBank - What's It All About?

The PC/104 Consortium has announced the latest version of the PCI/104-Express and PCIe/104 Specification which offers a new option called OneBank.

The PCIe/104 OneBank uses a smaller bus connector which is compatible to the full size PCIe/104 connector currently in use. It allows designers to stack boards using a complementary format, freeing up valuable space for additional components with the removal of the PCI bus from the PCB.

The OneBank connector has evolved from the standard PCIe/104 connector with the removal of two of the three "banks", resulting in a 52-pin connector as opposed to the full-size 156-pin connector. The OneBank connector will plug straight into bank 1 of the standard PCIe/104 connector. The signals of the OneBank are the same as found on the first bank of the standard PCIe/104 bus, making them plug-in compatible.

As with all of the stackable buses adopted by the PC/104 Consortium, the PCIe/104 OneBank connector can be combined with PC/104, EPIC, and EBX form factors, as well as a number of other form factors not supported by the Consortium, providing easy and inexpensive I/O expansion.

VersaLogic has recently introduced the Bengal — a rugged new PCIe/104 Single Board Computer (SBC). Based on Intel's highly anticipated “Bay Trail” System-on-Chip (SoC), Bengal combines high performance, low power consumption, enhanced security and small size for an unbeatable combination in most applications.

Designed and tested for industrial temperature (-40° to +85°C) operation the Bengal meets MIL-STD-202G specifications to withstand high impact and vibration, and is covered by VersaLogic's 5-year product warranty and 5+ year availability guarantee.

DOWNLOAD DATASHEET
 

It's No Pussycat... VersaLogic Releases Brand New PC/104 OneBank™ Computer with Intel “Bay Trail” Processor

Author - Laura Biddiscombe

The Bengal is the latest PC/104 module from VersaLogic. Based on the "Bay Trail" processor from Intel, the Bengal is built on the new “PCIe/104 OneBank” format. Compatible with the PCI/104 Express format, it includes a legacy PCI connector, and a single bank high-speed PCIe connector.

The Bengal will be released into the wild in Q4 2014.

For more information please contact Sarsen Technology on +44 1672 511166 or by email - info@sarsen.net.

Scientific Name	VL-EPMe-30
Genus	Bengal
Status	Production modules available Q4 2014
Lifecycle	5+ year production guarantee
Physical  Characteristics	PC/104 ™ format - 10.8cm x 9.6cm  PCIe/104 OneBank expansion -  - Legacy PCI connector  - High speed  PCIe connector  Lead-free manufacture – RoHS Compliant  Available in Single, Dual or Quad Core Versions  Integrated Intel Gen 7 graphics core.  VGA output  Dual Mini DisplayPort interfaces  On-board TPM security chip  Up to 8 GB DDR3L socketed memory, one SO-DIMM  Dual Ethernet interfaces  One USB 3.0 port and four USB 2.0 ports  Sixteen 3.3V digital I/O lines  3 Gb/s SATA port  Mini PCIe socket
Behaviour	Operating Temp -40°C to +85°C.  Derate -1.1°C per 305m above 2,300m (7,500 ft.).
Diet	5V Input ±10%  Estimated Power Requirements  Model Idle Typical Max  VL-EPMe-30ECP 8W 10W 12W  VL-EPMe-30EBP 5W 7W 9W  VL-EPMe-30EAP 3W 5W 7W
Habitat	The Bengal is comfortable in a range of applications, including –  - In-Vehicle Communications  - Portable Medical Devices  - Industrial Control & Automation  - Mobile Autonomous systems  - Pipeline Monitoring
Subspecies	Model Processor Cores  VL-EPMe-30ECP Atom E3845 Quad  VL-EPMe-30EBP Atom E3826 Dual  VL-EPMe-30EAP Atom E3815 Single
Special Features	5 year manufacturer warranty  MIL-STD-202G qualified for high shock/vibration operation  Compatible with most x86 operating systems including Windows,  Windows Embedded, Linux, VxWorks, and QNX  Phoenix Technologies UEFI BIOS. Field reprogrammable.

Rugged Embedded Single Board Computers with a 5 Year Warranty?

The manufacturers we work with have been selected not only for their industry-leading technology solutions, but also for their commitment to customer service and quality.

