WinSystems offers best practice recommendations for using and handling WinSystems embedded PCs. These methods
include valuable advice to provide an optimal user experience and to prevent damage to yourself and/or the product.
YOU MAY VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND/OR DAMAGE AN EMBEDDED PC BY FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THESE
BEST PRACTICES.
Reference Appendix - A for Best Practices.
Please review these guidelines carefully and follow them to ensure
you are successfully using your embedded PC.
This product ships with a heat sink. Product warranty is void if the
heat sink is removed from the product.
For any questions you may have on WinSystems products, contact our Technical Support Group at (817) 274-7553, Monday
through Friday, between 8 AM and 5 PM Central Standard Time (CST).
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Visual Index - Top View (Connectors)
J6
Power and Reset
J8
Ethernet2
(82567V)
J13
Ethernet1
(82583V)
J11
PATA
J14
External
Battery
J16
Audio
J10
Serial I/O
COM3/4)
J3
ATX Signals
J2
PBRESET
J1
PS/2 Mouse
J4
USB
(4/5/6/7)
J5
USB
(0/1/2/3)
J7
Multi-I/O
(COM1/2, Keybd,
LPT)
J9
Digital I/O
(Ports 0/1/2)
J12
Digital I/O
(Ports 3/4/5)
J18
PC/104-Plus
J15
PC/104 (C/D)
J19
Analog VGA
J20
LVDS
J24
Backlight
J26
Fan Control
J17
PC/104 (A/B)
J23
SATA 2
J25
SATA 1
RESERVED - JP1, JP2, JP3, JP4, JP12, JP14, JP17
NOTE: The reference line to each component part has been drawn to Pin 1, and is also highlighted with a square, where applicable.
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JP7
COM3
Termination
JP6
COM4
Termination
JP9
CompactFlash
(Master/Slave)
D27
IDE/SATA
Activity LED
JP10
COM2
Termination
Visual Index - Top View (Jumpers & LEDs)
JP8
Digital I/O Power
(J12)
JP5
Digital I/O Power
(J9)
D6
Status LED
JP16
EEPROM Enable
JP15
EEPROM Enable
JP11
COM1
Termination
JP13
LVDS Power
RESERVED - JP1, JP2, JP3, JP4, JP12, JP14, JP17
NOTE: The reference line to each component part has been drawn to Pin 1, and is also highlighted with a square, where applicable.
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J27
MiniPCI
Visual Index - Bottom View
J28
CompactFlash
J203
Memory1
J204
Memory2
RESERVED - JP1, JP2, JP3, JP4, JP12, JP14, JP17
NOTE: The reference line to each component part has been drawn to Pin 1, and is also highlighted with a square, where applicable.
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Jumper Reference
NOTE: Jumper Part# SAMTEC 2SN-BK-G is applicable to all jumpers. These are available in a ve piece kit from
WinSystems (Part# KIT-JMP-G-200).
JP9 - CompactFlash
JP9
□ □ 2
1
CompactFlash Master (default)1-2
CompactFlash Slave1 2
JP11 - COM1, JP10 - COM2, JP7 - COM3, JP6 - COM4
JP11
2 4 6 8
□ □ □ □
□ □ □ □1 3 5 7
RS-422 Termination and Biasing Resistors
TX (100): Places a 100Ω Resistor across the TX+/TX- pair3-4
RX (100): Places a 100Ω Resistor across the RX+/RX- pair7-8
Places a 100Ω Resistor from +5V to TX+1-2
TX(300):
RS-485 Termination and Biasing Resistors
TX (100): Places a 100Ω Resistor across the TX/RX+/TX/RX- pair3-4
TX/RX(300):
Places a 100Ω Resistor between TX+ and TX-3-4
Places a 100Ω Resistor from Ground to TX-5-6
Places a 100Ω Resistor from +5V to TX/RX+1-2
Places a 100Ω Resistor between TX/RX+ and TX/RX-3-4
Places a 100Ω Resistor from Ground to TX/RX-5-6
JP10
2 4 6 8
□ □ □ □
□ □ □ □1 3 5 7
JP7
2 4 6 8
□ □ □ □
□ □ □ □1 3 5 7
JP6
2 4 6 8
□ □ □ □
□ □ □ □1 3 5 7
JP15, JP16 - EEPROM Enable
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JP15
□
1
2
□
JP16
□
1
2
□
EEPROM EnableJP15JP16
CMOS EEPROM Enable (default)1-21-2
CMOS EEPROM DisableOpenOpen
JP13 - Panel Power
Jumper Reference (cont’d)
JP13
□
1
2
□
3
□
Panel Power
JP5 - Digital I/O VCC for J9
JP5
1
2
□
□
+5V is provided at pin 49 of J91-2
No Power at Pin 49 of J9 (default)OPEN
JP8 - Digital I/O VCC for J12
JP8
1
2
□
□
+5V is provided at pin 49 of J121-2
No Power at Pin 49 of J12 (default)OPEN
Avoid Simultaneous Jumpering of pins 1-2 and 2-3.
