Ampro Corporation 420 User Manual

CoreModule™ 420

PC/104 Single Board Computer

Reference Manual

P/N 5001808A Revision A

Notice Page

NOTICE

No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Ampro
Computers, Incorporated.

DISCLAIMER

Ampro Computers, Incorporated makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents of
this manual or of the associated Ampro products, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Ampro shall under no circumstances be liable for
incidental or consequential damages or related expenses resulting from the use of this product, even if it
has been notified of the possibility of such damages. Ampro reserves the right to revise this publication
from time to time without obligation to notify any person of such revisions. If errors are found, please
contact Ampro at the address listed below on the Notice page of this document.

TRADEMARKS

Ampro and the Ampro logo are registered trademarks, and CoreModule, EnCore, Little Board,
LittleBoard, MightyBoard, MiniModule, ReadyBoard, ReadyBox, ReadyPanel, and ReadySystem are
trademarks of Ampro Computers, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective companies.

REVISION HISTORY

Revision Reason for Change Date

A, A Initial Release Jun/06

Ampro Computers, Incorporated
5215 Hellyer Avenue
San Jose, CA 95138-1007
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.ampro.com

© Copyright 2006, Ampro Computers, Incorporated

Audience Assumptions

This reference manual is for the person who designs computer related equipment, including but not
limited to hardware and software design and implementation of the same. Ampro Computers, Inc.
assumes you are qualified in designing and implementing your hardware designs and its related software
into your prototype computer equipment.

ii Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Contents

Chapter 1 About This Manual......................................................................................................... 1

Purpose of this Manual ...................................................................................................................... 1

Reference Material.............................................................................................................................1

Related Ampro Products....................................................................................................................2

Chapter 2 Product Overview............................................................................................................... 5

PC/104 Architecture...........................................................................................................................5

Product Description............................................................................................................................ 6

Module Features............................................................................................................................6

Block Diagram................................................................................................................................9

Major Integrated Circuits (ICs)..................................................................................................... 10

Connectors, Jumpers, and LEDs.....................................................................................................11

Connector Definitions...................................................................................................................11

Jumper Definitions .......................................................................................................................12

LED Definitions ............................................................................................................................12

Specifications...................................................................................................................................14

Physical Specifications ................................................................................................................14

Mechanical Specifications............................................................................................................14

Power Specifications....................................................................................................................15

Environmental Specifications.......................................................................................................15

Thermal/Cooling Requirements...................................................................................................15

Chapter 3 Hardware ...........................................................................................................................17

Overview .......................................................................................................................................17

CPU (U14) .......................................................................................................................................18

Memory .......................................................................................................................................18

SDRAM Memory (U7, U8, U9, U10)............................................................................................18

Flash Memory (U6)......................................................................................................................18

Bytewide Socket (U5) .................................................................................................................. 18

Memory Map................................................................................................................................18

Interrupt Channel Assignments....................................................................................................20

I/O Address Map..........................................................................................................................20

PC/104 Bus Interface (P1A,B,C,D)..................................................................................................22

IDE Interface (J6).............................................................................................................................27

Compact Flash Socket Interface (J12).............................................................................................29

Floppy/Parallel Interface (J4)...........................................................................................................31

Floppy Disk Drive Port.................................................................................................................31

Parallel Port..................................................................................................................

Serial Interface (J3, J9, J13, J14) ....................................................................................................33

USB Interface (J10)..........................................................................................................................35

Utility Interface (J5) ..........................................................................................................................36

Keyboard......................................................................................................................................36

Mouse .......................................................................................................................................36

Battery .......................................................................................................................................36

Reset Switch................................................................................................................................36

Speaker .......................................................................................................................................36

Ethernet Interface (J2) .....................................................................................................................37

Video (LCD/CRT) Interface (J11).....................................................................................................38

................31

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual iii

Contents

Miscellaneous...................................................................................................................................41

Real Time Clock (RTC) ................................................................................................................41

User GPIO Interface.....................................................................................................................41

Oops! Jumper (BIOS Recovery)...................................................................................................42

Serial Console..............................................................................................................................42

Watchdog Timer...........................................................................................................................43

Power Interface (J7) .........................................................................................................................44

Chapter 4 BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................................45

Introduction.......................................................................................................................................45

Accessing BIOS Setup (VGA Display).........................................................................................45

Accessing BIOS Setup (Serial Console)......................................................................................46

Main BIOS Setup Menu....................................................................................................................47

BIOS Configuration Screen ..............................................................................................................48

Drive Configurations and Boot Options........................................................................................48

User Interface Options..................................................................................................................50

Memory Control Options...............................................................................................................50

Power Management and Advanced User Options.......................................................................51

Video and On Board Controller Options.......................................................................................52

PCI, Plug n' Play, and Interrupt/DMA Assignments .....................................................................52

Splash Screen Customization...........................................................................................................55

Splash Screen Image Requirements............................................................................................55

Converting the Splash Screen File...............................................................................................55

