Chapter 2 Product Overview; Epic Architecture; Figure 2-1. Typical Readyboard And Pc/104 Module Stack - Ampro ReadyBoar 800 Reference Manual

Chapter 2 Product Overview

This introduction presents general information about the EPIC Architecture and the ReadyBoard 800
single board computer (SBC). After reading this chapter you should understand:

• EPIC Architecture

• ReadyBoard 800 architecture
• ReadyBoard 800 features
• Major components
• Connectors
• Specifications
EPIC Architecture
In 2004, five companies collaborated to fill the void between the EBX size and the PC/104 size with a
new industry standard form factor (115mm x 165mm, or 4.5" x 6.5") called "Embedded Platform for
Industrial Computing™ (EPIC)." The EPIC standard principally defines physical size, mounting hole
pattern, and power connector locations. It does not specify processor type or electrical characteristics.
There are recommended connector placements for serial/parallel, Ethernet, graphics, and memory
expansion. This embedded SBC standard ensures that embedded system OEMs can standardize their
designs and that full featured embedded computing solutions can be designed into even more space
constrained environments than ever before.
The EPIC standard boasts the same highly flexible and adaptable system expansion as EBX, allowing
easy and modular addition of functions such as Firewire or wireless networking not usually contained in
standard product offerings. The EBX system expansion is based on popular existing industry standards,
PC/104™, PC/104-Plus™, and PCI-104™. PC/104 places the ISA bus on compact 3.6" x 3.8" modules
with self-stacking capability. PC/104-Plus adds the power of a PCI bus to PC/104 while retaining the
basic form-factor, but PCI-104 expansion cards only provide the PCI Bus to the PC/104 form-factor.
Using PC/104 expansion cards, an EPIC board can be easily adapted to meet a variety of embedded
applications. See Figures 2-1 and 2-2.
The EPIC standard also brings stability to the mid-sized embedded board market and offers OEMs
assurance that a wide range of products will be available from multiple sources – now and in the future.
The EPIC specification is freely available to all interested companies, and may be used without licenses
or royalties. For further technical information on the EPIC standard, visit the web site at
http://www.epic-sbc.org.
screws or
0.6 inch spaces (4)
0.6 inch spacers (4)
PCI Bus
Stack through
Connectors
0.8 inch spacers (4)
nuts (4)
or chassis standoffs
ReadyBoard 800
PC/104 Module
PC/104 Plus Module
ReadyBoard (EPIC-Compatible)

Figure 2-1. Typical ReadyBoard and PC/104 Module Stack

Reference Manual
ISA Bus
Expansion
Stackthrough
Connectors
I/O
Connectors
5