Misjumpering panel power causes damage to the
board and/or the Flat Panel.
5V1-2
3.3V (default)2-3
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INTRODUCTION
This manual is intended to provide the necessary information regarding conguration and usage of the EBC-C384 single
board computer. WinSystems maintains a Technical Support Group to help answer questions not adequately addressed
in this manual. Contact Technical Support at (817) 274-7553, Monday through Friday, between 8 AM and 5 PM Central
Standard Time (CST).
FEATURES
CPU
• Intel® ATOM™ D525 (1.80 GHz) dual core
Compatible Operating Systems
• Linux, Windows Embedded Standard, and other x86 compatible OS
Memory
• Up to 4 GB of DDR3 SODIMM (Socketed) for EBC-C384-D2-1
BIOS
• Phoenix
Video
• Analog VGA resolution up to SXGA 1400x1050
• LVDS 18-bit support up to 1366x768 or 1280x800
• Simultaneous LVDS and CRT video supported
Ethernet
• 2 Intel® 10/100/1000 Mbps controllers (one using PC82574 and one using ICH8M LAN)
Storage
• 2 SATA (2.0) channels
• 1 PATA channel shared with CompactFlash socket
Digital I/O
• 48 GPIO Bidirectional lines (WS16C48)
Bus Expansion
• PC/104
• PC/104-Plus
• MiniPCI
Serial I/O
• 4 serial ports (RS-232/422/485)
Line Printer Port
• SPP/EPP supported
USB
• 8 USB 2.0 ports
Watchdog Timer
• Adjustable from 1 second to 255 minute reset
Audio
• HD Audio supported
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Power
• +5V required, 2.9A typical
Industrial Operating Temperature
• -40°C to 75°C
Mechanical
• EBX-compliant
• Dimensions: 5.75” x 8.00” (147 mm x 203 mm)
• Weight: 16 oz (453.59 g) (with heatsink)
Additional Features
• RoHS compliant
• Backlight power supported
• Custom splash screen on start-up
• Real-time clock/calendar
System
The EBC-C384 is an Intel® ATOM™ Single Board Computer (SBC) which uses either a 1.66 GHz single core Intel
N455 or 1.80 GHz dual core D525 processor paired with the ICH8M controller hub. This is an EBX-compatible unit and
incorporates two 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet controllers, two SATA channels, one PATA channel, 48 lines of digital I/O,
four serial RS-232/422/485 ports, watchdog timer, PS/2 keyboard and mouse controller, and LPT. The SBC also supports
HD audio, USB ports, and is equipped with a CompactFlash socket and MiniPCI card socket.
Memory
The EBC-C384-D2-1 board supports up to 4 GB DDR3 SODIMM system memory via on-board sockets located at J203
and J204.
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FUNCTIONALITY
I/O Port Map
Following is a list of I/O ports used on the EBC-C384.
NOTE: The EBC-C384 uses a PnP BIOS resource allocation. Care must be taken to avoid contention with resources
allocated by the BIOS.
