Specifications

Introduction
1–3
CGA, and MDA. Resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 pixels and up to 16 million colors are supported (refer to
Tables 1–2 through 1–7 for video specifications). The display controller features:
! High-speed Local Bus Architecture. The video controller provides an optimized 32-bit path
between the CPU and video memory.
! Graphical User Interface (GUI) Accelerator. Can dramatically boost the performance of
Windows
®
and many other graphics-intensive applications.
! Color Flat Panel Support. Up to 16 M colors can be displayed on color TFT LCD flat panels and
up to 226,981 colors on color STN LCD panels.
! Color Simulation/Reduction. Color is automatically converted to gray-scale on monochrome LCD
panels, using a 61-level Frame Rate Modulation (FRM) technique and dithering.
! Automatic Power Controls. The video controller provides the signals to safely control the power
and data signals to a flat panel. Advanced power management features are implemented in the power
control logic.
! PC Video Support. The video controller allows up to 18 bits of external RGB video data to be input
and merged with the internal VGA data stream. The controller supports two forms of video
windowing, color key input and X-Y window keying.
! Standard Panel Support in the ROM BIOS. The ROM BIOS supports a number of standard flat
panel displays, selectable from SETUP.
Ethernet LAN Interface
The Ethernet LAN interface uses Carrier Sense, Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD) for node
access and operates at a 10 Mbits/second data rate. The Ethernet interface contains the logic necessary to
send and receive data packets and to control the CSMA/CD network access technology, and meets the
IEEE 802.3 (ANSI 8802-3) Ethernet standard. The interface supports the Ethernet twisted-pair standard
(10BaseT) and the AUI interface (Adapter Unit Interface), allowing for maximum versatility in
connecting to different types of LAN media.
Ethernet is preferred in many applications because of its high data rate and broad level of compatibility.
Ampro supplies the Little Board/486i with drivers and utilities to ensure compatibility with a wide range
of popular operating systems and network operating systems. The Ethernet interface is based on the
SMC9000-series single-chip Ethernet controller. DOS software drivers for ODI, NDIS, packet, and
TCP/IP are supplied with the Little Board/486i Development Kit. OS support includes QNX, UNIX,
OS2, Windows
®
95, Windows NT
™
, and Windows/DOS.
The Ethernet interface provides boot PROM capability. When implemented, the embedded system boots
directly from the network, eliminating the need for a local floppy, hard drive, or SSD.
1.2.1 Enhanced Reliability
Reliability is especially important in embedded computer systems. Ampro, specializing in embedded
system computers and peripherals, knows that embedded systems must be able to run reliably in rugged,
hostile, and mission-critical environments without operator intervention. Over the years, Ampro has
evolved system designs and a comprehensive testing program to ensure a reliable and stable system in
harsh and demanding applications.