Diamond Systems' GPIO-MM is a new concept in PC/104 I/O. The I/O functionality is implemented as logic cores in a Xilinx FPGA (field programmable gate array) with 200 000 system gates and 40K RAM bits. The FPGA code is stored in a Flash memory on the board, enabling the GPIO-MM to be reprogrammed in the field with different designs, including custom designs.
The factory configuration for GPIO-MM provides counter/timer and digital I/O features. The counter/timer features are compatible with the companys's Quartz-MM board, while the digital I/O features are compatible with its Garnet-MM board. With the GPIO-MM, Diamond Systems has combined both these boards into one, to reduce the PC/104 stack size and cost.
Counter/timer features
Two 9513 cores provide 10 16-bit counter/timers. The high speed FPGA on the GPIO-MM enables a fast 40 MHz clock input, providing greater precision in timing applications. The counters can be joined under software control to provide 32-bit or 48-bit counters. A variety of input, gate, and output features are available to implement a wide range of waveform, counting, and timing functions. The I/O connector uses the same pin-out as the connector for the Quartz-MM 10-channel boards and includes 16 digital I/O lines configured as eight inputs and eight outputs.
Digital I/O
The digital I/O includes 48 programmable direction lines using two 8255 cores, as well as eight fixed inputs and eight fixed outputs as described above. The 48 programmable I/O lines are buffered for enhanced output current. The fixed I/O and the counter/timer signals feature ESD-protective circuitry. All I/O lines contain jumper-selectable 10 kΩ pull-up/pull-down resistors. The 48 programmable I/O lines are contained on a single 50-pin connector, along with system ground and a convenient +5 V power pin.
ISA Bus interrupts
The GPIO-MM offers two user-programmable interrupt circuits. Possible uses include timer-based interrupts or interrupts driven by external signals.
Miscellaneous features
Also included on the GPIO-MM is a 256-byte EEPROM for general-purpose non-volatile storage of user application data. Easy register-level access to the EEPROM simplifies use of this valuable feature.
All board functions are supported by Diamond Systems' Universal Driver software for Linux, Windows 98/2000/XP/CE.NET, DOS, QNX, and VxWorks. The board operates over the entire industrial temperature range of -40 to 85°C.
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