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Force Computers Introduces the Most Flexible and Scaleable PowerPC(TM) Processor-Based VMEbus Single Board Computer

Posted on: Tuesday, 9 September 2003, 06:00 CDT

FREMONT, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 09/09/2003 -- Force Computers, a Solectron company and a leader in embedded computing, today introduced the PowerCore CPU-695, the most flexible and scaleable VMEbus single board computer (SBC) based on the PowerPC™ processor. Implementing up to 4GBytes high-speed double-data- rate (DDR) SDRAM and dual Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) interfaces, the SBC provides the highest memory and I/O bandwidth available on a VME board. Coupled with a PCI mezzanine card (PMC) slot based on PCI-X technology -- enabled by the state-of-the-art Marvell® Discovery™ II system controller -- it's Force's leading PowerPC, VME solution. Powered by the 800MHz PowerPC 750FX processor, PowerCore CPU-695 offers optimum performance and energy efficiency as well as an onboard hard-disk drive (HDD) option. Overall, the product is ideal for semiconductor test equipment, command and control, industrial automation, communications, benign defense and aerospace and other applications.

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"Designed to be a compatible upgrade to Force's popular PowerCore CPU- 6750, the PowerPC 750FX processor-based CPU-695 maximizes onboard double- data-rate SDRAM and utilizes the latest Marvell Discovery II system controller technology to address a wide spectrum of industrial control and communications applications," said Abdelilah Aadil, Force product marketing manager. "This board also leverages processor and I/O expansion via dual PMC slots -- by using off-the-shelf PMC modules -- and the Marvell Discovery II device's five decoupled busses for concurrent main memory accessibility to allow scaleable technology refreshment of legacy VME systems."

Maximum Performance and Functionality in Minimum Space

Based on the fast, energy-efficient 750FX processor, the PowerCore CPU- 695 SBC consumes less power than competitive products while providing comparable performance and superior memory and I/O resources. With the highly integrated Marvell Discovery II MV64360 system controller on a single-slot, 6U VME form-factor, this board represents one of the most robust embedded platforms on the market. In addition to up to 4GBytes DDR- SDRAM, dual GigE interfaces, dual PMC slots (one full/wide 133MHz PCI-X capable, one 66MHz enabled) and optional HDD, the board hosts features such as:

-- 133MHz front-side bus -- 512KBytes Cache -- Up to 64MBytes Flash memory -- Dual serial RS-232 interfaces and programmable Watchdogs -- Linux and VxWorks operating system support

Availability and Pricing

PowerCore CPU-695s will be available immediately through Force's Early Access Unit (EAU) program with general availability scheduled for November. Single-unit pricing start at $4,295. All monetary amounts are stated in U.S. dollars. For more information, call (510) 624-5360 or go to http://www.forcecomputers.com/contact/viewContact.cfm?sublist=1&detailView=productSM2.

Range of Building-Block Solutions for Cost-Effective, Quick Time-to-Market Products

In collaboration with high-tech leaders like IBM and Marvell, Force works to supply a range of building-block solutions -- from VME modules and processor PCI mezzanine cards (PrPMCs) to AdvancedTCA™ and CompactPCI™ platforms. As the overall embedded solutions leader (source: Venture Development Corp., May 2003), Force is committed to manufacturing boards as soon as possible so OEMs can develop products with their required application features -- reducing time from concept to full functionality -- as proven by the PowerCore CPU-695's early availability.

Besides excellent boards, Force also leads in systems and turnkey solutions. With a global footprint of ISO 9001 certified design/manufacturing centers, systems can be integrated as close as possible to OEMs -- backed by Force's low-risk, fast-track design/ development methodology and supply-chain expertise. Force provides a "total pipeline" approach unequaled in embedded computing -- enabling one- stop service for cost-effective, high-level solutions from design to delivery in proven long-term deployment.

About Force Computers

Founded in 1981, Force Computers (www.forcecomputers.com) is a leading designer and worldwide supplier of open-standards-based and custom board- and system-level embedded computing solutions. These solutions address telecommunications, data communications, medical, industrial control and defense and aerospace markets. Force systems offer capabilities for Ultra Availability™, remote system management and platform management as well as feature telecom protocol software, telecom controllers and chassis compatible with NEBS Level 3 and ETSI building practices for embedded servers and custom integrated solutions. For boards, the company develops and manufactures leading-edge designs across a breadth of high-performance processors, high-bandwidth input/output interfaces and robust digital signal processors. Certified ISO 9001, the company practices Total Quality Management principles in all phases of its global operations. Force's company headquarters is located in Fremont, Calif. Force's Europe and Asia- Pacific headquarters are located in Munich, Germany, and Tokyo, Japan, respectively. Force Computers is a Premier Member of the Intel Communications Alliance, a community of communications and embedded developers and solution providers.

Note: All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice. Contact Force for current information.

Americas Contact: Derek Handova Force Computers Inc. 510-624-5360 Derek.Handova@fci.com

Europe Contact: Ulrike Mueller Force Computers GmbH +49 89 608 14-0 Ulrike.Mueller@fci.com

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