On-Board Flash Access and Use .....................................................................................................57

Flash Programming Requirements...............................................................................................57

Building the Example....................................................................................................................57

Example Assumptions..................................................................................................................58

Installing the Example Application................................................................................................58

Flash Boot API..............................................................................................................................58

Appendix A Technical Support .........................................................................................................59

Appendix B Connector Part Numbers..............................................................................................61

Index ........................................................................................................................................63

List of Figures

Figure 2-1. Stacking PC/104 Modules with the CoreModule 420......................................................5

Figure 2-2. Block Diagram.................................................................................................................9

Figure 2-3. Component Locations (Top View).................................................................................10

Figure 2-4. Connector Locations (Top View)...................................................................................11

Figure 2-5. Jumper and LED Locations (Top View) ........................................................................13

Figure 2-6. Connector Location (Bottom View) ...............................................................................13

Figure 2-7. Mechanical Dimensions (Top View)..............................................................................14

Figure 3-1. RS-485 Serial Port Implementation...............................................................................33

Figure 3-2. Oops! Jumper................................................................................................................42

Figure 3-3. Hot Cable Jumper .........................................................................................................42

Figure 4-1. BIOS Setup Opening Screen........................................................................................47

Figure 4-2. BIOS Configuration Screen...........................................................................................48

iv Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Contents

List of Tables

Table 2-1. Major Integrated Circuit (Chips) Descriptions and Function..........................................10

Table 2-2. Connector Descriptions..................................................................................................11

Table 2-3. Jumper Settings.............................................................................................................12

Table 2-4. Ethernet Port (J2) LED Indicators..................................................................................12

Table 2-5. Weight and Footprint Dimensions..................................................................................14

Table 2-6. Power Supply Requirements .........................................................................................15

Table 2-7. Environmental Requirements ........................................................................................15

Table 3-1. Memory Map..................................................................................................................18

Table 3-2. Interrupt Channel Assignments ..................................................................................... 20

Table 3-3. DMA Map.......................................................................................................................20

Table 3-4. I/O Address Map............................................................................................................20

Table 3-5. PC/104 Bus Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (P1A)....................................................22

Table 3-6. PC/104 Bus Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (P1B)....................................................23

Table 3-7. PC/104 Bus Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (P1C)....................................................24

Table 3-8. PC/104 Bus Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (P1D)....................................................25

Table 3-9. IDE Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J6).....................................................................27

Table 3-10. Compact Flash Socket Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J12)..................................29

Table 3-11. Floppy/Parallel Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J4).................................................31

Table 3-12. Serial Ports 1 & 2 Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J3, J9).......................................34

Table 3-13. Serial Ports 3 & 4 Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J13, J14)...................................34

Table 3-14. USB Interface Pin/Signal Designations (J10)..............................................................35

Table 3-15. Utility Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J5)................................................................ 36

Table 3-16. Ethernet Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J2)...........................................................37

Table 3-17. Video Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J11) .............................................................39

Table 3-18. User GPIO Interface Pin/Signal Descriptions (J8).......................................................41

Table 3-19. Power Interface Pin/Signals (J7) ................................................................................. 44

Table 3-20. Power Interface Pin Arrangement (J7) ........................................................................ 44

Table 4-1. BIOS Setup Menus........................................................................................................46

Table A-1. Technical Support Contact Information.........................................................................59

Table B-1. Connector and Manufacture’s Part Numbers................................................................61

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual v

Contents

vi Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 1 About This Manual

Purpose of this Manual

This manual is for designers of systems based on the CoreModule™ 420 PC/104 single board computer
(SBC) module. This manual contains information that permits designers to create an embedded system
based on specific design requirements.

Information provided in this reference manual includes:

• CoreModule 420 SBC Specifications

• Environmental requirements

• Major chips and features implemented

• CoreModule 420 SBC connector/pin numbers and definition

• BIOS Setup information

Information not provided in this reference manual includes:

• Detailed chip specifications

• Internal component operation

• Internal registers or signal operations

• Bus or signal timing for industry standard busses and signals

Reference Material

The following list of reference materials may be helpful for you to complete your custom design
successfully. Most of this reference material is also available on the Ampro web site in the Embedded
Design Resource Center. The Embedded Design Resource Center was created for embedded system
developers to share Ampro’s knowledge, insight, and expertise gained from years of experience.

Specifications

• PC/104 Specifications Revision 2.5, November 2003

For latest revision of the PC/104 specifications, contact the PC/104 Consortium, at:

Web site: http://www.pc104.org

Major Integrated Circuit (Chip) Specifications
The following chip specifications are used in the CoreModule 420 processor module:

• STMicroelectronics and the chip, STPC

Web site: http://us.st.com/stonline/books/pdf/docs/7341.pdf

• Standard Microsystems Corp and the chip, FDC37B782, used for the Super I/O controller

Web site: http://www.smsc.com/main/catalog/fdc37b78x.html

• Intel Corporation and the chip, 82559ER, us ed for the Ethernet controller

®

Atlas, used for the embedded CPU

Web site: http://www.intel.com/design/network/datashts/714682.htm (71468206.pdf)

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 1

Chapter 1 About this Manual

NOTE If you are unable to locate the datasheets using the links provided,

go to the manufacturer's web site where you can perform a search
using the chip datasheet number or name listed, including the
extension, (htm for web page, pdf for files name, etc.

