Products and Technologies for Embedded Systems and Networking

Description:

Neptune is DAVE's answer to the x86 CPU modules demand. It's a general purpose microprocessor board powered by the AMD Geode LX CPU. But Neptune is a step beyond the typical x86 architecture, offering something more attractive for the embedded world: Open Firmware, more powerful and flexible than a traditional BIOS, is DAVE's choice as boot firmware for Neptune, .

Neptune, due to its low power consumption (LX800 CPU is 0.9W) is suitable for single board computing or mobile computing applications, based on Linux but also on Windows operating systems. Leveraging on the x86 compatibility, Neptune allows quick deployment of solutions based on software developed for the well-known x86 architecture.

The powerful FPGA improves Neptune flexibility and allows customers to add specific interfaces to the design. The complete list of the available IP cores is reported here.

Recently, Neptune has been published on the official AMD Product Catalog.


Technical specifications:

CPU: AMD Geode LX
Speed: 433, 500, 600 MHz

NAND Flash: Up to 1 GB

LPC Flash : 1 MB

DDR: 256 MB or 512 MB

Size: 97mm x 67mm

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Click on the thumbnails to enlarge:

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Main Features

x86 architecture with low power consumption
Open Firmware as independent boot firmware

LAN: Gigabit Ethernet including PHY
USB: 4 x 2.0 Host ports or 3 x 2.0 Host ports and 1 x 2.0 Device port
UART : 4 serial ports
LCD Controller: up to 1920x1440x32 bpp in CRT mode and
1600x1200x32 bpp in TFT mode

External PCI bus v2.2 compliant, 32 bit, 33/66 MHz operation
Compact Flash
100 MB/s ATA-6 IDE Controller
Touch screen controller
GPIO available
FPGA on board


Open Firmware Features

• Complete TCP/IP Stack with high level protocols support (FTP, HTTP, ..): developer can debug systems downloading the kernel from network avoiding flash reprogramming
• Availability of source code
  
• Integrated forth code debugger
  
• Operating system functions (Open Firmware can launch specific applications)
• Serial command shell like a traditional embedded bootloader
• Reduced footprint
• Multiplatform
• File system support (FAT, EXT2)
  
• Support for high-level devices: ide disks, usb pendrives, compact flashes, keyboards, VGA, usb-etherned adapters
• Flash LPC reprogramming
• Full BIOS emulation
• Support for complex PC operating systems (Windows XP/XP Embedded, Windows Vista, Linux)
  

Block Diagram




Models and order codes:

Please contact us for info, available models and prices


Documentation:

Neptune Product Brief: Neptune.pdf

Neptune Hardware Manual: neptune-hm.pdf

Available FPGA IP cores: IP cores table


Development kit:

The Neptune Development Kit (NDK) is available for download from our restricted area.


The NDK includes the NeptuneEVB, an evaluation board conceived to host the Neptune CPU module in order to allow the customer to quickly start working on a Neptune system.




Kit Pricing