HEX RangeUsage
0000h-001FhDMA Controller 82C37
0020h-0021hInterrupt Controller PIC 8259
0024h-0025hInterrupt Controller
0028h-0029hInterrupt Controller
002Ch-002DhInterrupt Controller
002Eh-002FhForward to Super IO
0030h-0031hInterrupt Controller
0034h-0035hInterrupt Controller
0038h-0039hInterrupt Controller
003Ch-003DhInterrupt Controller
0040h-0043hTimer counter 8254
004Eh-004FhForward to Super IO
0050h-0053hTimer counter 8254
0060hKeyboard data port
0061hNMI controller
0062h8051 download 4K address counter
0064hKeyboard status port
0066h8051 download 8-bit data port
0070h-0077hRTC Controller
0080h-0091hDMA Controller
0092hReset Generator
0093h-009FhDMA Controller
00A0h-00A1hInterrupt Controller PIC 8259
00A4h-00A5hInterrupt Controller
00A8h-00A9hInterrupt Controller
0ACh-00ADhInterrupt Controller
00B0h-00B1hInterrupt Controller
00B2h-00B3hPower Management
00B4h-00B5hInterrupt Controller
00B8h-00B9hInterrupt Controller
00C0h-00DFhDMA Controller 82C37
00F0hFERR#/IGNNE/Interrupt Controller
0120h-012FhDigital I/O (Default)
0140h-01FFhReserved *
0170h-0177hIDE1 Controller
0180h-01FFhReserved
0298h-029BhReserved for Super I/O Conguration
029CInterrupt Status Register
029DStatus LED Register
029E-029FWatchdog Timer Control
02E8h-02EFhCOM4 (Default)
02F8h-02FFhCOM2 (Default)
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HEX RangeUsage
0340h-03E7hReserved *
0376hIDE1 Controller
0378h-037BhLPT (Default)
03E8h-03EFhCOM3 (Default)
03F0h-03F5hReserved
03F6hIDE0 Controller
03F8h-03FFhCOM1 (Default)
04D0h-4D1hInterrupt Controller
0564h-0568hAdvanced Watchdog
0CF9hReset Generator
This product utilizes a LPC to ISA Bridge to address the PC/104 bus. The majority of legacy PC/104 modules are I/O
mapped and function as expected. However, neither DMA nor memory mapped PC/104 modules are supported with this
product. The PC/104-Plus PCI signals are completely supported.
* The ICH8M limits the LPC (ISA) decode ranges to four windows, two of which can be adjusted in the BIOS. For
example, the 0300-033Fh range can be changed to 0600-06FFh so the full 256 bytes are available for PC/104 modules.
Resources addressed internally may still exist in these ranges so please check the I/O map for availability.
The advanced watchdog timer is the only on-board device affected by adjusting LPC (ISA) decode range. It will not be
available if the 0564-0568h decode range is disabled.
The default is for the PC/104 decode ranges are shown below. Please contact an Applications Engineer if you have
questions regarding the decode ranges.
0100-013Fh 64 Bytes (Fixed)
0200-02FFh 256 Bytes (Fixed)
0300-033Fh 64 Bytes (BIOS Selectable)
0500-05FFh 256 Bytes (BIOS Selectable)
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Interrupt Map
Hardware Interrupts (IRQs) are supported for both PC/104 (ISA), PCI and PCIe devices. The user must reserve IRQs in
the BIOS CMOS conguration for use by legacy devices. The PCIe/PnP BIOS will use unreserved IRQs when allocating
resources during the boot process. The table below lists IRQ resources as used by the EBC-C384.
IRQ018.2 Hz heartbeat
IRQ1Keyboard
IRQ2Chained to Slave controller (IRQ9)
IRQ3COM2 *
IRQ4COM1 *
IRQ5COM3 *
IRQ6COM4 *
IRQ7LPT *
IRQ8Real Time Clock
IRQ9FREE **
IRQ10Digital I/O
IRQ11PCI Interrupts
IRQ12Mouse
IRQ13Floating point processor
IRQ14IDE
IRQ15IDE
These IRQ references are default settings that can be changed by the user in the CMOS Settings
*
utility. Reference the Super I/O Control section under Intel.
IRQ9 is commonly used by ACPI when enabled and may be unavailable (depending on operating
**
system) for other uses.
***IRQ15 is currently unavailable under the Windows operating systems.
Some IRQs can be freed for other uses if the hardware features they are assigned to are not being
used. To free an interrupt, use the CMOS setup screens to disable any unused board features or their
IRQ assignments.
Interrupt Status Register - 29CH
Bit 7Bit 6Bit 5Bit 4Bit 3Bit 2Bit 1Bit 0
N/AN/AN/AN/ACOM4COM3COM2COM1
Note: A 1 will be read for the device(s) with an interrupt pending.
WinSystems does not provide software support for implementing the Interrupt Status
Register to share interrupts. Some operating systems, such as Windows XP and Linux,
have support for sharing serial port interrupts and examples are available. The user will
need to implement the appropriate software to share interrupts for the other devices.
