800MHz Vortex86DX CPU and on-board dual Ethernet Switch
Description
Helix is a low-power, mid-performance PC/104 single board computer based
on the Vortex86DX highly-integrated x86 SoC (System on Chip) CPU. The
2-in-1 architecture of Helix combines a full-featured SBC with a 2-port
10/100 Ethernet switch to provide higher feature density and reduce
overall cost and size of embedded systems.
The I/O features of the Helix CPU circuit include 4 serial ports (2
RS-232 and 2 RS-232/422/485), 4 USB 2.0 ports, 1 10/100 Ethernet port,
16 GPIO lines, PS/2 keyboard/mouse, and IDE. The IDE can be used with
either an external drive or a rugged, board-mounted disk-on-module with
capacity up to 4GB. Helix also contains an integrated real-time clock
with 5-year battery backup and a programmable watchdog timer.
The integrated Ethernet switch provides an additional two 10/100
ports (for a total of 3). These ports are accessed by the processor over
the PCI bus, enabling the processor to communicate with either port
independently. Traffic can also flow between the ports through the
switch without processor involvement, enabling a daisy-chain system
topology.
Helix offers the flexibility of both standard +5VDC and wide-range
7-14VDC input voltages. Rugged features include a wide temperature
operating range of -40°C to +85°C plus dedicated locations on the PCB to
replace configuration jumpers with 0-ohm resistors for resistance to
shock and vibration. Conformal coating is also available as an added
cost option.
Helix's small size, rugged design, low power consumption, and low
cost make it an excellent choice for a wide range of medium-to-high
volume applications including vehicle systems, process control,
instrumentation, and building management.
Block Diagram
Development Kits
A Helix System Development Kit (DK-HLX-01) is available with all the
components you need to get started on your embedded design project. The
kit contains a Helix 800MHz SBC with 256MB of RAM, 128MB flashdisk
module with a bootable Linux image installed, cable kit, AC adapter, and
software CD.
Helix Cable Kit
The Helix cable kit includes cables for Helix input and output. Many cables are also available individually.
No.
Qty
Cable
Description
1
1
6981083
Keyboard/Mouse, 2mm 2x4 crimp to 2x Mini-DIN-6
2
1
6981084
VGA, 2mm 2x5 crimp to DD15F
3
1
6981169
CRIMP 10xIDC10F, 2mm, 12" Auxiliary
4
1
6981004
IDE, 44 conductor 2mm ribbon
5
3
6981161
RJ45PNL-CRIMP2x5 2mm, 12"
6
1
6981164
IDC20FxIDC20F, 2mm, 12" Digital I/O
7
1
6981180
External battery
8
1
6981166
IDC40F 2mm-DB9Mx4, 12" Serial Ports 1-4
9
1
6981006
Power output
10
2
6981082
Dual USB, 2mm 2x5 to Dual USB
11
1
6981009
Power input
12
1
6981500
Wide voltage input
Specifications
CPU
Processor
800MHz Vortex86DX
Memory
256MB of on-board DRAM
Bus Interface
PC/104 (ISA)
Display Type
CRT and LVDS LCD
Display Resolution
1600 x 1200 maximum
USB Ports
(4) USB 2.0
Serial Ports
(2) RS-232/422/485 (2) RS-232
Networking
Dual 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch (1) 10/100Base-T Ethernet interface from CPU
