Specifications

1-1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The CoreModule/PC is an ultra compact, low cost PC compatible computer system combining all the
functionality of a PC motherboard on a 3.6" by 3.8" module. It offers very low power consumption,
+5V only operation, and a wide operating temperature range. Either as a component-like PC
engine, or combined into a system with Ampro's or other compnies’ PC/104-compatible peripheral
modules, the CoreModule/PC is an ideal solution for a variety of embedded and portable
applications.
PC/104 is a mechanical and electrical standard for embedded PCs, and the CoreModule/PC is a
PC/104-compatible CPU module. Ampro offers an extensive line of PC/104 peripheral interfaces,
called MiniModules, that are compatible with the CoreModule/PC. Additionally, there is a growing
number of PC/104-compatible peripheral interfaces from other manufacturers that are compatible
with the CoreModule/PC. The PC/104 Specification and the list of PC/104 vendors and products are
available from the PC/104 Consortium. The Consortium’s address is provided in Chapter 4.
The CoreModule/PC allows system designers to include full PC functionality in their product while
using a minimum of space and power. It uses a CMOS 8088-compatible CPU plus a full
complement of PC compatible DMA controllers, interrupt controllers, and timers. There are either
256 Kbytes or 1 Mbyte of DRAM onboard.
All the features required of a PC compatible embedded controller are included in the
CoreModule/PC. It is equipped with a PC compatible bidirectional parallel port and an 8250
compatible RS232C serial port. The former can be configured as a printer interface or as an 8-bit
general purpose I/O port. A real time clock with a connector for external backup battery is also
included.
Disk drives are often undesirable in embedded applications. Further, the harsh operating
environments in which embedded systems often operate make the use of floppy or hard disk drives
unreliable. A 32-pin socket on the CoreModule/PC allows an onboard byte-wide memory device to
function as a bootable DOS compatible Solid State Disk (SSD). Using Ampro's optional Solid State
Disk Utilities, any DOS-based PC software, including DOS, drivers, and application programs can
reside in an SSD. Ampro's SSD support software can be used with a wide variety of memory
devices, including EPROMs, Flash EPROMs, and NOVRAM modules − up to 1M byte may be
installed. Flash EPROM can be programmed directly on the module.
When ordinary floppy or hard disk drives are required, an Ampro MiniModule/FSS may be mated
directly to the CoreModule/PC. The MiniModule/FSS provides a floppy controller, SCSI interface,
and an additional serial port in the same compact form factor.