PHYTEC Single Board Computers

PHYTEC insert-ready Single Board Computer modules are designed for implementation in OEM products. PHYTEC’s modular embedded hardware solutions accompany you in every step of your development: from evaluation and prototyping to OEM production. PHYTEC Single Board Computers support ARM, XScale, ColdFire, PowerPC, x86, C16x/XC16x/ST10/XA, and 8051 embedded microcontrollers.

ARM/XScale

Optimized for cost and power-sensitive applications, the ARM7TDMI and ARM9 provide small size, high performance and low power consumption needed in portable, embedded applications.  The core incorporates the Thumb 16-bit instruction set, enabling 32-bit performance and increased code density.

The Intel XScale processors are highly integrated, 32-bit RISC devices that combine the efficiency of Intel design with the ARM v.5TE instruction set architecture. The Intel XScale delivers industry leading processing power with built-in multimedia capabilities for high performance and hand-held functionality.

Blackfin

Blackfin processors embody a new breed of 16/32-bit embedded processor, ideally suited for products where a convergence of capabilities are necessary – multi-format audio, video, voice and image processing; multi-mode baseband and packet processing; control processing; and real-time security. The Blackfin's unique combination of software flexibility and scalability has gained it widespread adoption in convergent applications.

ColdFire

The MCF5485 microprocessor is based on the V4e ColdFire core and features multiple connectivity peripherals including Ethernet, CAN, USB, PCI and other serial interfaces. In addition, this device offers an encryption accelerator for secure communications in network connected control applications.

PowerPC

The PowerPC embedded processor is well suited for high-end automation and control applications.  It is a high-speed 32-bit control unit that combines high-performance data manipulation capabilities with on-chip memory, CAN and an efficient instruction cache.

x86

The 586 PC-compatible ÉlanSC520 enables developers to leverage their PC hardware and software knowledge base into embedded developments.

C16x/XC16x/ST10/XA

PHYTEC provides board-level support of both Infineon C166 and newer XC16x devices. The latter provide an enhanced core with on-chip Flash, MAC and an OCDS debugging interface. With its ST10 family, STMicroelectronics provides a second source for some Infineon 16-bit devices. PHYTEC SBCs also support the Philips XACx (eXtended Architecture) Family. The XA maintains the 8051 instruction set yet offers true 16-bit processing and dual (code and data) 16 MB address space.

8051

Many lower-end applications can be readily and cost-effectively handled by 8-bit microcontrollers, in particular the 8051.  This processor offers the advantages of simplicity, multiple sources of controllers as well as hardware and software development tools, and a standardized instruction set. PHYTEC Single Board Computers enable a quick and economic entry into 8-bit embedded developments.

PHYTEC SBC Module Characteristics

The phyCORE insert-ready Single Board Computer module, like its mini-, micro- and nanoMODUL predecessors, achieves its small size through advanced SMD technology. PHYTEC SBCs integrate all core elements of a microcontroller system - microcontroller, external memory, interface transceivers and connectors - on a sub-miniature PCB and are designed in a manner that ensures easy expansion and embedding in peripheral hardware developments. The primary characteristics of PHYTEC’s insert-ready Single Board Computer modules are their enhanced EMI protection and small form factor.

Enhanced EMI Protection

The phyCORE design offers enhanced board-level EMI protection by adhering to three primary design rules:

• An increased pin package with 20% of pins dedicated to GND
• Multi-layer PCB with by-pass capacitor grid
• Compact Design

Increased Pin Package: Approximately 20% of all pin header connectors on the phyCORE are dedicated for Grounding. This addresses the results of independent research indicating that approximately 70% of all EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) problems stem from insufficient supply voltage grounding of electronic components in high frequency environments. 

Multi-layer PCB: All phyCORE boards have a 6 to 12-layer PCB, with dedicated layers for Ground (at least two layers), Vcc (at least one layer) and signal transmission (at least three layers). Moreover, the top and bottom signal-routing layers of the PCB feature a by-pass capacitor grid in which 1 nF. and 100 nF. capacitors are arranged in a checkerboard fashion, thus driving all noise and other impedance to GND in order to minimize EMI.

Compact Design: Small board size, detailed below, means short signal traces, further minimizing EMI susceptibility. 

Small Form Factor

The phyCORE achieves its small size through modern SMD technology and use of appropriate pin headers enabling connectivity of the module to target hardware circuitry. In accordance with the complexity of the module, 0402-packaged SMD and laser-drilled Microvias components are used on the board, providing phyCORE users with access to this cutting edge miniaturization technology for integration into their own design.

The small size of the phyCORE module is also attained via use of appropriate pin headers enabling connectivity of the module to target hardware circuitry. Two types of pin header connectors are used on phyCORE modules: standard 2.54 mm. (0.10 in.) pitch pin headers and high-density 0.635 mm. (0.025 in.) pitch Molex pin headers. The type of header connector to be used is a function of the complexity of the underlying controller and other components that populate the board in relation to PCB space. PHYTEC design rules guarantee that high-density Molex connectors are used if a considerable reduction in the size of the phyCORE module can be achieved.

The phyCORE's increased pin package, small form factor and multi-layer design improves its EMI and EMC characteristics and makes it even easier to design complex applications meeting EMI and EMC guidelines using this new generation module.  This renders the phyCORE even more an insert-ready microcontroller kernel that can be inserted into an even wider spectrum of user target hardware environments, including high noise environments.