Related Ampro Products

The following items are directly related to successfully using the Ampro product you have just
purchased or plan to purchase. Ampro highly recommends that you purchase and utilize a CoreModule
420 QuickStart Kit simultaneously with the design of your product.

CoreModule 420 Support Products

• CoreModule 420 QuickStart Kit (QSK)
The CoreModule 420 QuickStart Kit includes the CoreModule 420 CPU, a complete cable kit,

documentation, and drivers for Ampro supported operating systems and unique devices used on
the board.

• CoreModule 420 Documentation and Support So ft ware CD-ROM

The CoreModule 420 Documentation and Support Software (Doc & SW) CD-ROM is provided
with the CoreModule 420 QuickStart Kit. The CD-ROM includes all of the CoreModule
documentation, including this Reference Manual and the CoreModule 420 QuickStart Guide in
PDF format, release notes, software utilities, and drivers.

Other CoreModule Products

• CoreModule™ 410 – This PC/104 embedded CPU is a state-of-the-art, high-integration x86­based computer using STMicroelectronics 133 MHz STPC Elite processor, which provides a
complete embedded PC solution with most of the standard peripheral interfaces. In addition to
the standard CoreModule features (PC/104 form factor, PC/104 bus, +5 volt power, etc.), it
includes 16 MB soldered SDRAM memory, bytewide socket supporting DiskOnChip 2000
devices and a GPIO interface for customer usage. The CoreModule 410 also offers a watchdog
timer, serial console, BIOS extensions for OEM boot customization, and Advanced Power
Management.

• CoreModule™ 600 – This PC/104-Plus embedded single board computer (SBC) is a compact,
rugged, high integration, ultra low power 400 MHz ULV Celeron® processor with 256 kB of
internal cache, and all of the standard peripheral interfaces. In addition to the standard CoreModule
features (PC/104 form factor, PC/104-Plus, +5 volt power, etc.), the CoreModule 600 includes
10/100BaseT Ethernet, AGP 4X equivalent video with 32 MB video memory for CRT, TFT and
standard LCD flat panels, USB ports, RS-232C/RS-485 serial ports, and an onboard compact flash
socket, which supports up to 1 GB or more of memory. The CoreModule 600 also supports a
watchdog timer, serial console, battery-less boot, BIOS extensions for OEM boot customization,
some power management features and up to 256 MB of SDRAM memory.

• CoreModule™ 800 – This compact, rugged, high integration PCI-104 embedded single board
computer (SBC) provides the Intel® 855GME chipset to support the Intel 800 MHz Ultra Low
Voltage (ULV) Celeron M processor with 0 kB Level 2 internal cache, and all of the standard
peripheral interfaces. In addition to the standard CoreModule features (PCI-104 form factor, +5
volt power, etc.), the CoreModule 800 includes a Gigabit Ethernet por t, 128-bit video with 64 MB
video memory for CRT, TFT and standard LCD flat panels, USB 2.0 ports (2), RS-232/RS-485
serial ports (2), and an onboard SODIMM socket, which supports up to 1 G B DDR memory. Th e
CoreModule 800 also supports a watchdog timer, serial console (remote access), battery-less boot,
and ACPI power management features.

2 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 1 About this Manual

Other Ampro Products

• ETX Family – These high-performance, compact, rugged Computer-on-Module (COM) solutions
use various x86 processors from Celeron t o Pent i um® M CPUs in an ETX Revision 2.7 form
factor to plug into your custom baseboard. Each ETX module provides standard peripherals,
including dual Ultra/DMA 33/66/100 IDE, floppy drive interface, PCI bus, ISA bus, serial,
parallel, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, 10/100BaseT Ethernet, USB ports, Video, and
AC’97 audio. A 50% thicker PCB, Ampro embedded BIOS extensions, such as watchdog timer,
battery-free boot, a customizable splash screen, BIOS recovery, serial console, and optional –
40°C to +85°C operation are available to meet your rugged application requirements.

• LittleBoard™ Family – These high-performance, highly integrated single board computers use

the EBX form factor (5.75"x8.00"), and are available with Pentium M, Celeron M, Pentium III, or
Celeron processors. The EBX-compliant LittleBoard single board computers offer functions
equivalent to a complete laptop or desktop PC system, plus several expansion cards. Built-in
extras to meet the critical requirements of embedded applications include onboard solid state disk
capability, watchdog timer, smart power monitor, and other embedded-PC BIOS enhancements.

