Avalue unveiled three Linux-friendly embedded boards based on Intel’s 14nm Braswell SoCs: a Qseven COM, a COM Express Type 6 COM, and a 5.25-inch SBC.

Avalue has launched an EQM-BSW Qseven computer-on-module, an ESM-BSW COM Express Type 6 Compact module, and an EBM-BSW 5.25-inch SBC based on Intel’s new Pentium- and Celeron-branded Braswell processors. In recent weeks, the Braswell SoCs have also shown up on COM Express modules from Adlink, MSC, Nexcom, and Portwell, on a Qseven COM from Congatec, and on a 3.5-inch SBC from Nexcom. Last week we rounded up a dozen Mini-ITX boards that all use the Braswell chips.

Group shot of Avalue’s new Braswell boards
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The 14nm Pentium- and Celeron-branded Braswell SoCs are similar to Intel’s Atom x5-8300, x5-8500 and x7-8700 “Cherry Trail” SoCs, but they add desktop-like features such as SATA support. Both 14nm SoC families move up to greatly enhanced Intel Gen8 graphics and support 4K (3840 x 2160 pixel) resolution.

According to Avalue, Braswell graphics are twice as powerful as the previous generation, presumably referring to Bay Trail-D Celerons. The processors also provide up to 16 percent better battery life, improved I/O support, and better performance at low thermals, says Avalue..

The Braswell chips are as follows, with both TDPs and Intel’s own Scenario Design Power (SDP) designations:

• Pentium N3700 — 4x Braswell cores @ 1.6GHz (2.4GHz burst); 2MB L2 cache; 6W TDP (4W SDP)
• Celeron N3150 — 4x Braswell cores @ 1.6GHz (2.08GHz burst); 2MB L2 cache; 6W TDP (4W SDP)
• Celeron N3050 — 2x Braswell cores @ 1.6GHz (2.16GHz burst); 2MB L2 cache; 6W TDP (4W SDP)
• Celeron N3000 1x Braswell core @ 1.04GHz (2.08GHz burst) with 2MB cache and a 4W TDP (3W SDP)

 
EQM-BSW Qseven computer-on-module

The 70 x 70mm EQM-BSW COM conforms to the Qseven 2.0 standard, and supports all four Pentium and Celeron N3000 SoCs, as well as up to 8GB DDR3L-1600. You can load up 32GB eMMC flash, although the PR says 64GB, and dual displays are available via HDMI and LVDS interfaces.

EQM-BSW

The EQM-BSW features dual SATA interfaces and a Realtek RTL81195 gigabit Ethernet controller. A USB 3.0 interface is on board, along with five USB 2.0 connections, one of which can optionally be converted to CAN. Other I/O incudes three PCI ex1, Intel HD Audio, LPC, SMBus, I2C, and UART. There’s also a COM port, which is said to support SDIO.

No OS support was listed for the EQM-BSW, although Linux and Windows are a given. The 5V module supports ACPI 3.0, and can run at 0 to 60°C. A watchdog and HW monitoring are also available.

 
ESM-BSW COM Express module

The ESM-BSW conforms to the 95 x 95mm COM Express Type 6 Compact form factor. Braswell processor and RAM support (8GB) are the same as with Avalue’s other BSW products. You get more display options here, as well as triple simultaneous display support, with DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, VGA, dual-channel 18/24-bit LVDS, and optional eDP connections. The DisplayPort is said to support 2560 x 1600 resolution.

ESM-BSW

The ESM-BSW is further equipped with a Realtek RTL8119 gigabit Ethernet controller, plus four USB 3.0, eight USB 2.0, and dual SATA III connections. Other I/O includes 8-bit GPIO, UART, SMBus, LPC, I2C, and three PCIex1.

The ESM-BSW supports 9 to 19V power input, and can handle 0 to 60°C temperatures. The module is the only product here that is not touted for its fanless operation. Only Windows 8 is listed for OS support, but we imagine Linux should run fine.

 
EBM-BSW SBC

Although the EBM-BSW is called a “5.25-inch form factor” single board computer, it actually measures 8.0 x 5.75 inches (203 x 146mm). The board supports all four Braswell options, backed up with up to 8GB DDR3L 1333/1600MHz RAM. You can also load up to 32GB eMMC flash.

Two views of the EBM-BSW
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Dual simultaneous displays are supported using the HDMI (1920 x 1080 pixels) and dual-channel, 18/24-bit LVDS interface (1920 x 1200). There’s also an eDP interface that supports 24-bit, dual-channel LVDS, and a Realtek ALC233 audio codec. A touch controller is optional.


EBM-BSW details
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The EBM-BSW is equipped with a SATA 3.0 interface, along with dual mini-PCIe expansion slots, one of which supports mSATA and the other a SIM card interface. In addition to the HDMI port, real-world coastline ports include dual gigabit Ethernet (Realtek RTL8119), audio, four USB 3.0, and two of the five available serial interfaces, which include three RS-232 and two RS-232/422/485 connections. Two USB 2.0 interfaces can also be found onboard.

Additional interfaces include 16-bit GPIO, LPC, and SPI. Watchdog and hardware monitoring functions are also available, and TPM is optional. The EBM-BSW has a wide, 12 to 26V DC input power range, and supports 0 to 60°C temperatures. As with the other new BSW boards, Linux as well as Windows 7 and 8 are supported.

 
Further information

The EQM-BSW Qseven COM, and ESM-BSW COMe Solution COM, and EBM-BSW 5.25-inch SBC appear to be available now at an undisclosed price. More details regarding these three boards may be found at Avalue’s EQM-BSW, ESM-BSW, and EBM-BSW product pages, respectively. .