All of the products available from our manufacturers are designed from the ground up for high reliability, and manufactured and tested to the highest quality standards. VersaLogic Corp has built its reputation on very high reliability products and superior service - a 35-year history of consistency has earned VersaLogic the reputation of being one of the industry's most trusted embedded computer companies. Their ultra-low failure rates have enabled them to increase the warranty period for their products from two years to five years.

That's more than double the industry average!

"With over three decades of proven performance in mission critical applications, we are completely confident that our embedded computers are the most reliable on the market today," said Bruce McKinnon, Chief Operating Officer of VersaLogic. "Robust engineering and the highest levels of quality are of paramount importance to VersaLogic and our customers. Our new extended warranty is proof of this focus."

And good news for existing customers - VersaLogic's new five-year warranty program covers all active VersaLogic manufactured products going forward, as well as retroactive coverage for products already in the field.

For information on warranties, life cycles and quality standards for VersaLogic and all of our other manufacturers please get in touch on +44 1672 511166, or by email - info@sarsen.net

Author - Laura Biddiscombe

Automated Blood Collections Systems - VersaLogic Helps Make Giving Blood Today Even Easier!

The 14th June, (thats today!), sees countries around the world observe World Blood Donor Day.

Established in 2004, World Blood Donor Day helps to raise awareness of the need for safe blood products, and thanks all the very lovely voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

A generous donor giving the gift of blood

VersaLogic have been involved with a project to design and build an Automated Blood Collection System, which collects a combination of red blood cells, platelets and plasma from donors. These highly integrated, computerised systems minimise the need for human intervention, integrate key functions, and provide important data at a moment's notice, maximising the efficiency of blood centre operations.

Blood components separated by a centrifuge - Plasma, White Blood Cells and Platelets, and Red Blood Cells

Driving the FDA-approved system is a VersaLogic EBX single board computer that automates the collection process. The state-of-the-art technology uses cell separators that allow for the division of the various blood components in a high-speed centrifugal field while the device is still connected to the donor. This process allows collection of any combination of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma while returning unneeded components to the donor, allowing more frequent donations.

Automated Blood Collection System featuring boards from VersaLogic

Blood transfusions help save millions of lives every year. They can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer with a better quality of life, and support complex medical and surgical procedures.

So why not do something amazing - give blood.

Something lovely in the post this week!

As a reflection of the Sarsen Teams’ hard work in promoting their 5 newest boards VersaLogic have gifted us some delicious Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir. Their Pinot noir bottlings are frequently awarded "Outstanding" scores from the Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate critics, so I’m sure it will pass the taste test with our educated palates!

Thanks to VersaLogic for our lovely wine!

A Little Bit of History
Established in 1987, Domaine Drouhin Oregon is owned by famed Burgundy producer, Maison Joseph Drouhin. Hand-crafted by fourth generation winemaker, Veronique Drouhin-Boss, the distinctive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of Domaine Drouhin are prized for their elegance, balance and finesse, as well as their ability to age. Ninety acres of the 225-acre estate are now planted, with over 3100 vines per acre.

VersaLogic manufacture a range of rugged industrial computers, designed for embedded applications across a variety of markets.
The latest boards cover the complete form factor range available from VersaLogic.
Tiger – VL-EPM-24 – PC/104 with Intel Atom Z5xx processor
Iguana – VL-EPIC-25 – EPIC with Intel Atom D525 or D425 processor
Copperhead – VL-EBX-41 – EBX with Intel Core i7 processor (quad or dual core)
Newt – VL-EPIC-17 – EPIC with Vortex86DX processor
Falcon – VL-EPU-2610 – EPU, based on COM Express Mini, with Atom E6*0T processor

For more information please give us a call on +44 1672 511166 or drop us an email.

SUMIT - I/O Expansion Module Development Made Easier....

Stackable Unified Module Interconnect Technology (SUMIT ™) is a stackable, form-factor independent expansion format that includes both high and low speed bus signals. The SUMIT spec is targeted for products using state-of-the-art serial buses and legacy chipset expansion buses all in the same form factor.

The specification is an I/O-centric approach, which defines the connector and stacking method, but it doesn’t address the specific location requirements for the connectors on any specific form factor boards. Only the location (placement) of one connector relative to the other is specified, to ensure proper routing of signals that are passed from one connector to another as they continue up the stack.