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PCI Devices and Functions
Bus:Device:FunctionFunction Description
Bus 0:Device 0:Fun: 0Processor Host Bridge/DMI Controller
Bus 0:Device 2:Fun: 0Processor Host Bridge/Graphics Controller
Bus 0:Device 2:Fun: 0Processor Host Bridge/Graphics Controller
Bus 0:Device 25:Fun: 0Internal GbE Controller
Bus 0:Device 26:Fun: 1USB UHCI Controller
Bus 0:Device 26:Fun: 7USB UHCI Controller
Bus 0:Device 26:Fun: 7USB EHCI Controller
Bus 0:Device 27:Fun: 0Intel High Denition Audio Controller
Bus 0:Device 28:Fun: 0PCI Express Port 1
Bus 0:Device 28:Fun: 1PCI Express Port 2
Bus 0:Device 29:Fun: 0USB UHCI Controller
Bus 0:Device 29:Fun: 1USB UHCI Controller
Bus 0:Device 29:Fun: 2USB UHCI Controller
Bus 0:Device 29:Fun: 7USB EHCI Controller
Bus 0:Device 30:Fun: 0PCI-to-PCI Bridge
Bus 0:Device 31:Fun: 0LPC Bridge
Bus0:Device 31:Fun: 0IDE Controller
Bus 0:Device 31:Fun: 2SATA Controller
Bus 0:Device 31:Fun: 3SMBus Controller
Bus 0:Device 31:Fun: 6ICH8M Thermal Subsystem
Bus 1:Device 0:Fun: 0External GbE Controller
Bus 2:Device 0:Fun: 0PCI Express MiniCard
Bus 3:Devicex:Fun: 0PCI 2.0
DOS Legacy Memory Map
HEX RangeUsage
0000:0000-0009:FFFFMain Memory (DOS area)
000A:0000-000B:FFFFLegacy Video Area (SMM Memory)
000C:0000-000D:FFFFExpansion Area
000E:0000-000E:FFFFExtended System BIOS (Lower)
000F:0000-000F:FFFFSystem BIOS (Upper)
0010:0000-TOM (Top of Memory)Main Memory
FEC0:0000-FEC7:FFFFIO APIC
FED0:x000-FED0:x3FFHigh Precision Event Timers
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Watchdog Timer
The EBC-C384 features an advanced watchdog timer which can be used to guard against software lockups. Two
interfaces are provided to the watchdog timer. The Advanced interface is the most exible and recommended for new
designs. The other interface option is provided for software compatibility with older WinSystems single board computers.
Advanced
The watchdog timer can be enabled in the BIOS Settings by entering a value for Watchdog Timeout on the Intel → Super
I/O Control screen. Any non-zero value represents the number of minutes prior to reset during system boot. Once the
operating system is loaded, the watchdog can be disabled or recongured in the application software.
NOTE: It is recommended that a long timeout be used if the watchdog is enabled when trying to boot any operating
system.
The watchdog can be enabled, disabled or reset by writing the appropriate values to the conguration registers located
at I/O addresses 565h and 566h. The watchdog is enabled by writing a timeout value other than zero to the I/O address
566h and disabled by writing 00h to this I/O address. The watchdog timer is serviced by writing the desired timeout value
to I/O port 566h. If the watchdog has not been serviced within the allotted time, the circuit resets the CPU.
The timeout value can be set from 1 second to 255 minutes. If port 565h bit 7 equals 0, the timeout value written into I/O
address 566h is in minutes. The timeout value written to address 566h is in seconds if port 565 bit 7 equals 1.
Watchdog Timer Examples
Port AddressPort Bit 7 ValuePort AddressValueReset Interval
HAZARD WARNING: LCD panels can require a high voltage for the panel backlight. This
high-frequency voltage can exceed 1000 volts and can present a shock hazard. Care
should be taken when wiring and handling the inverter output. To avoid the danger of
shock and to avoid the panel, make all connection changes with the power removed.
GND
+12V
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Visual
Index
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
□
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JP13 - Panel Power
Visual
Index
JP13
□
1
2
□
3
□
Panel Power
Avoid Simultaneous Jumpering of pins 1-2 and 2-3.
Misjumpering panel power causes damage to the
board and/or the Flat Panel.
5V1-2
3.3V (default)2-3
The EBC-C384 has an integrated display controller that interfaces to both Analog VGA and at panel displays. The video
output mode is selected in the CMOS setup. Simultaneous at panel and Analog VGA mode is also supported. The
Analog VGA connector is located at J19. WinSystems offers the cable CBL-234-G-1-1.375 to simplify the connection.
