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cPCI-3500

cPCI CPU Card 3U with P233, 64MB, HDD, FDD
  • Manufacturer Adlink Technology Inc.
  • Category: cPCI CPU LPP-266
  • The ADLINK cPCI-3500 (also referenced as cPCI-8586) is a high-performance, Pentium-based single-board computer (SBC) designed for industrial and embedded applications requiring a rugged, compact, and standards-compliant computing platform. Built on the CompactPCI 3U form factor, it integrates CPU, memory, storage, and I/O interfaces into a single Eurocard module, optimized for reliability and modularity in harsh environments.
- CompactPCI 3U Form Factor:
Fully compliant with the PICMG CompactPCI 3U standard, featuring a 2 mm-pitch HM (IEC-1076) connector for backplane interfacing.

- Processor Support:
Compatible with Intel Pentium P54C/P55C, AMD K5/K6, and Cyrix M1/M2 processors up to 233 MHz (Pentium MMX up to 266 MHz supported).

- Memory Architecture:
One 144-pin SO-DIMM socket supporting 3.3V FPM/EDO DRAM modules from 2 MB to 128 MB (expandable to 256 MB with dual sockets on certain configurations).

- Integrated Cache:
512 KB second-level pipeline burst cache for enhanced data throughput and CPU performance.

- Chipset:
Intel 430HX (Triton II) system chipset with SMC37C669 I/O controller integrating floppy, serial, and parallel interfaces.

- Storage Options:
- Onboard 2.1 GB IDE hard disk drive (HDD)
- 3.5" floppy disk drive (FDD)
- DiskOnChip socket supporting 2 MB to 72 MB flash storage (M-Systems compatible)

- I/O Interfaces:
- Two USB ports
- Two serial ports (one RS-232, one configurable RS-232/RS-422/RS-485)
- One parallel port (EPP/ECP bi-directional)
- PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors
- IDE and FDD connectors for storage devices

- Watchdog Timer:
Programmable watchdog timer with 14 selectable intervals (0–64 seconds) capable of generating system resets for fault recovery.

- Front Panel Design:
Aluminum Eurocard front plate with ejector handle for easy insertion/removal; available in 8 HP (HDD only) or 12 HP (HDD + FDD) configurations.

- Power and Thermal Efficiency:
Operates on +5V DC at 4.0A; designed for efficient heat dissipation in compact enclosures.

- Operating Temperature Range:
0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F), suitable for industrial environments.

Country of origin: Taiwan R.O.C.

Customs tariff number: 8471 5000 000

Comprehensive Product Summary – ADLINK cPCI-3500 / cPCI-8586 CompactPCI 3U CPU Card




### 1. Product Overview

Product Name: cPCI-3500 CompactPCI CPU Card
Model: cPCI-8586
Series: CompactPCI 3U CPU Card Series
Article Number: cPCI-3500
Manufacturer: ADLINK Technology Inc.
Manual Revision: Rev. 1.00, September 7, 1998
Copyright: © 1998 ADLINK Technology Inc. All rights reserved.

The ADLINK cPCI-3500 (also referenced as cPCI-8586) is a high-performance, Pentium-based single-board computer (SBC) designed for industrial and embedded applications requiring a rugged, compact, and standards-compliant computing platform. Built on the CompactPCI 3U form factor, it integrates CPU, memory, storage, and I/O interfaces into a single Eurocard module, optimized for reliability and modularity in harsh environments.




### 2. Key Features

- CompactPCI 3U Form Factor:
Fully compliant with the PICMG CompactPCI 3U standard, featuring a 2 mm-pitch HM (IEC-1076) connector for backplane interfacing.

- Processor Support:
Compatible with Intel Pentium P54C/P55C, AMD K5/K6, and Cyrix M1/M2 processors up to 233 MHz (Pentium MMX up to 266 MHz supported).

- Memory Architecture:
One 144-pin SO-DIMM socket supporting 3.3V FPM/EDO DRAM modules from 2 MB to 128 MB (expandable to 256 MB with dual sockets on certain configurations).

- Integrated Cache:
512 KB second-level pipeline burst cache for enhanced data throughput and CPU performance.

