Dual-core CPU offers multitasking

Protech Systems Co Ltd unveiled the RoHS com­pliant PMB-531LF mini-ITX
industrial motherboard sup­porting the latest Intel core duo processors to
deliver an optimum combination of performance, multitasking flexibility and
fanless, low-power operation for a wide range of embedded and industrial
applications.

The PMB-531LF incorpo­rates the Intel 945GM Express chipset with Intel
Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950 to provide extreme graphics performance and
takes advan­tage of the Intel serial digital video output (SDVO) specification
on the PCI Express x16 slot for compre­hensive video output connec­tivity to
LVDS, TV-out and VGA displays through advan­ced digital display two (ADD2)
cards.

A new level of embedded performance

“Protech's new Intel core duo mini-ITX solution offers the greatest
performance per watt of any embedded plat­form currently availa­ble,” said
Jack Chen, Presi­dent, Protech Systems. He added, “This new industrial mother­board
opens an entire new range of high-end embedded applications and nicely extends
our existing mini-ITX Pentium M/Celeron M pro­duct lineup.”

One of the first mini-ITX SBCs to support dual-core CPUs, the Intel core duo
pro­cessors set a new computing benchmark by dramatically increasing system
perfor­mance and delivering faster response time while consu­ming less power
and genera­ting less heat. The PMB­531LF's 478-pin CPU socket additionally
provides legacy support for Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors as well.
This support gives cus­to­mers upgrade flexibility and choice.

Running at speeds of up to 667 MHz front side bus, the Intel 945GM and Intel
ICH7 chipset provides a depen­­dable backbone for dual-channel DDR2 memory
architecture, integrated 3D graphics, gigabit LAN, four x serial ATA support,
six x USB 2.0, and AC'97 audio.

Extending application possibilities

The PMB-531LF's fanless ope­ration and low power consu­mption directly
address em­bedded developers' needs for performance, efficiency and heat
management. The per­formance-to-power ratio is up to 100 percent higher using
dual-core processors com­pared to Pentium M. These factors combined with the
board's small size, im­prove integration flexibi­lity as well as reduce
costly on-site visits and cut system downtime.

The PMB-531LF adheres to the RoHS European Union Directive going into effect
July 1, 2006. RoHS com­pli­ance assures system inte­gra­tors and OEM/ODM
custo­mers of an environmentally safe solution that can imme­diately drive
their cutting edge applications.

The PMB-531LF's raw processing power, strong graphics and multimedia
support, and compact foot­print make it an ideal plat­form for a wide range of
embedded applications that include point of sales (POS), point of information
(POI) terminals, personal video recorders, gaming consoles, medical equipment,
financial applications and interactive kiosks. The PMB-531LF is fully compatible
with Linux, Windows XP or Windows CE operating system.

Features

• Support Intel core duo/solo/duo LV up to 2.16GHz
• Equipped with Intel 945GM chipset with FSB 667MHz
• Memory supports DDR2 667 SDRAM up to two GB
• Support four x SATA and IDE interfaces
• Expansion slots for PCI-E x 16, mini-PCI
• Support gigabit LAN port with wake-on-LAN