• MightyBoard™ Family – These low-cost, high-performance single-board computers (SBC) use the
Mini-ITX form factor (6.75" x 6.75") and are available with Intel Celeron M and Pentium M
processors. MightyBoard products offer the equivalent functions of a complete laptop or desktop PC
system, including DDR memory, high performance graphics, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, plus
standard PCI expansion capability in one card slot. Ampro includes configuration control and
embedded BIOS extensions such as watchdog timer, battery-free boot, a customizable splash screen,
BIOS recovery, and serial console.

• MiniModule™ Family – This line of peripheral interface modules, compliant with PC/104, PC/104-

Plus, and/or PCI-104 form factor (3.6"x3.8") and standards, can be used with Ampro’s CoreModule,
LittleBoard, and ReadyBoard single board computers (SBCs) to expand the I/O configuration of
embedded systems. Ampro's highly reliable MiniModule products add value to existing designs by
adding I/O ports, such as IEEE 1394 (FireWire), or by adding support for legacy boards, such as a
PCI to ISA bridge adapter board.

• ReadyBoard™ Family – These low-cost, high-performance single-board computers (SBC) use the
EPIC form factor (4.5"x6.5") and are available with the Intel Celeron, Pentium III, Pentium M, and
Celeron M processors. ReadyBoard products offer functions equivalent to a complete laptop or
desktop PC system, plus several expansion cards, with PC-style connectors. Ampro includes
configuration control and embedded BIOS extension such as watchdog timer, battery-free boot, a
customizable splash screen, BIOS recovery, and serial console.

• ReadyPanel™ Family – This is a series of high performance, low cost, turnkey systems incorporating
an LCD and a touch screen for a Human Machine Interface solution. All ReadyPanels come with
one of Ampro's versatile ReadyBoard models in a variety of touch screen sizes pre-loaded with one
of Ampro's supported operating systems (Windows® CE, etc.). The ReadyPanel includes a compact
flash socket, a specific size of SODIMM memory, an Ethernet port, two serial ports, two USB ports
standard, with two additional USB ports on selected models. The current models are driven by an
integrated 4-wire resistive 6.5" touch screen that displays up to 262k colors. The ReadyPanel is
powered by +5V (for board) and +12V DC (for panel) power input.

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 3

Chapter 1 About this Manual

• ReadySystem™ Family – The ReadySystem family is a series of high performance, low cost
turnkey systems that come with a ReadyBoard product installed into a particular size ReadyBox
enclosure with a specific size SODIMM, and a 2 ½" hard disk drive pre-l oade d with one of
Ampro's supported operating systems (Linux®, etc.). The ReadySystem provides all of the
ReadyBoard's standard PC style connectors accessible on the front I/O panel, including three
audio connectors, and a slot for a compact flash card. Depending on the enclosure, you may add
PC style connectors for two additional serial ports (4 total), two additional USB ports (4 total),
and one parallel port connector. You may also install up to two PCI-104 or PC/104-Plus
expansion boards into the ReadySystem ATX and 2U enclosures. A ReadySystem comes pre­tested and ready for application loading to provide customers with the fastest possible
deployment of their embedded applications. Refer to the specific ReadySystem Users Guide on
the web site, or the ReadyBoard product Documentation and Support Software (Doc & SW)
CD-ROM for more information.

4 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 2 Product Overview

This introduction presents general information about the PC/104 architecture and the CoreModule 420
single board computer (SBC). After reading this chapter you should understand:

• PC/104 Concept

• CoreModule 420 architecture

• CoreModule 420 features

• Major components

• Connectors

• Specifications

PC/104 Architecture

The PC/104 architecture affords a great deal of flexibility in system design. You can build a simple
system using only a CoreModule single board computer (SBC), with input/output devices connected to
its serial or parallel ports, and a solid state disk on chip in the bytewide socket or a compact flash card in
the compact flash socket. To expand a simple CoreModule system, simply add self-stacking Ampro
MiniModules or 3

• Additional I/O ports (such as IEEE 1394 (FireWire)

• Analog or digital I/O interfaces

rd

party PC/104 expansion boards to provide additional capabilities, such as:

PC/104 expansion modules can be stacked with the CoreModule 420 avoiding the need for card cages
and backplanes. The PC/104 expansion modules can be mounted directly to the PC/104 bus connector
of the CoreModule 420. PC/104-compliant modules can be stacked with an inter-board spacing of
~0.66" (16.7 mm) so that a 3-module system fits in a 3.6" x 3.8" x 2.4" space. See Figure 2-1.

One or more MiniModule products or other PC/104 modules can be installed on the CoreModule
expansion connectors. When installed on the PC/104 headers, the expansion modules fit within the
CoreModule outline dimensions. Most MiniModule products have stack through connectors co mpatible
with the PC/104 Version 2.5 specification. Several modules can be stacked on the CoreModule headers.
Each additional module increases the thickness of the package by 0.60" (15 mm). See Figure 2-1.