- Chipset:
Intel 430HX (Triton II) system chipset with SMC37C669 I/O controller integrating floppy, serial, and parallel interfaces.

- Storage Options:
- Onboard 2.1 GB IDE hard disk drive (HDD)
- 3.5" floppy disk drive (FDD)
- DiskOnChip socket supporting 2 MB to 72 MB flash storage (M-Systems compatible)

- I/O Interfaces:
- Two USB ports
- Two serial ports (one RS-232, one configurable RS-232/RS-422/RS-485)
- One parallel port (EPP/ECP bi-directional)
- PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors
- IDE and FDD connectors for storage devices

- Watchdog Timer:
Programmable watchdog timer with 14 selectable intervals (0–64 seconds) capable of generating system resets for fault recovery.

- Front Panel Design:
Aluminum Eurocard front plate with ejector handle for easy insertion/removal; available in 8 HP (HDD only) or 12 HP (HDD + FDD) configurations.

- Power and Thermal Efficiency:
Operates on +5V DC at 4.0A; designed for efficient heat dissipation in compact enclosures.

- Operating Temperature Range:
0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F), suitable for industrial environments.




### 3. Technical Specifications

| Parameter | Specification |
|----------------|-------------------|
| CPU Support | Intel Pentium P54C/P55C, AMD K5/K6, Cyrix M1/M2 up to 233 MHz |
| Cache Memory | 512 KB 2nd-level pipeline burst cache |
| System Chipset | Intel 430HX (Triton II) |
| I/O Chipset | SMC37C669 |
| Memory Type | 3.3V FPM/EDO DRAM, 144-pin SO-DIMM |
| Memory Capacity | 2 MB – 128 MB (single socket), up to 256 MB (dual socket) |
| Storage Interfaces | IDE (2 devices, Mode 4), FDD (3.5"/5.25"), DiskOnChip socket |
| USB Ports | 2 x USB 1.0 ports |
| Serial Ports | 1 x RS-232, 1 x RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 configurable |
| Parallel Port | 1 x EPP/ECP bi-directional |
| Keyboard/Mouse | 2 x PS/2 Mini-DIN connectors |
| Expansion Bus | CompactPCI 3U (PICMG compliant) |
| Power Supply | +5V DC ±5%, 4.0A |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Dimensions | 160 mm (L) × 100 mm (W) × 20.32 mm (T) |
| Front Panel Width | 8 HP (HDD only) / 12 HP (HDD + FDD) |
| Weight | Approx. 0.5 kg (varies with configuration) |




### 4. Functionality

The cPCI-3500 operates as a standalone CPU module within a CompactPCI backplane system. It integrates processing, memory, and I/O subsystems on a single board, interfacing with peripheral modules via the CompactPCI bus.

Operational Overview:
- The CPU executes system instructions while the Intel 430HX chipset manages memory and peripheral communication.
- The onboard SMC37C669 controller handles legacy I/O functions including serial, parallel, and floppy interfaces.
- The DiskOnChip socket provides solid-state storage for embedded or diskless systems.
- The watchdog timer monitors system health, automatically resetting the board in case of software lockups.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Industrial automation and control systems
- Embedded computing in transportation or defense
- Data acquisition and instrumentation
- Communication and networking equipment
- Compact, ruggedized computing environments requiring modularity and reliability

Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PICMG CompactPCI 3U backplanes
- Supports standard PC peripherals (keyboard, mouse, display, storage)
- BIOS supports MS-DOS, Windows, and embedded operating systems




### 5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- cPCI-3500 / cPCI-8586 CPU card
- Front panel with ejector handle
- Onboard 2.1 GB IDE HDD
- 3.5" FDD (optional)
- 64 MB SO-DIMM memory module
- DiskOnChip socket (empty, user-installable)

Connectors:
- IDE (HDD) connector
- FDD connector
- Parallel port (PRN)
- USB connectors (USB1, USB2)
- PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors
- Serial ports (COM1, COM2)
- Reset switch connector
- HDD LED connector

Optional Accessories:
- Additional SO-DIMM memory modules (up to 128 MB)
- DiskOnChip flash modules (2–72 MB)
- CompactPCI backplane and chassis
- BIOS update diskette (AWDFLASH utility)




