VersaLogic launches Falcon embedded computers

VersaLogic has launchee Falcon—an extremely small, rugged, embedded computer. The new EPU (Embedded Processing Unit) format combines processor, memory, video, and system I/O into a compact form factor. The Falcon meets the military and medical industries' evolving requirements for smaller, lighter embedded systems. Roughly the size of a credit card and less than one inch thick, the Falcon is highly-integrated. It combines the new Intel Atom E6x0T low power processor with system interfaces and can withstand extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. "Getting a product with this level of density to meet VersaLogic's rigid design, verification, and manufacturing-process standards was challenging," said Bruce McKinnon, Chief Operating Officer of VersaLogic. "Our customers expect VersaLogic to be the standard in reliability. The unmanned avionics and field infantry systems using Falcon are examples that absolutely cannot afford failures. The Falcon is another example of our commitment to uphold VersaLogic's standards for product design and manufacturing quality." The Falcon's Atom E6x0T processor is optimized for performance and power-consumption balance. It provides compatibility with a broad range of x86 application-development tools for reduced cost and development time. Integrated high-performance graphics provide hardware-accelerated MPEG-4/H.264 and MPEG-2 video encoding and decoding. It includes a standard LVDS video output for flat panel displays. On-board I/O includes Gigabit Ethernet with network boot capability, four USB 2.0 ports, four serial ports, and Intel HDA (high-definition audio). A SATA 3-Gbps interface supports high-capacity rotating or solid-state drives. Dual microSD sockets and a Mini PCIe socket with mSATA capability provide flexible SSD (solid-state drive) options. Systems can be enhanced by leveraging the Mini PCIe socket with plug-in Wi-Fi modems, GPS receivers, MIL-STD-1553 serial transceivers, Ethernet, and Firewire. The Falcon supports an optional TPM (trusted-platform module) chip for applications that require enhanced hardware-level security functions. The Falcon's wide input voltage range (8 to 17 volts) simplifies system power supply requirements. It is fully compatible with automotive type (nominal 12V) power systems. Designed and tested for industrial temperature (-40 to +85 °C) operation, the rugged Falcon meets MIL-STD-202G specifications to withstand high impact and vibration. Soldered-on RAM, fanless thermal management, and latching connectors for Ethernet, SATA, and main I/O provide additional ruggedness for use in harsh environments. Falcon is available as an IPC-A-610 Class 2 assembly. Class 3 assembly is optional for situations where extreme reliability is required. Falcon is ITAR and RoHS compliant and includes VersaLogic's production life guarantee. Customization options include TPM chip, conformal coating, IPC Class 3 assembly, cabling, revision locks, custom labeling, BIOS modifications, software, customized testing, screening, and more. The Falcon will be available from stock starting in September of 2012. Pricing starts at $853 for 1 GB RAM models in OEM quantities. Versalogic