Chapter 7: Compactflash, Sdram, And Battery Backup; Description; Compactflash; Creating A Bootable Compactflash - Octagon Systems XE–700 Reference Manual

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Chapter 7: CompactFlash, SDRAM, and battery backup

The XE–700 SBC is shipped with a 512 KB surface mount flash. This flash

contains the BIOS. The board is shipped with 64 MB surface mounted SDRAM.

A battery backup connector is provided at J6 for an AT battery to back up the real

time clock.

The CompactFlash socket supports 3.3V devices. The CompactFlash appears to the

system as an IDE device. It should be automatically detected and configured as a

hard drive during bootup. To configure the XE–700 SBC to boot from a

CompactFlash, refer to the following section "Creating a Bootable CompactFlash."

The CompactFlash socket is connected to the Primary IDE channel. This channel is

configured for a Master device only. Therefore, if a CompactFlash device is

installed, it will show up as a Master on the Primary IDE channel. Any additional

IDE devices will show up as Secondary IDE devices.

Note

Octagon Systems only recommends Industrial Grade CompactFlash (NAND

technology) that implements ECC error code correction, and wear level technology.

A CompactFlash as shipped from the factory may or may not be formatted; even if

formatted, it may or may not be bootable. The following sequence shows how to

create a bootable CompactFlash, and how to configure the XE–700 SBC to boot

from the CompactFlash.

You must use an external drive such as a hard drive or CD to sys the

CompactFlash. See step 5.

1. Create a bootable external device.

Note

Octagon offers OS Embedders that include a CD boot disk for a variety of operating

systems. Contact your Octagon representative for additional information.

2. Change the boot sequence in BIOS Setup so the XE–700 SBC boots from the

external drive first. Reboot from the external device.

3. Use the appropriate commands/utility to create partitions on the

CompactFlash. Refer to your operating system manual for the appropriate

parameters. You might also have to refresh the MBR (Master Boot Record).

4. Reboot, using the external device.

5. Format the CompactFlash. Follow the on-screen instructions for your operating

system to format the CompactFlash.

CAUTION

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