Embedded Computer Modules

Most electronic equipment today requires some support from a computer and associated software. Data Design has an extensive library of embedded computer designs, following the leading edge in size, weight, and power (SWAP) advances. Data Design has taken advantage of the wide availability of ultra small, chip scale computer components intended for cellular telephone applications and applied them to full featured embedded computer module designs. Moreover, Data Design has implemented soft core and hard core processor designs in FPGA fabric to support reconfigurable computing requirements.

Most of the company’s computer modules are capable of running the Linux operating system and include ample memory, including many megabytes of RAM and gigabytes of flash storage, along with standard and custom interfaces. These requirements have repeatedly been implemented in designs as small as a few square inches, and in a few cases less than a square inch. Many designs have tight SWAP requirements and are capable of running on less than half a watt of power.

Data Design is also capable of embedding computer power at the high end. Advanced designs include dual PowerPC® 7447 Linux systems and x86 Windows systems with unique form factors and conduction cooling. Systems with powerful DSP and FPGA coprocessing functions have also been developed. Complex data interfaces in the library also include gigabit ethernet, XAUI, fiber channel, USB 2.0, 802.11 wireless, and others.