The LVDS interface connector is located at J20 to interface to at panels. A backlight power connectors is located at J24.
Panel power option selection is made at JP13.
Contact your WinSystems’ Applications Engineer for information about available cable kits and supported panels.
This manual does not attempt to provide any information about how to connect to specic LCDs.
Note: Defaults are indicated in bold for BIOS properties. Default options that cannot be user-modied are indicated with grey text.
Intel > ACPI Control Sub-Menu (continued)
Critical Trip Point:POR
Options:
POR
15 C
23 C
31 C
39 C
47 C
55 C
63 C
71 C
79 C
87 C
95 C
103 C
111 C
119 C
127 C
FACP - RTC S4 Flag Value:Enabled
Options:
Disabled
Enabled
FACP - PM Timer Flag Value:Enabled
Options:
Disabled
Enabled
HPET Support:Disabled
Options:
Disabled
Enabled
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Note: Defaults are indicated in bold for BIOS properties. Default options that cannot be user-modied are indicated with grey text.
Security
Supervisor Password Is:Clear
User Password Is:Clear
Set Supervisor Password:Enter
Set User Password:Enter
Virus check reminder:Disabled
Options:
Disabled
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Password on boot:Disabled
Options:
Disabled
Enabled
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Note: Defaults are indicated in bold for BIOS properties. Default options that cannot be user-modied are indicated with grey text.
Boot
Boot priority order:
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:
Options:
Excluded from boot order:
Options:
All IDE HDD
All USB Floppy
All USB Key
All USB HDD
All USB CDROM
All USB ZIP
All USB LS120
All PCI SCSI
All PCI BEV
Legacy Network Card
Bootable Add-in Cards
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Note: Defaults are indicated in bold for BIOS properties. Default options that cannot be user-modied are indicated with grey text.
Exit
Exit Saving Changes
Exit Saving Changes to CMOS and EEPROM
Exit Discarding Changes
Load Setup Defaults
Discard Changes
Save Changes
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BIOS SETTINGS STORAGE OPTIONS
CMOS Storage Locations
The EBC-C384’s BIOS conguration is stored in three (3) locations:
(1) CMOS RAM (nonvolatile if battery backed)
(2) EEPROM (nonvolatile storage for user defaults)
(3) FLASH PROM (nonvolatile storage for factory defaults)
Saving the CMOS Conguration
The Real-Time Clock and the CMOS RAM settings can be maintained by an optional battery when the board is powered
off. A battery is always required to maintain time and date functions when the board is powered off.
The EEPROM feature allows the user to save CMOS conguration settings to nonvolatile storage that does not require
a battery. This feature can be enabled/disabled using JP15 and JP16. When enabled, the user’s CMOS settings can
be saved to EEPROM from the BIOS utility’s Main Menu. If the board is powered off with no battery, the user’s CMOS
settings will be restored from EEPROM but time and date information will be lost and returned to default values.
JP15, JP16 - EEPROM Enable
JP15
□
1
2
□
JP16
□
1
2
□
EEPROM EnableJP15JP16
CMOS EEPROM Enable (default)1-21-2
CMOS EEPROM DisableOpenOpen
At system boot, the BIOS rst performs a checksum validation on the contents of the CMOS RAM. Invalid checksums
usually occur due to a low or disabled battery. If the checksum is valid, the system boots using values stored in CMOS
RAM. If a checksum error occurs, the BIOS attempts to load CMOS values from the EEPROM.
After a checksum validation, the BIOS conguration is loaded from the EEPROM and the boot process continues. If the
EEPROM is disabled or the contents of the EEPROM fail the checksum validation, the system loads the factory default
settings from the FLASH PROM and continues the boot sequence.
For applications where the battery is present, CMOS settings should be saved to both the CMOS RAM and to the
EEPROM so the system can continue to function without user interaction.
Resetting CMOS to EEPROM defaults
If a battery is present, you can reset the CMOS RAM to the values stored in EEPROM by turning the system off and
removing the external battery. Replace the battery and reboot. When power is applied to the board, the system will boot
with the CMOS settings that were stored in EEPROM.
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Resetting CMOS to EEPROM to Factory Defaults
The EBC-C384 can normally be returned to the factory default BIOS conguration by selecting option Load Setup
Defaults on the BIOS Exit menu.
