EBC2
Introduction
ID 29022, Rev. 01
© 2005 Kontron Modular Computers GmbH
Page 1 - 3
26873
.02.VC.050120/135417
P R E L I M I N A R Y
1.
Introduction
The E²Brain™ product described in this manual is designed to Kontron Modular Computers’
“E²Brain™ Module Specification”. Section 1.1 provides general information regarding this
specification and the system environment as envisioned for E²Brain™ modules. For more de-
tailed information regarding the “E²Brain™ Module Specification”, please contact Kontron Mod-
ular Computers.
The remaining sub-sections of the Introduction provide more specific details of the EBC2
E²Brain™ carrier board itself to familiarize the user with this product as a whole.
1.1
The E²Brain™ Concept
The E²Brain™ concept is a highly flexible approach to providing application developers with the
ability to concentrate on the definition of application requirements without having to continuous-
ly factor in potential restrictions concerning available data processing and communications
functionality.
More specific, data processing and communications requirements become a function of the ap-
plication and not vice versa. This is possible through the implementation of the E²Brain™ con-
cept. Unlike other approaches to providing application solutions, the E²Brain™ concept
concentrates on the most essential aspects of providing data processing and communications
without attempting to provide in one entity a complete, self-contained computer system.
The E²Brain™ specification first of all defines a PCB module with a form factor of 115 x 75 x nn
millimeters where nn is a function of the height of the board’s components. For interfacing with
applications, the specification calls for up to four connectors which provide not only interfacing
capability for current industry standards but also for future standards or application specific
requirements. The type, location, and usage of these connectors is also defined in the
specification so as to guarantee standardized compatibility. The specification is open as to the
data processing and communications functionality to be implemented which is by definition a
function of the application requirements. In addition, the specification envisions considerations
for thermal energy dissipation through the implementation of what are to be known as
BrainCAP™s (E²Brain™
C
ooling
A
ssembly,
P
rotector) which can range from heat spreaders
to highly sophisticated heat sink cooling designs.
The key features of the E²Brain™ concept are:
• Very compact and robust form factor
• Independent of CPU architecture
• Scalable, flexible, and open system interface
• PCI Master and Agent Mode
• PCI-64 and PCI-X capability
• Versatile and very powerful communications interfaces
• Complete thermal design concept
1.1.1
E²Brain™ Functionality
E²Brain™ (Embedded Electronic Brain) is a new platform architecture for advanced computer
modules. The E²Brain™ specification defines a very compact mechanical form factor and a
comprehensive set of functional interfaces which can be adapted to a wide variety of applica-
tions. E²Brain™ modules provide complete computer cores integrating a high-performance
CPU, system memory and - typical for E²Brain™ - advanced communications controllers.
