ARM Cortex-A8 System-on-Module gets Windows CE 6.0 R3

16th December 2009

ES Admin

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Leading supplier of production-ready modules and Microsoft Windows Embedded Gold Partner, Direct Insight has introduced a Windows CE 6.0 R3 implementation for its SwiftModule-OM series of system-on-modules based on TI's OMAP3530 family devices, equipped with ARM's top-of-the range Cortex-A8 core, a PowerVR OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics engine, and C65x+ DSP.

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CE 6.0 R3 adds a range of new features, most notably Microsoft's Silverlight for Embedded which provides the ability to create rich device UIs including impressive high frame rate graphics and embedded video. The new Board Support Package links Silverlight to the OMAP3530's graphics engine allowing demanding features such as smooth pan and zoom to be achieved. The new version of Windows CE includes a range of other features including a plug-in for Adobe Flash Lite, touch and gesture support enabling natural input capabilities, and a new multi-interface connection manager.

SwiftModule-OM is a 68 x 35mm 200-pin SODIMM system on module providing up to 256MB of high performance DDR333 SDRAM, 1024MB NAND Flash, as well as advanced power management for handheld devices, audio, touch, Ethernet, optional 802.11g WiFi and a host of other interfaces such as USB 2.0 and SD Card which are provided by the OMAP device itself.

Powered by an ARM Cortex-A8 core running at 600MHz with NEON floating point unit, the OMAP35x microcontroller family features outstanding multimedia capabilities including PowerVR graphics system with OpenGL ES 2.0 support and an on-chip TMS320C64x video DSP which can decode MPEG-4 video in HD resolution. The display controller supports resolutions up to 2,048 x 2,048 pixels. SwiftModule-OM versions are available populated with different members of the OMAP family to provide both cost-effective and highly featured variants.

For development purposes, the SwiftModule-OM plugs into the SwiftLite-OM development system, a 9cm square board that can also be customised to provide a complete production solution. SwiftLite-OM provides numerous connectors, comes with an 800x480 touch screen, and adds additional outputs such as LVDS and HDMI. An expansion connector makes most of the SwiftModule's connectivity available. The system ships with Windows CE 6.0 R3 as standard. A Linux BSP is also available.

SwiftModule-OM and the new Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 Board Support Package are available immediately from Direct Insight, with prices from 75€ (1k units, OMAP3503).