If you have saved EEPROM values that prevent you from accessing BIOS menus, the board can be reset to factory
defaults as follows:
1) Turn the system off.
2) Remove the jumpers from JP15 and JP16.
3) Turn the system on and enter the BIOS Main Menu using the F2 key.
4) Select Load Defaults from the Exit menu.
5) Install the jumpers to JP15 and JP16.
6) Save the restored defaults to CMOS and EEPROM.
Updating the BIOS FLASH PROM
The most recent EBC-C384 BIOS is available on the WinSystems website. However, it is highly recommended that an
Applications Engineer be consulted prior to any BIOS FLASH PROM update. If the BIOS PROM is updated, the steps
described above must be followed to reset the CMOS and EEPROM to the newly loaded factory defaults and to clear the
data from the previous BIOS version.
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CABLES
Part NumberDescription
CBL-SET-384-2Cable set for EBC-C384 includes:
ADP-IO-USB-001Dual 8-pin, 2-mm. 4 USB ports
CBL-173-G-1-1.020-pin ribbon to two 9-pin male D connector adapter
CBL-234-G-1-1.37514-pin ribbon to 15-pin D-sub CRT adapter
CBL-236-G-2-1.5Power cable (unterminated)
CBL-247-G-1-1.01-ft., Multi-I/O adapter
CBL-343-G-1-1.375PS/2 Mouse Adapter
CBL-AUDIO2-102-12Audio 2x15, 1.25-mm. to Jack, 12-in. Stereo Audio, UL1429
CBL-RST-402-18Reset, Harness for EPX (2-pin)
CBL-USB4-002-124x USB ports with two, 8-pin, 2-mm connectors
BAT-LTC-E-36-16-1External 3.6V, 1650 mAH battery with plug-in connector
Additional Cables
CBL-129-44ft., ribbon cable, 50-pin. both ends with 50-pin socket termination
CBL-266-G-2-0.7544-pin, IDE Socket Cable
CBL-343-G-1-1.375PS/2 Mouse Adapter
CBL-AUDIO5-102-12Audio 2x15, 1.25-mm. to Jack, 12-in. 5.1 Audio, UL1429
The power supply and how it is connected to the Single Board Computer (SBC) is very important.
Avoid Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Only handle the SBC and other bare electronics when electrostatic discharge
(ESD) protection is in place. Having a wrist strap and a fully grounded
workstation is the minimum ESD protection required before the ESD seal on
the product bag is broken.
Power Supply Budget
Evaluate your power supply budget. It is usually good practice to budget 2X
the typical power requirement for all of your devices.
Zero-Load Power Supply
Use a zero-load power supply whenever possible. A zero-load power supply
does not require a minimum power load to regulate. If a zero-load power
supply is not appropriate for your application, then verify that the single board
computer’s typical load is not lower than the power supply’s minimum load. If
the single board computer does not draw enough power to meet the power
supply’s minimum load, then the power supply will not regulate properly and
can cause damage to the SBC.
Use Proper Power Connections (Voltage)
When verifying the voltage, you should always measure it at the power
connector on the SBC. Measuring at the power supply does not account for
voltage drop through the wire and connectors.
The single board computer requires +5V (±5%) to operate. Verify the power
connections. Incorrect voltages can cause catastrophic damage.
Populate all of the +5V and ground connections. Most single board computers
will have multiple power and ground pins, and all of them should be populated.
The more copper connecting the power supply to the single board computer
the better.
Adjusting Voltage
If you have a power supply that will allow you to adjust the voltage, it is a good
idea to set the voltage at the power connector of the SBC to 5.1V. The SBC
can tolerate up to 5.25V, so setting your power supply to provide 5.1V is safe
and allows for a small amount of voltage drop that will occur over time as the
power supply ages and the connector contacts oxidize.
Power Harness
Minimize the length of the power harness. This will reduce the amount of
voltage drop between the power supply and the single board computer.
Gauge Wire
Use the largest gauge wire that you can. Most connector manufacturers have
a maximum gauge wire they recommend for their pins. Try going one size
larger; it usually works and the extra copper will help your system perform
properly over time.
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Contact Points
WinSystems’ boards mostly use connectors with gold nish contacts. Gold
nish contacts are used exclusively on high speed connections. Power and
lower speed peripheral connectors may use a tin nish as an alternative
contact surface. It is critical that the contact material in the mating connectors
is matched properly (gold to gold and tin to tin). Contact areas made with
dissimilar metals can cause oxidation/corrosion resulting in unreliable
connections.
