ATHM500-256A

Diamond Systems ATHM500-256A Athena II PC/104 Single Board Computer

The Diamond Systems ATHM500-256A is an Athena II embedded single-board computer combining a 500MHz VIA Mark CoreFusion processor, 256MB of soldered system memory, PC/104 expansion and a complete onboard data-acquisition subsystem.

Designed for rugged embedded and industrial applications, the ATHM500-256A integrates processor, memory, graphics, Ethernet, serial communications, USB, IDE storage and high-accuracy analog and digital data acquisition onto a compact board.

Key Features

• Manufacturer: Diamond Systems Corporation
• Model: ATHM500-256A
• Product Family: Athena II
• Product Type: Embedded Single Board Computer with Data Acquisition
• Processor: VIA Mark CoreFusion
• Processor Speed: 500MHz
• Processor Class: Pentium III-Class
• System Memory: 256MB Soldered DRAM
• Memory Bus: 100MHz
• BIOS Flash: 512KB Integrated Flash Memory
• Expansion Bus: PC/104 ISA
• Graphics: Integrated 2D/3D Graphics with MPEG-2 Acceleration
• Display Interfaces: VGA CRT and LVDS Flat Panel
• Maximum Display Resolution: Up to 1600 x 1200
• Ethernet: 10/100Base-T
• USB: 4 x USB 1.1
• Serial: 4 Serial Ports
• Storage: IDE / UDMA-33
• Flash Storage: FlashDisk Interface
• Keyboard / Mouse: PS/2
• Audio: AC'97 with Line-In, Line-Out and Microphone
• Input Power: Regulated +5VDC
• Maximum Power Consumption: Approximately 8W for 500MHz Model
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
• Dimensions: Approximately 106 x 114mm

500MHz VIA Mark CoreFusion Processor

The ATHM500-256A is specifically configured with a VIA Mark CoreFusion processor operating at 500MHz. The processor platform provides Pentium III-class embedded computing performance while maintaining low power consumption for rugged and fanless applications.

256MB Soldered System Memory

The board provides 256MB of onboard system memory. The memory is soldered directly to the board, improving resistance to shock and vibration compared with removable memory modules.

Integrated Data Acquisition

The ATHM500-256A includes Diamond Systems' full onboard data-acquisition subsystem. This is the primary distinction between the ATHM500-256A and the ATHM500-256N.

• 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog inputs
• 16-bit A/D resolution
• Maximum A/D sampling rate: 100kHz
• 2048-sample FIFO
• 4 analog outputs
• 12-bit D/A resolution
• 24 programmable digital I/O lines
• 2 counter/timers
• Programmable A/D pacer clock
• Automatic analog calibration

16-Bit Analog Input

The integrated data-acquisition circuit provides up to 16 single-ended or 8 differential analog input channels with 16-bit A/D resolution and a maximum sampling rate of 100kHz.

A 2048-sample FIFO supports reliable high-speed acquisition and interrupt-based data transfers.

Four 12-Bit Analog Outputs

Four analog output channels provide 12-bit D/A conversion for industrial control, waveform generation and other analog-output applications.

24 Digital I/O Lines

The onboard data-acquisition subsystem includes 24 programmable digital I/O lines for interfacing with external switches, sensors, control signals and other digital devices.

Autocalibrating Data Acquisition

Diamond Systems' autocalibration technology is used to calibrate the onboard A/D and D/A circuitry, helping maintain analog measurement accuracy across the board's operating temperature range.

VGA and LVDS Display Support

Integrated graphics provide VGA CRT and LVDS flat-panel display support with resolutions up to 1600 x 1200. The graphics engine includes 2D/3D acceleration and MPEG-2 hardware acceleration.

10/100 Ethernet and USB

The ATHM500-256A provides integrated 10/100Base-T Ethernet together with four USB 1.1 interfaces for networking and peripheral connectivity.

Four Serial Ports

Four serial interfaces are provided. Two support conventional RS-232 communication, while two provide RS-232 and automatic half-duplex RS-485 functionality.

IDE and Flash Storage

An IDE interface supports UDMA-33 storage devices, including conventional IDE drives and compatible solid-state FlashDisk storage.

PC/104 Expansion

The Athena II uses a PC/104 ISA expansion interface for compatible industrial I/O and expansion modules. The board follows the PC/104 mounting and expansion architecture while using a custom board outline that is slightly larger than the standard PC/104 PCB dimensions.

ATHM500-256A vs. ATHM500-256N

Both models use the 500MHz VIA Mark processor and 256MB system memory. The important difference is the integrated data-acquisition hardware.

• ATHM500-256A: 500MHz, 256MB DRAM, full onboard data acquisition
• ATHM500-256N: 500MHz, 256MB DRAM, no onboard data acquisition

Industrial Applications

The Diamond Systems ATHM500-256A is suitable for industrial automation, data acquisition, machine control, laboratory equipment, test and measurement systems, transportation, robotics and other embedded applications requiring computing and analog/digital I/O functionality on a single rugged board.

Replacement, Repair and Availability

Embedded CPU Boards supports the Diamond Systems ATHM500-256A for sourcing, replacement, repair, testing and legacy-system lifecycle support. Availability may include new-old-stock, surplus, refurbished or professionally tested units depending on current inventory.

Need pricing, availability, repair, or a compatible replacement for the Diamond Systems ATHM500-256A?

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