COM-based architecture for long life and scalability

A COM-based SBC is a 2-board solution consisting of a Computer-on-Module (COM) that contains the processor and core I/O mounted on a carrier board that provides additional I/O and user connections. The carrier board brings out the I/O from the COM and provides additional I/O derived from the expansion buses provided by the COM, such as PCIE, LPC, SATA, and USB. This 2-board architecture provides significant advantages over traditional single-board computers.

A true SBC with a soldered-on processor provides a compact and economical solution for embedded computing. However it also carries inherent risk compared to a COM-based design: The lifetime and features of the SBC are tied to the processor. Since no two SBCs are truly alike, if the processor reaches end of life or is otherwise unavailable, a redesign effort is required that can be painful as you try to match your existing system requirements to available replacement boards. A COM-based SBC solves this problem by allowing easy replacement of the COM with another one in the exact same size with the exact same features. COMs maintain much more similarity from product to product than SBCs, so replacing a COM is far less likely to present complications than replacing the entire SBC. This enables COM-based products to enjoy much longer lifetimes than traditional SBC designs, with far lower lifecycle extension efforts.

A COM-based solution is also ideal during periods of supply chain uncertainty. If one vendor's COM is unavailable, it is much easier to select a substitute COM than to replace the entire SBC.

A COM-based design also supports the ability to upgrade the system performance much more easily by simply swapping one COM for another. The rest of the system remains the same as before.

Jasper is a member of Diamond's 2-in-1 series of SBCs with integrated data acquisition. For applications requiring precision analog I/O, a 2-in-1 SBC is an ideal choice because it reduces the number of boards in the system, resulting in a system that is smaller, lighter, lower cost, and easier to assemble and maintain. The features of the Jasper DAQ circuit surpass those found on most other embedded SBCs in both variety and quality, providing a comprehensive, professional quality subsystem backed with top of the line software support. "A" models include the full DAQ circuit with both analog and digital I/O features, while "D" models include only the digital I/O features. (The DAQ circuit on Jasper is identical to the one found on our Saturn SBC.)

The A/D circuit includes 16 single-ended / 8 differential analog input channels with programmable input ranges and a maximum aggregate sampling rate of 250KHz. A built-in programmable counter/timer supports accurate high-speed sampling with precise timing. The 2048-sample FIFO with programmable threshold ensures error-free sampling and enables you to tune the performance of the circuit to minimize interrupt processing overhead.

The D/A circuit consists of 4 16-bit D/A voltage outputs with independently programmable output ranges including 0-10V, +/-10V, 0-5V, and +/-5V. A 2048-sample waveform buffer is included to support arbitrary waveform generator functions on up to 4 channels simultaneously.

The digital I/O circuit consists of GPIO, counter/timers, and pulse-width modulators. The GPIO circuit provides 22 buffered digital I/O lines, consisting of one 8-bit port and 14 1-bit ports. Each port is individually programmable for input or output. The 1-bit direction controllable ports provide better matching of input and output quantities to each application. Jumper configuration enables selection of 5V/3.3V logic levels and pull-up or pull-down resistors on the digital I/O lines.

The 8 32-bit programmable counter/timers feature both up and down counting with clocking selectable from an external digital signal or the on-board 50MHz clock. Counters can be used for generating programmable output frequencies with programmable output pulse widths, counting external events, generating interrupts to the host processor at a programmable rate, and driving A/D sampling at precise frequencies with perfect timing between samples.

The circuit further includes 4 24-bit programmable pulse width modulators also driven by the on-board 50MHz clock. These feature programmable rate, duty cycle, and polarity, with real-time rate and duty cycle update capability.

Software Support

The data acquisition circuit on Jasper is supported by Diamond Systems' Universal Driver software. This software provides unmatched power and flexibility for embedded data acquisition programming with PC/104 and small form factor I/O boards. It provides flexible C-language programming support for Windows and Linux to control all data acquisition features on Jasper, as well as Diamond's MiniCard data acquisition modules that can be used with Jasper.

A powerful and convenient graphical control panel provides instant, easy access to all data acquisition features on the board. It can be used for proof of concept, testing, and even system debugging.

Visit our Universal Driver software page to learn more.