4-40 nut (4)

0.6 inch spacer (4)

0.6 inch spacer (4)

4-40 screw (4)

PC/104 Module

CoreModule 420

PC/104 Module

PC/104 Module

Stackthrough
Expansion
Bus Headers

CM420stack

Figure 2-1. Stacking PC/104 Modules with the CoreModule 420

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 5

Chapter 2 Product Overview

Product Description

The CoreModule 420 SBC is an exceptionally high integration, high-performance, 486-based PC
compatible system in the PC/104 form factor. This rugged and high quality single board system contains
all the component subsystems of a PC/AT motherboard plus the equivalent of several PC/AT expansion
boards.

In addition, the CoreModule 420 SBC includes a comprehensive set of system extensions and
enhancements that are specifically designed for embedded systems. These enhancements ensure fail­safe embedded system operation, such as, a watchdog timer. It is designed to meet the size, power
consumption, temperature range, quality, and reliability demands of embedded applications. The
CoreModule 420 requires a single +5V power source.

The CoreModule 420 SBC is particularly well suited to either embedded or portable applications. Its
flexibility makes system design quick and easy. It can be stacked with Ampro MiniModules or other
PC/104-compliant expansion board, or it can be used as the computing engine in a fully customized
application.

Module Features

• CPU

♦ Provides 133 MHz x86 based STPC ATLAS microprocessor
♦ Fully supports PC compatible architecture
♦ Provides 8 kB Unified Instruction and Data Cache
♦ Provides Parallel Processing Integrated Floating Point Unit
♦ Provides Low Power and System Management Modes

• Memory

♦ Provides 64 MB standard SDRAM (soldered on the board)
♦ Supports 100 MHz Clock Speed
♦ Provides 32-pin bytewide memory socket

• Supports a DiskOnChip

♦ 1 MB Flash memory

• Stores system BIOS

• Stores system Setup parameters and manufacturing information

• Supports battery-free boot capability

• 768 kB available for OEM use

®

device

• PC/104 Bus Interface

♦ Supports clock speeds up to 8.25 MHz

• IDE Interface

♦ Supports two enhanced IDE devices
♦ Provides Fast ATA-capable interface for high-speed PIO modes

(PIO modes 0 to 4)

♦ Supports ATAPI and DVD peripherals
♦ Supports IDE native and ATA compatibility modes

6 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 2 Product Overview

• Compact Flash Socket

♦ Provides compact flash socket (Type I or II)
♦ Supports IDE compact flash cards
♦ Attached to Secondary IDE bus

• Floppy Disk Controller

♦ Provides shared floppy/parallel port connector
♦ Supports two floppy drives
♦ Supports all standard PC/AT formats: 360 kB, 1.2 MB, 720 kB, 1.44 MB, 2.88 MB

• Serial Ports

♦ Provides four buffered RS-232 serial ports with full handshaking and modem capability
♦ Provides 16550 (or 16540-equivalent) UARTs, each with a built-in 16-byte FIFO buffer
♦ Supports RS-232 or RS-485 operation on ports 1 and 2
♦ Supports programmable word length, stop bits, and parity
♦ Supports 16-bit programmable baud-rate generator and a interrupt generator

• Parallel Port

♦ Provides shared parallel/floppy port connector
♦ Supports standard printer port
♦ Supports IEEE standard 1284 protocols, including EPP, ECP modes
♦ Provides bidirectional data lines
♦ Supports 16 byte FIFO for ECP mode

• Ethernet Controller

♦ Intel 82559ER Controller chip
♦ Supports IEEE 802.3 10BaseT/100BaseT compatible physical layer
♦ Supports Auto-negotiation for speed, duplex mode, and flow control
♦ Supports full duplex or half-duplex mode

• Full-duplex mode supports transmit and receive frames simultaneously

• Supports IEEE 802.3x Flow control in full duplex mode

• Half-duplex mode supports enhanced proprietary collision reduction mode

• Utility Interface

♦ Keyboard and PS/2 Mouse Interface
♦ Supports external battery for Real Time Clock operation
♦ Supports standard external 8Ω speaker interface
♦ Supports external reset switch

• USB Ports

♦ Provides one root USB hub
♦ Provides one USB port
♦ Supports USB v1.1 and Universal OHCI v1.1

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 7

Chapter 2 Product Overview

• Video (LCD/CRT) Display

Enhanced 2D graphics controller

♦ Supports BitBLT implementation for all 256 raster operations for Windows® support
♦ Supports all BLT transparency modes

• Bitmap transparency

• Pattern transparency

• Source transparency

• Destination transparency
♦ Supports 8, 16, 24, and 32-bit pixel depths
♦ Supports hardware clipping
♦ Supports fast line draw engine with anti-aliasing
♦ Supports fast triangle fill engine
♦ Supports 4-bit alpha blend font for anti-aliased text display
♦ Supports 64-bit wide pipelined architecture op erat i n g at 100 MHz
♦ Supports complete double buffered registers for pipelined operation
♦ Provides video memory up to 4 MB – selected in BIOS Setup

