Tiny SBC runs Linux on Vybrid based COM

F&S has announced an open-spec ‘PCOMnetA5’ SBC, combining a carrier board with a Linux-ready COM (computer-on-module) equipped with Freescale’s Cortex-A5 and -M4 based Vybrid SoC. The COM incorporates a Freescale Vybrid-F system-on-chip, which combines a 500MHz Cortex-A5 applications processor running Linux or Windows Embedded Compact with a 167MHz Cortex-M4 microcontroller unit (MCU) running Freescale’s MQX real-time operating system.

The computer-on-module that drives the new F&S Elektronik Systeme PCOMnetA5 SBC is a PicoCOMA5 module announced back in January 2014. The 50mm x 40mm PicoCOMA5 computer-on-module supports up to 512MB RAM and 1GB flash, although on the PCOMnetA5 SBC, these are dialled down to 256MB and 128MB, respectively. The module integrates a microSD slot, as well as one to two 10/100 Ethernet controllers, both of which are enabled as ports on the SBC.

The module attaches to the 80mm x 50mm baseboard via an 80-pole plug (80pin) connector. Interfaces include USB host and device, dual RS232 interfaces, one or two CAN interfaces, plus I2C, SPI, GPIO and audio. The module also provides a separate TFT LCD display interface with up to an 800 x 600-pixel resolution. Both 4-wire resistive and PCAP-Touch (via I2C) are available. The module can be bought with a 17.78cm (7 inch) touchscreen option, apparently independent of any purchase of the new PCOMnetA5 SBC.

The PCOMnetA5 SBC extends the PicoCOMA5 COM with dual 10/100 Ethernet ports, a micro-USB port, optional Wi-Fi, and a variety of onboard interfaces. These include RGB, RS232/RS485, dual USB 2.0 host and dual CAN interfaces. Users will also find I2C, SPI and seven digital I/Os.