### 6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- 3U CompactPCI backplane
- AT-compatible power supply (+5V, 4A)
- Display card and monitor
- Keyboard and mouse
- Storage device (HDD, FDD, or DiskOnChip)

Installation Steps:
1. Power off the system and disconnect all power sources.
2. Install the SO-DIMM memory module into the 144-pin socket at a slight angle, ensuring correct orientation.
3. Insert the CPU into the PGA socket, aligning pin 1 markers.
4. Configure jumpers according to CPU type, voltage, and bus speed (refer to JP1–JP4 settings).
5. Insert the CPU card into the CompactPCI backplane slot marked with a triangle.
6. Connect I/O cables (HDD, FDD, keyboard, mouse, serial, parallel).
7. Power on the system and enter BIOS setup (press <Del> or <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Esc> during POST).

BIOS Configuration:
- Award BIOS with CMOS setup utility
- Supports standard configuration menus: Standard CMOS, BIOS Features, Chipset Features, Power Management, PnP/PCI Configuration, and IDE Auto Detection
- BIOS update via AWDFLASH utility (Appendix D procedure)




### 7. Performance & Capabilities

- Processing Speed: Up to 233 MHz (Pentium MMX 266 MHz optional)
- Memory Bandwidth: Supports EDO/FPM DRAM for improved throughput
- Cache Performance: 512 KB pipeline burst cache enhances instruction execution
- Storage Throughput: IDE Mode 4 supports high-speed data transfer to HDDs
- I/O Performance: Dual serial ports with RS-485 support for long-distance communication
- Reliability: Watchdog timer ensures system recovery from software faults
- Power Efficiency: Optimized for low-voltage operation (+5V only)
- Limitations:
- Single memory socket limits onboard RAM to 128 MB (standard)
- No integrated graphics controller (requires external VGA card)
- USB 1.0 standard (limited bandwidth by modern standards)




### 8. Standards & Compliance

- CompactPCI Standard:
Fully compliant with PICMG CompactPCI 3U specification (100 mm × 160 mm Eurocard format, 2 mm HM connectors).

- Electrical & Mechanical Standards:
- IEC-1076 connector compliance
- Eurocard mechanical dimensions (8 HP / 12 HP front panel options)

- Regulatory Compliance:
Designed to meet industrial computing standards for EMI/EMC and safety (specific certifications dependent on system integration).

- Environmental Compliance:
Operating temperature range 0–60°C; suitable for industrial-grade deployments.

- BIOS & Firmware Standards:
Award BIOS with standard CMOS setup utility; supports industry-standard boot devices and configuration protocols.




### 9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Standard manufacturer warranty provided by ADLINK Technology Inc. (terms vary by region and distributor).

Technical Support:
ADLINK provides technical documentation, BIOS updates, and driver support through authorized service channels and online resources.

Maintenance:
- Periodic inspection of connectors and jumpers recommended.
- BIOS updates available via AWDFLASH utility (Appendix D).
- DiskOnChip and memory modules are user-replaceable.

Software & Utilities:
- AWARD BIOS setup utility
- AWDFLASH.EXE for BIOS updates
- Example watchdog timer programming routines (Appendix A)

Documentation & Appendices:
- Appendix A: Watchdog Timer Configuration and Programming
- Appendix B: Connector Pin Assignments (IDE, FDD, COM, Parallel, PS/2, CompactPCI P1/P2)
- Appendix C: DiskOnChip Installation Procedure
- Appendix D: BIOS Update Instructions




### Summary

The ADLINK cPCI-3500 / cPCI-8586 CompactPCI 3U CPU Card is a robust, modular computing solution engineered for industrial and embedded applications. Combining Intel Pentium-class processing, flexible memory and storage options, and comprehensive I/O capabilities, it delivers reliable performance in space-constrained environments. Its adherence to the PICMG CompactPCI standard ensures interoperability with a wide range of industrial backplanes and peripheral modules. With features such as a programmable watchdog timer, DiskOnChip support, and extensive jumper configuration options, the cPCI-3500 provides a versatile foundation for mission-critical systems requiring stability, expandability, and long-term availability.