CRT Interface

♦ VGA Controller with 135 MHz triple RAMDACs for 1280 x 1024 x 75 Hz display
♦ Supports 24-bit pixel depth
♦ Interlaced or non-interlaced output

LCD/TFT Interface

♦ Supports VESA Flat Panel Display interface FPDI-1B
♦ Supports programmable panel size up to 1024x768 pixel display resolution
♦ Supports VGA and SVGA active matrix TFT flat panels
♦ Support internal CRT controller for display mode settings
♦ Supports 9-, 12-, and 18-bit interface (1 Pixel/Clock)
♦ Supports 2x9-bit interface (2 Pixels/Clock)
♦ Supports programmable image position
♦ Supports 3.3V or 5V LCD panels; jumper selectable
♦ Provides Video BIOS customization tools

• Miscellaneous

♦ Provides Real Time Clock and CMOS RAM, with support for battery-free operation
♦ Provides General Purpose I/O (GPIO) interface
♦ Supports Oops! Jumper (BIOS Recovery)
♦ Supports Serial Console (Console Redirection)
♦ Supports customizable Splash Screen
♦ Supports Watchdog Timer (WDT)

8 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 2 Product Overview

Block Diagram

Figure 2-2 shows the functional components of the module.

Interna l PC I

Memory
(SDRAM)

Video (CRT/TFT)

Speaker

Serial Ports
(Serial 1 & 2)

CPU
Core

STPC

(Computer
in a Chip)

Atlas

Host­Peripheral
Interface

Bus

Ethe r net
Controller

2

I C Interface

USB Port

GPIOs (8)

IDE Devices

HDD, Compact Flash,

(

CD-ROM, etc.

)

PC/104 Interface

Floppy Drive

Parallel Port

Serial Ports
(Serial 3 & 4)

ISA Bus

RTC

Super I/O
Controller

Figure 2-2. Block Diagram

Bytewide

Socket

BIOS

CM420blkdiag

Utility In t e rfa c e

(Keyboard, Mouse,
External Bat. etc)

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 9

Chapter 2 Product Overview

Major Integrated Circuits (ICs)

Table 2-1 lists the major integrated circuits (ICs or chips), including a brief description of each, on the
CoreModule 420 and Figure 2-3 shows the location of the major chips.

Table 2-1. Major Integrated Circuit (Chips) Descriptions and Function

Chip Type Mfg. Model Description Function

CPU (U14) STMicro-

electronics

Super I/O
Controller
(U13)

Ethernet

Standard
Microsystems
Corp.

Intel 82559ER Ethernet – This chip provides the
Controller
(U15)

STPC
ATLAS

Embedded CPU – The combination of
features in the CPU provide more than
just a processor. It also provides a
graphics controller, PCI controller,
EIDE controller, I/O features, and
power management capabilities.

FDC37B782 Super I/O – This chip provides serial

and Floppy controllers

10/100BaseT Ethernet function.

Embedded
CPU

Floppy/Serial
Controllers

Ethernet

CPU (U14)

Super I/O (U13)

J11

2
1

JP6

9

D8

J9

10

L5

U12

J14

10

JP7

U3

JP9

JP8

J13

J5

4

2
1

3

JP4JP5

U36

U35

1

J8

2

JP1

J3

J4

Flash
Memory (U6)

U11

U8

U10

U6

U7 U9

Bytewide
Socket (U5)

U5

D1

D2

SDRAM
Memory

U15

J2

(U7-U10)

Ethernet

U16

Controller (U15)

J10

U40

U13

U41

U14

Ethernet
Magnetics (U16)

J7

P1

JP2

CM420RFM_01a

Figure 2-3. Component Locations (Top View)

NOTE Pin-1 is shown as black pin (square or round) in connectors

and jumpers in all illustrations, except where noted.

10 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 2 Product Overview

Connectors, Jumpers, and LEDs

Connector Definitions

Table 2-2 describes the connectors shown in Figures 2-4 to 2-6. Refer to Appendix B for part numbers.

Table 2-2. Connector Descriptions

Jack/Plug # Access Description

P1A/1B & P1C/1D –
PC/104 Bus

J2 – Ethernet Top 8-pin, 0.1", connector used for the Ethernet interface
J3 – Serial 1 (COM1) Top 10-pin, 0.1", connector us ed for the Serial 1 interface
J4 – Floppy/Parallel Top 26-pin, 0.1", connector provides the Floppy/Parallel interface
J5 – Utility Top 10-pin, 0.1", connector used for the Utility interface
J6 – IDE Top 44-pin, 2 mm connector used for the IDE interface
J7 – Power Top 10-pin, 0.1", connector used for the Power connection
J8 – GPIO (User) Top 10-pin, 2 mm connector used for the User defined GPIO signals
J9 – Serial 2 (COM2) Top 10-pin, 0.1", connector used for the Serial 2 interface
J10 – USB Top 5-pin, 0.1", connector used for the USB interface
J11 – Video Top 44-pin, 2 mm connector used for the LCD/CRT interface
J12 – Compact Flash Bottom 50-pin, 1.27 mm, socket used for compact flash cards
J13 – Serial 3 (COM3) Top 10-pin, 0.1", connector used for the Serial 3 interface
J14 – Serial 4 (COM4) Top 10-pin, 0.1", connector used for the Serial 4 interface

