PC/104 Single Board Computers

PC/104 Single Board Computers

PC/104 single board computers are the go-to choice for OEMs looking for embedded computers that are rugged, reliable, flexible, compact, and expandable. VersaLogic manufactures extremely reliable PC/104 computers for the defense, aerospace, medical, and other markets. Where there’s a need for high quality/high-performance embedded computers, VersaLogic delivers.

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Advantages of PC/104

The PC/104 format, with its 90 x 96 mm (3.6 by 3.8″) footprint, provides compact and expandable processing for a wide variety of critical applications that need high reliability. The size and flexibility (stackable expansion) offer a unique combination of attributes around which to build reliable, rugged, OEM systems. These include:

  • Standards-Based
    The mechanical size and electrical interconnection are well defined by the PC/104 Consortium and followed by all PC/104 manufacturers. This assures compatibility and “upgrade ability” between different manufactures of PC/104 boards.

PCI/104-Express with its high speed PCIe bus is one of the five PC/104 formats

  • Expandable
    Whether an application requires expansion now, or is just a nice option for possible expansion in the future, the PC/104 built-in bus connectors provide flexibility to add on additional functions whenever needed.
  • Stand Alone
    PC/104 processor boards are true SBCs (Single Board Computers). They can run on their own without any carrier or add-on boards. This greatly simplifies system design, bring-up, and production troubleshooting. With the current level of high integration, most PC/104 SBCs include a wide selection of on-board I/O functions. Many PC/104 systems consist of just a single processor board and no expansion cards.
  • Off-the-Shelf
    PC/104 boards are typically commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products that are sold into a wide variety of applications. Off-the-shelf availability means that system development cycle can start now, not a year from now when a custom board is spec’d and designed specifically for an application.
  • Rugged
    Due to its size and mechanical design, the PC/104 format is inherently rugged and durable. The mounting points, connectors used, and small cross section, limit board flex and provides excellent performance in high shock and vibration environments.
  • Stackable
    Unlike form factors that require card cages or backplanes, PC/104 boards are expandable without any additional hardware. Simply plug the expansion board into the one below, bolt them together, and an extremely rugged system is complete.
  • Widely Supported
    PC/104 processor and I/O expansion products are available from a wide range of vendors. The large PC/104 ecosystem makes it easy to configure and assemble a complete system, even with specialized I/O functions, in record time.

Popular PC/104 Single Board Computers

PCIe x16 expansion port

PCIe x16 expansion port

Sabertooth
VL-EPMe-51

*PRELIMINARY*
A high performance PCIe/104 embedded computer with PCIe x16 expansion port designed for use in harsh environments.

PCIe/104 OneBank expansion

PCIe/104 OneBank expansion

Lion
VL-EPMe-42

High-performance single board computer (SBC) which combines Intel’s 7th generation Core “Kaby Lake” processor, with a PCIe/104 OneBank expansion interface

PC/104-Plus connectivity

PC/104-Plus connectivity

BayCat
VL-EPM-31

PC/104-Plus SBC with a low-power 4th gen. Intel® Atom™ E3800 CPUs, up to 8 GB RAM, dual GbE, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, SATA, digital I/O, I2C, PWM, Mini PCIe/mSATA Socket, and SPI/SPX expansion.

PC/104 Expansion Bus Configurations

The PC/104 form factor actually includes a number of family members. They are all the same size and have the same mounting points, but they differ in the type of expansion connectors they use. New family members have been added over time as faster busses become available.

For example, one version includes a PCI expansion connector. Another version includes a PCI Express connector. The latter can interface with expansion boards that run at much higher speeds. On the other hand, slower speed interfaces can be easier to design around for customized I/O functions.

VersaLogic has a number of expansion types available. Contact us for assistance selecting a PC/104 version with the type of expansion connector that will provide the most advantages in your application.

The VersaLogic Advantage

Industry standard PC/104 single board computers and expansion boards have many advantages. What could make them even better? VersaLogic delivers PC/104 with a number of unique benefits, including:

US-based Support

US-based Support

Having a development challenge with a board or a system? Ship it to VersaLogic’s US factory for unmatched technical support. Have a tough technical question? Connect directly with the US engineers that designed the product!

Long-Term Availability

Long-Term Availability

All VersaLogic PC/104 products are designed from day one for long-term availability. 10 years is just the starting point for most products. 15-20 years is not unusual. VersaLogic puts an unbelievable effort into maintaining a continuous supply of any product that is being used in on-going production.

Industrial Temperature Operation

Industrial Temperature Operation

Most VersaLogic PC/104 products are available in true industrial temp (-40° to +85°C) versions. Combine the ruggedness of the PC/104 platform, with carefully engineered and tested industrial temperature products, and you’ll have the advantage when designing for difficult environments.

Shock and Vibe Tested

Shock and Vibe Tested

With in-house shock and vibe equipment, every design is tested and retested to a minimum of MIL-STD-202 for operation under shock and vibration.

Quality and Compliance

Quality and Compliance

VersaLogic’s AS9100 / ISO 9001 certification means that the same outstanding VersaLogic quality and reliability is built into every board shipped. Working with a high-compliance organization simplifies procurement and vendor qualification, and eases compliance headaches over the long haul.

Customized Products

Customized Products

VersaLogic’s US-based engineers are also available to support special applications. From PC/104 products with minor modifications, to fully custom products, VersaLogic can create special products to fit your application when needed.

VersaLogic delivers state-of-the-art embedded computers built for critical applications that value ruggedness, reliability, and long life. Contact us for more information on PC/104 products, and whether they are a fit with the requirements of your current project.

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