ZF Micro Introduces EEPC, Open Source Embedded PC Reference Design for Low-Power Industrial Control

The EEPC™ Open Source Embedded PC Reference Design is a network and video-ready, full-function evaluation system. The board features the ZFx86 PC-on-a-Chip, a Silicon Motion SM712 display controller and RealTek 10/100Base-T Ethernet controller to create an evaluation environment that allows the OEM designer to immediately begin testing the ZFx86 processor with proprietary hardware and software. Just adapt the layout to your space and feature requirements and you can be shipping product in record time. All components were selected for easy sourcing and availability of software drivers. The design is based on the FailSafe(R) ZFx86 PC-on-a-chip, the only SOC that has an internal BIOS Update ROM that ensures your system will always be accessible, even if all Flash memory has been corrupted. The design also includes a fully implemented BIOS with free license to further shorten time-to-market and reduce cost and risk…

Open Source Embedded PC Reference Design
(Photo: ZF Micro)

Press Release:

Easy Embedded PC(TM) Open Source Design for Low Power Industrial Control

ZF Micro Solutions announces the EEPC(TM) open source design for a low-power, embedded control PC with a $100 target BOM cost* at 10K units. The primary motivation in component selection was to provide OEMs the ability to guarantee extended minimum production lifetimes, ease of programming and reliable operation. The sub-5W design is based on components with long-life production commitments from ZF and other suppliers. The full 186, 386 or 486 compatibility of the ZFx86 PC-on-a-Chip eliminates the need to re-write or re-validate code that is debugged and functional.

The design is available at no cost and may be used as is or modified to suit specific needs. The design package, available from ZF, includes OrCad schematic, PadsPCB Layout files, and a complete Bill of Materials spreadsheet. Included with the ZFx86 System-On-Chip are a ZF BIOS (based on Phoenix Technologies kernel), DR-DOS 7.03 license, and software drivers to support all hardware. Additionally, Windows CE? and Linux are available and ready to run.

The EEPC was designed for embedded applications requiring the most commonly used set of I/O, memory and traditional X86 PC functionality. It is the quickest way to create successful OEM products with ease of programming and reliable operation.

A ZF-stocked parts starter kit is available that includes the ZFx86, a RealTek 10/100 Ethernet controller, and preprogrammed clock IC and preprogrammed BIOS flash. All other parts are available online through DigiKey, Mouser, Nu Horizons Electronics, RS Components (Allied), or Symmetry Electronics.

The pre-tested design is available in a development kit that includes a fully assembled and tested board, all documentation and licensed software. It offers the quickest way to create reliable OEM products with long-life and true x86 compatibility, with minimal design and verification effort.

The complete development kit is $595 and the parts starter kit (sold separately) is available for $119 from ZF authorized distributors. http://www.zfmicro.com/wwdistis.html

Download the free design package at http://www.zfmicro.com/downloadtable.html

About ZF Micro Solutions, Inc.:
ZF Micro Solutions is a privately held fabless semiconductor company. The company’s focus is long-term embedded control applications. ZF Micro Solutions is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

* without modem module

More information about Open Source Embedded PC Reference Design can be found at ZF Micro Solutions Website