Specifications

CoreModule/PC Technical Manual
1-2
The Award ROM-BIOS used in the CoreModule/PC contains Ampro extensions to support the solid
state disk capability and an optional SCSI interface. A unique "serial console" option allows
external devices connected to the module's serial port to substitute for the standard PC keyboard and
display. Ampro has also added "OEM hooks" to the BIOS to ease the task of system customization,
allowing embedded code to be executed out of ROM installed in the onboard byte-wide sockets or on
an external peripheral adapter. BIOS support for the module’s watchdog timer function is also
included, facilitating easy integration with OEM applications.
The CoreModule/PC has been designed to offer superior configuration flexibility while maintaining
very small overall system dimensions. Its onboard PC/104 bus header provides all the signals found
on the PC bus. Both the CoreModule/PC and Ampro's MiniModule expansion boards are offered
with stackthrough headers, allowing them to be stacked directly on top of each other, thus avoiding
the need for backplanes or card cages. Spacers are used to rigidly mount the boards on top of each
other. In this manner, a complete system consisting of the CoreModule/PC, a MiniModule display
controller, and a MiniModule/FSS (floppy drive, SCSI, and serial port controllers) can be assembled
into a three-high stack measuring only 3.6 x 3.8 x 1.8 inches.
A key advantage of the PC compatibility of the CoreModule/PC is that it runs standard IBM PC
software, including single- and multi-tasking operating systems, languages, development tools, and
thousands of other software applications and utility packages.
1.2 FEATURES
n 8088-compatible CMOS processor operating at 9.8 MHz
n 256 Kbytes or 1 Mbyte of onboard RAM
n 32-pin byte-wide socket for Solid State Disk support
n Industry standard AWARD BIOS with Ampro extensions
n DMA, interrupt, and timer controllers
n Bidirectional parallel port, serial port, keyboard, and speaker interfaces
n Battery backed real time clock
n Watchdog timer with BIOS support
n Configuration EEPROM eliminates most jumpers
n 8-bit PC/104 stackthrough bus with 6 mA bus drive
n Ultra compact PC/104 form factor (3.6 x 3.8 x 0.6 inches)
n Low power consumption: 0.6 W active, 0.3 W sleep