Top/
Bottom

104-pin, 0.1", connectors used for PC/104 (ISA) bus

IDE (J6)

Serial 4 (J14)
(COM 4)

Serial 2 (J9)
(COM 2)

Vide o (J11)

USB (J10)

Power (J7)

J11

Utility (J5)

2
1

JP6

9

10

D8

J9

L5

U12

U11

J14

10

JP7

U3

JP9

JP8

U7 U9

U8

J13

J5

4

2
1

3

JP4JP5

U36

U35

1

J8

2

U10

U6

JP1

J3

Serial 1 (J3)
(COM 1)

Serial 3 (J13)
(COM 3)

J4

GPIO (J8)

Floppy/Parallel (J4)

U5

D1

U15

U16

D2

J2

Ethernet (J2)

J10

U40

U13

U41

U14

P1B
P1A

J7

P1

JP2

P1C

P1D

CM420RFM_01b

(PC104 Bus)

Figure 2-4. Connector Locations (Top View)

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 11

Chapter 2 Product Overview

Jumper Definitions

Table 2-3 describes the jumpers shown in Figure 2-5.

Table 2-3. Jumper Settings

Jumper # Installed Removed/Installed

JP1 Serial Port 2
Termination

JP2 Serial Port 1
Termination

JP4 & JP5
BIOS/DOC Select

JP4JP5

42

2

4

3

BIOS/DOC Select
Jumper Setting
(Shown in Default)

1

1

JP6
Flat Panel Voltage
Selection

JP7
DiskOnChip Boot
Address Select

JP8 Serial Port 1 Enable Serial Port 1

JP9 Serial Port 2

Enable RS-485 Termination
(Pins 1-2)

Enable RS-485 Termination
(Pins 1-2)

Enable Internal BIOS – Normal operation,
(Pins 1-3 on both JP4 & JP5)

Enable External BIOS – Used for recovery
(Pins 1-2 on both JP4 & JP5)

Enable DOC – Boot from DiskOnChip in
bytewide socket (Pins 1-3 & 2-4 on both

Disable RS-485 Termination
(Removed) Default setting

Disable RS-485 Termination
(Removed) Default setting

Disabled – Won’t Boot
(See other positions)

Disabled – Won’t Boot
(See other positions)

Disabled – Won’t Boot
(See other positions)

JP4 & JP5) Default setting
+3.3 Volts (Pins 1-2) Default setting +5 Volts (Pins 2-3)

Access from DC000h-DDFFFh
(Pins 1-2) Default setting

Access from CC000h-CDFFFh
(Removed)

Disabled Serial Port 1

(Pins 1-2) Default setting
Enable Serial Port 2

(Pins 1-2) Default setting

(Pins 2-3)
Disabled Serial Port 2

(Pins 2-3)

Notes: The jumpers use 2 mm pin spacing. JP8 and JP9 Enable/Disable the Serial ports at the STPC
Altas CPU (U14).

LED Definitions

Table 2-4 provides the LED color and definitions for the Ethernet Port (J2) located on the CoreModule
420 and Figure 2-5 provides the locations.

Table 2-4. Ethernet Port (J2) LED Indicators

Indicator Definition

Ethernet
Link/Activity LED (D1)

Ethernet Speed (D2) Speed LED – This green LED is the LAN Speed indictor and

Link/Activity LED – This yellow LED is the link/ activity
indicator and provides the status of Ethernet port (J2).

The Link/Activity LED indicates a link is established with either
transmit or receive activity.

Yellow On – This indicates a link is present.
Yellow Flashing – This indicates activity is present.
Yellow Off – This indicates no link or activity is present.

indicates the transmit or receive speed of Ethernet port (J2).

Green On – This indicates the operating speed is 100 Mbps
Green Off – This indicates the operating speed is 10 Mbps.

12 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 2 Product Overview

JP6

J11

JP9

2
1

JP6

9

D8

J9

10

L5

U12

JP8JP7

J14

10

JP7

U3

JP9

JP8

J13

JP5

4
3

U36

JP4JP5

1

J8

2

JP4

J5

U35

2
1

JP1

JP1

J3

J4

Bytewide

U7 U9

U11

U40

U41

U8

U10

U6

Socket (U5)
Pin-1

U5

D1

D2

Link/Activity
LED (D1)

Speed
LED (D2)

JP2

CM420RFM_01c

J10

U14

U15

J2

U13

U16

J7

P1

JP2

Vo lta g e
Regulator
(U19)

Figure 2-5. Jumper and LED Locations (Top View)

D3

D4

Compact Flash
Socket (J12)

U19

U37

U20

U22

U23

U29

Y1

U38

U24

U1

U21

D5

U42

J12

U25

Y3

U27

F1

USB Fuse (F1)

Y2

U28

U30

PC/104 Bus (P1)

CM420RFM_02a

Figure 2-6. Connector Location (Bottom View)

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 13

Chapter 2 Product Overview

Specifications

Physical Specifications

Table 2-5 gives the physical dimensions of the module and Figure 2-7 gives the mounting dimensions.

