ARCOM PC/104
ARCOM PC/104
[Vin182]
The ARCOM PC/104 featuring the PXA255 processor at 400MHz was a notable embedded system in the early 2000s, known for its high level of integration and low power consumption, making it suitable for rugged and space-constrained applications. Its claim to fame lay in its embedded design, combining ARM-based processing with PC/104 modularity, allowing for flexible expansion in industrial and military contexts, which emphasized its importance in portable, low-power embedded computing solutions.
- Manufacturer: EuroTech
- Type: Single Board Computer
- Release Date: 2004
- Cost at release: ~$800 (adjusted for inflation)
- MIPS: 300-400
Hardware Specifications
- CPU: Intel XScale PXA255 at 400MHz
- Memory: Up to 64MB SDRAM, up to 32MB Intel StrataFlash, 256KB battery-backed SRAM
- Storage: Optional 32MB DOC (DiskOnChip), 8MB Data Flash
- Video: TFT/STN flat panel graphics controller, analog VGA + LVDS output
- Interfaces: 1x 10/100Base-T Ethernet, 4x RS232, 1x RS422/485, 2x USB 1.1, LPT, FDD, Mouse & Keyboard, RTC, AC97 CODEC, SPDIF
- Expansion: PC/104 and PC/104+ bus, CompactFlash slot
- Power: 1.9W at +5VDC (typical)
- Weight: ~100 grams (0.22 lbs)
Operating System & Programming Languages
Operating System: embedded Linux
- Supported Languages: the system supported a wide range thanks to its ARM architecture and available toolchains. Developers could use C, C++, Python, and assembly language for applications, leveraging compilers like GCC for Linux and Microsoft’s Platform Builder for Windows CE. The presence of a bootloader and onboard flash allowed for easy deployment and execution of compiled programs, making it a versatile platform for embedded software development.
Notables
- The ARCOM PC/104 400MHz PXA255 was notable for being one of the first ultra-low-power ARM-based PC/104 boards, helping pioneer the integration of ARM processors into industrial and embedded systems.
- It gained fame for its compact size, rugged design, and versatility in military, aerospace, and industrial control applications, often nicknamed “Viper” for its sleek profile and high efficiency.
- This computer was among the early adopters of the PC/104-Plus standard, which combined ISA and PCI buses for greater flexibility, and was marketed for its reliability in harsh environments
Donated by: Dr. Arlen Michaels