Force unveils UltraSPARC-IIe based VME single board computer

<%=company1%>, has introduced the first member of the CPU-54 family of single-slot single board computers (SBCs), illustrating its commitment to the VME market. Based on the new UltraSPARC-Iie processor from Sun Microsystems, the new SBC combines high performance and low power consumption with a highly flexible I/O configuration.

The CPU-54 builds on the strengths of Force's established CPU-50 family and will be aimed at similar uses in telecommunications, data communications, and governmental applications. The 400- and 500MHz UltraSPARC-IIe processors are the first from Sun aimed specifically at the embedded market. Sun's roadmap for this new state-of-the-art family will enable Force to plan new enhanced members of the CPU-54 family well into the future.

According to Force, the CPU-54's single-slot VME design provides maximum performance and functionality in a minimum space. At less than 28W, its power consumption rating is lower than most other single board computers. By using SDRAM technology, Force can offer 128 or 256 MB of RAM — an expansion module can increase RAM to 2 GBytes. Onboard I/O includes three 10/100 Ethernet interfaces, two Wide Ultra SCSI interfaces and four serial interfaces. Interfaces can be increased in number by adding an IO-54 companion board, which provides an additional Ethernet controller and two PMC slots. In addition, the CPU-54 supports the Solaris 7 and 8 operating systems, as well as the VxWorks real-time operating system (RTOS) from Wind River Systems.

Pricing for the CPU-54, which will begin shipping in February 2001, starts at US$6,000 for individual SBCs. Volume shipments are scheduled for April 2001.

Edited by Bruce A. Bennett
Managing Editor, Embedded Technology.com