Pin Contacts
Often the pin contacts used in cabling are not given enough attention. The
ideal choice for a pin contact would include a design similar to Molex’s or
Trifurcons’ design, which provides three distinct points to maximize the contact
area and improve connection integrity in high shock and vibration applications.
POWER DOWN
Make sure the system is completely off/powered down before connecting anything.
Power Supply OFF
The power supply should always be off before it is connected to the single
board computer.
I/O Connections OFF
I/O Connections should also be off before connecting them to the single
board computer or any I/O cards. Connecting hot signals can cause damage
whether the single board computer is powered or not.
MOUNTING AND PROTECTING THE SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER
Do Not Bend or Flex the SBC
Never bend or ex the single board computer. Bending or exing can cause
irreparable damage. Single board computers are especially sensitive to
exing or bending around Ball-Grid-Array (BGA) devices. BGA devices are
extremely rigid by design and exing or bending the single board computer
can cause the BGA to tear away from the printed circuit board.
Mounting Holes
The mounting holes are plated on the top, bottom and through the barrel of the
hole and are connected to the single board computer’s ground plane. Traces
are often routed in the inner layers right below, above or around the mounting
holes.
Never use a drill or any other tool in an attempt to make the holes larger.
Never use screws with oversized heads. The head could come in contact with
nearby components causing a short or physical damage.
Never use self-tapping screws; they will compromise the walls of the mounting
hole.
Never use oversized screws that cut into the walls of the mounting holes.
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Always use all of the mounting holes. By using all of the mounting holes you
will provide the support the single board computer needs to prevent bending or
exing.
MOUNTING AND PROTECTING THE SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER (continued)
Plug or Unplug Connectors Only on Fully Mounted Boards
Never plug or unplug connectors on a board that is not fully mounted. Many
of the connectors t rather tightly and the force needed to plug or unplug them
could cause the single board computer to be exed.
Avoid cutting of the SBC
Never use star washers or any fastening hardware that will cut into the single
board computer.
Avoid Overtightening of Mounting Hardware
Causing the area around the mounting holes to compress could damage
interlayer traces around the mouting holes.
Use Appropriate Tools
Always use tools that are appropriate for working with small hardware. Large
tools can damage components around the mounting holes.
Placing the SBC on Mounting Standoffs
Be careful when placing the single board computer on the mounting standoffs.
Sliding the board around until the standoffs are visible from the top can cause
component damage on the bottom of the single board computer.
Avoid Conductive Surfaces
Never allow the single board computer to be placed on a conductive surface.
Almost all single board computers use a battery to backup the clock-calendar
and CMOS memory. A conductive surface such as a metal bench can short
the battery causing premature failure.
ADDING PC/104 BOARDS TO YOUR STACK
Be careful when adding PC/104 boards to your stack.
Never allow the power to be turned on when a PC/104 board has been
improperly plugged onto the stack. It is possible to misalign the PC/104 card
and leave a row of pins on the end or down the long side hanging out of the
connector. If power is applied with these pins misaligned, it will cause the I/O
board to be damaged beyond repair.
CONFORMAL COATING
Applying conformal coating to a WinSystems product will not in itself void the
product warranty, if it is properly removed prior to return. Coating may change
thermal characteristics and impedes our ability to test, diagnose, and repair
products. Any coated product sent to WinSystems for repair will be returned at
customer expense and no service will be performed.
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OPERATIONS / PRODUCT MANUALS
Every single board computer has an Operations manual or Product manual.
Manual Updates
Operations/Product manuals are updated often. Periodicially check the
WinSystems website (http://www.winsystems.com) for revisions.
Check Pinouts
Always check the pinout and connector locations in the manual before
plugging in a cable. Many single board computers will have identical headers
for different functions and plugging a cable into the wrong header can have
disastrous results.
Contact an Applications Engineer with questions
If a diagram or chart in a manual does not seem to match your board, or if you
have additional questions, contact your Applications Engineer.
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APPENDIX - B
POST CODES
If the system hangs before the BIOS can process the error, the value displayed at the I/O port I/O address 80h is the last
test that performed. In this case, the screen does not display an error code.
The following is a list of the checkpoint codes written at the start of each test and their corresponding audio beep codes