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Low Power, High Processing Combine in MEN Micro’s New Compact ESMini COM Module

AMBLER, Pa. June 2010 – MEN Micro Inc., a world-renowned provider of embedded computing and I/O solutions for mission-critical industrial, mobile and harsh environment applications, has expanded its ESMini family to include theMM50 that incorporates the high processing capabilities and exceptional power dissipation of PowerPC into a flexible, compact COM (computer-on module) board. 

The new MM50 ESMini module uses a PowerPC MPC5121e or a MPC5123 processor, each based on an e300 processor core incorporating a memory management unit (MMU) and a floating point unit (FPU) as well as a powerful 760 MIPS using clock frequencies of up to 400 MHz. 

The rugged, ultra-small form factor module is ideal for use in mobile applications. The processor’s e300 core pairs a display interface unit, with or without a 3D graphics engine, and integrated I/O features with exceptionally low power of up to 3 watts maximum and unparalleled performance to make the MM50 an ideal solution for industrial and mission-critical applications as well.

The MM50’s soldered 512 MB of DDR2 SDRAM withstands severe shock of 15 g, 11 ms, bump of 10 g, 16 ms and vibration of 1 g from 10 Hz to 150 Hz (sinusoidal). The MM50 also provides up to 128 KB of non-volatile FRAM and mass storage expansion through SDHC on the carrier board.

In addition to serial I/O interfaces, such as USB, the MM50 also features legacy interfaces including CAN bus, COM, Fast Ethernet, I2C and GPIO. The MM50’s excellent graphics controller and audio function combined with its low power dissipation makes it an ideal platform to build up compact control systems with the need for visualization. Six individually programmable controllers give further flexibility to implement serial I/O.

As with all ESMini modules, the MM50 operating temperature is from -40°C to +85°C. An optional version with a conduction-cooling frame gives each ESMini module full EMC protection.  The module can be used without an enclosure as well.

ESMini modules, which measure only 95 mm x 55 mm, are firmly screwed to a carrier board and come with rugged, industry-proven and railway-compliant connectors with differential signals. By standard, only soldered components are used to withstand shock and vibration, and the design is optimized for conformal coating.

The MEN Micro XC4 evaluation carrier board in microATX format is used to test all of the MM50’s functions and to develop a specific application.

Pricing for the MM50 is $384.  Delivery is four to six weeks ARO.

For additional information, visit http://www.menmicro.com/15MM50-.html or contact Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro Inc., 24 N. Main Street, Ambler, Pa. 19002; Phone: 215-542-9575; Fax: 215-542-9577; E-mail: Stephen.Cunha@menmicro.com.

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