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PC/104 an Embedded PC Standard
2.3
Over the past decade, the PC architecture has become an accepted platform for far more
than desktop applications. Dedicated and embedded applications for PCs are beginning to
appear everywhere.
By standardizing hardware and software around the broadly supported PC architecture,
embedded system designers can substantially reduce development costs, risks, and time-
to-market.
For these reasons, companies that embed microcomputers as controllers within their
products seek ways to reap the benefits of using the PC architecture. However, the standard
form factor of a PC bus (12.4" x 4.8") and its associated card cages and backplanes are too
bulky and expensive for most embedded control applications.
The only practical way to embed the PC architecture in space-and power-sensitive
applications has been to design a PC chip by chip directly into the product. But this runs
counter to growing trend away from "reinventing the wheel." Whenever possible, top
management now encourages outsourcing of components and technologies to reduce
development costs and accelerate product design cycles.
A need has arisen for a more compact implementation of the PC bus, satisfying the reduced
space and power constraints of embedded control applications. PC/104 was developed in
response to this need. It offers full architecture, hardware and software compatibility with
the PC bus but in ultra-compact (3.6" x 3.8") stackable modules. PC/104 is ideally suited to
the unique requirements of embedded control applications.
Although configuration and application possibilities with PC/104 modules are practically
limitless, there are two ways to use them in embedded system designs:
Standalone module stacks
PC/104 modules are self-stacking. The modules are used like ultra-compact bus boards
but without a need for backplanes or card cages. Stacked modules are spaced 0.6
inches apart. (The three-module stack measures 3.6 by 3.8 by 2 inches.) Companies
using PC/104 module stacks within their products frequently create one or more of
their own application-specific PC/104 modules.
Component-line applications
In this configuration, the modules function as highly integrated components, plugged
into custom carrier boards that contain application-specific interfaces and logic. The
modules' self-stacking bus can be useful to install multiple modules in one location.
This facilitates product upgrades or options and allows temporary addition of modules
during system debug or test.
MOPS/386A User's Guide
5
Introduction
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