Table 2-5. Weight and Footprint Dimensions

Item Dimension

Weight
Height (upper surface)

Width
Length

Mechanical Specifications

0.150

0.400

JP6

3.575

3.431

3.375

3.281

2.890

2.580

0.000

J9

J11

0.0925 kg. (0.204 lbs.)

10.99 mm (0.43")
See also Note on page 15.

90.2 mm (3.6")

95.9 mm (3.8")

1.160

J6

9

10

JP9

JP7

J14

JP8

10

J13

NOTE Height is measured from the

upper board surface to the
highest permanent
component (PC/104
connector) on the upper
board surface. This does
not include the heatsink.

2.100

1.800

4
3

2.375

J5

2
1

JP4JP5

1

J8

2

J3

3.050

3.155

JP1

3.400

3.375

3.195

3.100

2.500

J4

CPU

0.940

0.700

0.300

0.000

-0.010

-0.200

-0.200

-0.030

J10

-0.020

0.000

J7

0.050

0.280

0.850

Figure 2-7. Mechanical Dimensions (Top View)

U14

P1B
P1A
P1C
P1D

JP2

J2

0.394

0.000

3.350

3.150

3.112

NOTE All dimensions are given in inches. Pin-1 is shown as a black or white pin

(square or round) in connectors and jumpers in this illustration.

CM420RFM_01d

14 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 2 Product Overview

NOTE The CoreModule 420 is in violation of the PC/104 height limitations in two

places on the bottom of the board. The voltage regulator (U19) exceeds the
allowed height limitation by 0.085 inches and the compact flash socket (J12)
exceeds the height limitation by 0.2 inches. See Figure 2-6.

Power Specifications

Table 2-6 provides the power requirements.

Table 2-6. Power Supply Requirements

Parameter Characteristics

Input Type Regulated DC voltages
In-rush* Current +5 VDC +/- 5% @ 13.72 Amps
BIT** Current

(Typical)

Notes: *In-rush measured with video, 64 MB memory (fixed), and power connected. Typically, in-rush
current reflects the short duration current spike associated with charging large on-board bulk capacitance
during power supply start up. However, the in-rush current value is the result of placing a switch on the
DC output of a fully 'ramped' power supply to give a worst-case current value, which is much higher
than the standard method. This in-rush value should be regarded as a maximum design guideline, not a
requisite or typical value.

**The average BIT (burn in test) current is conducted with 64 MB memory (fixed), a floppy disk drive
(FDD), a IDE hard disk drive (HDD), keyboard, mouse, serial loopbacks (4), externally connected USB
HDD (1), and active Ethernet channel (1) in a Windows® 2000 operating system (OS) environment.

+5 VDC +/- 5% @ 1.51 Amps (7.56W)

Environmental Specifications

Table 2-7 provides the operating and storage condition ranges required for this module.

Table 2-7. Environmental Requirements

Parameter Conditions
Temperature

Operating
Extended (Optional)
Storage

Humidity

Operating 20% to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing
Non-operating 5% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing

-20° to +70° C (-4° to 158° F)
–40° to +85° C (–40° F to +185° F)
–55° to +85° C (–67° F to +185° F)

Thermal/Cooling Requirements

The CPU, Super I/O, and voltage regulator are the sources of heat on the board. The CoreModule 420 is
designed to operate at its maximum CPU speed of 133 MHz and requires a heatsink (provided).

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 15

Chapter 2 Product Overview

16 Reference Manual CoreModule 420

Chapter 3 Hardware

Overview

This chapter discusses the chips and connectors of the module features in the following order:

• CPU (U14)

• Memory

♦ SDRAM (U7, U8, U9, U10)
♦ Flash Memory (U6)
♦ Bytewide socket (U5)

• PC/104 (P1A, B, C, D)

• IDE (J6)

• Compact flash socket (J12)

• Serial (J3, J9, J13, J14)

• Floppy/Parallel (J4)

• Utility (J5)

♦ Keyboard
♦ Mouse
♦ Battery
♦ Reset Switch
♦ Speaker

• Ethernet (J2)

• USB (J10)

• Video (J11)

• Miscellaneous

♦ Time of Day/RTC
♦ User GPIO (J8)
♦ Oops! Jumper (BIOS Recovery)
♦ Watchdog timer

• Power (J7)

NOTE Ampro Computers, Inc. only supports the features/options tested and listed in this

manual. The main integrated circuits (chips) used in the CoreModule 420 may
provide more features or options than are listed for the CoreModule 420, but some
of these features/options are not supported on the module and will not function as
specified in the chip documentation.

CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 17