A SUMIT stack is designed to be processor independent, as it focuses on bus and interconnect technology rather than any single processor or DSP architecture. Two connectors are used on each module, SUMIT A and SUMIT B. These connectors carry multiple high-speed serial PCIe and USB 2.0 buses and include Low Pin Count (LPC), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), and SMBus/I2C for legacy requirements. While the optional SUMIT B connector carries mostly PCIe interfaces, the SUMIT A connector carries a single x1 PCIe and four USB 2.0 buses, as well as the legacy interfaces.

With no hardware configuration needed to route multiple interfaces, SUMIT gives designers a solution for creating embedded expansion modules that require high-speed interfaces as well as legacy support.

VersaLogic's EBX, EPIC and PC/104 SUMIT platforms are combined with an optional ISA connector to support legacy PC/104 expansion modules. The signals available on VersaLogic's CPU boards include PCI Express lanes, low speed signals such as LPC and SPI, and legacy USB and ISA signals. VersaLogic currently offer 3 SBCs featuring optional SUMIT expansion –

• Komodo - A dual core SBC on a SUMIT-EPIC™ platform. The Komodo features a very high performance Intel® Core™2 Duo processor, dual Gigabit Ethernet, and high performance integrated video.


• Ocelot - An Intel Atom™ based embedded computer in a SUMIT-104 format. The Ocelot uses an industrial temperature Atom version to provide high performance (1.6 GHz) at very low power (7 Watts). The Ocelot, at only 90 mm x 96 mm, is compatible with most SUMIT and PC/104 expansion boards, and is available in both standard (0º to +60ºC) and extended (-40º to +85ºC) temperature versions.


• 'Brand New' Copperhead - The Copperhead is a high-performance embedded computer powered by a 3rd Generation Intel Core i7 processor. Based on the industry-standard EBX format, the Copperhead is available in either quad- or dual-core models (17 to 45W power dissipation). It features several heat management configurations and offers options for I/O interfaces and interface connectors.

VersaLogic Komodo

For more information please give us a call on +44 1672 511166 or drop me an email and we'll answer any questions you might have.

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Some of the Coolest Embedded Applications supported by Sarsen Technology! (And these are just the ones we can tell you about....!)

September 5^th marks the birthday of 2 of the greatest gadget users in cinematic history - Batman and James Bond. 

Well, Michael Keaton and George Lazenby. 
But you get the point.

From jet packs to cryptographic sequencers; from the fully loaded Aston Martin to the Tumbler, these guys have some of the coolest tech around.

Here at Sarsen we represent manufacturers who had a hand in some pretty cool tech themselves!

Underwater Vehicle Controller: A major university marine research centre successfully completed sea trials of a deep water ROV that uses on-board UEIPowerDNA Cube and I/O hardware/ software to provide dynamic control of 5 forward/reverse thrusters (2 horizontal, 2 vertical, and 1 lateral), auxiliary system control, temperature/electrical system supervision, and an interface to the data telemetry equipment.

UEI unfortunately havent supported Batman directly, but we're waiting for the call.....

The ROV and associated surface vessels are capable of operating the ROV at depths up to 1000 meters.   

One of BittWare’s long-time customers designs stealth radar imaging systems for the military, among other applications. When they first approached BittWare over a decade ago, they required portability for ground-based radar in the field, but also needed to ensure that their system could provide high-speed data acquisition with the ability to perform highly complex data analysis in real-time, along with the flexibility to use the same design in aircraft and ship imaging. BittWare’s COTS hardware based on Analog Devices’ floating-point DSPs was the perfect fit, as it provided the necessary high-end digital signal processing, but was also available on multiple form-factors, ensuring that the same design could be ported to various applications. Throughout the more than decades-long relationship, three generations of BittWare products have been used in these applications.

Not quite a jet pack, but the SoloTrek is a practical solution to individual vertical take-off and landing flight which holds promising applications in the military, homeland security, commercial and civilian markets. Using readily available fuel, SoloTrek can hover for up to 1.5 hours, reach speeds of up to 81 mph, and traverse distances of up to 115 miles. 

The SoloTrek needed a very compact, lightweight, low-power, fanless computer with a variety of I/O options. The computer also had to be extremely reliable, since lives could depend on its continuous operation. A PC/104 board and expansion modules from VersaLogic fit the bill, with their high reliability, small 3.6" x 3.8" footprint, low power consumption and significant expansion capability.

So if you want your project to be James Bond worthy, pick up the Batphone and give us a call on +44 1672 511166!

Alfred and Q (a.k.a Robbie and Tim!) are here to help!