Gecko
AMD Geode GX 500 Single Board Computer

Highlights

Overview
The Gecko is an efficient mid-sized SBC with an excellent balance of outstanding performance, low power consumption, and a complete set of on-board features. This compact board features a highly reliable design to support OEM applications where long-term availability is required. The Gecko is designed around the advanced AMD Geode GX 500 CPU. This highly integrated processor features fanless operation and very low power consumption (one watt!). The Geode GX 500 sets new standards for efficiency. Its advanced architecture delivers throughput equivalent to 500 MHz processors, yet it operates at less than half of the power consumption. It provides excellent performance, such as extremely fast on-board transfers (6 GB per second), fast DDR memory access, and integrated high-performance video. The Gecko is available in both standard and extended temperature versions.

The Gecko complements the Geode GX 500 with a full range of on-board I/O devices, to form a complete, highly effective single board computer. Based on the EPIC form factor, the Gecko offers a compact, cost-effective solution for developers who require a mid-range platform (sized between EBX and PC/104).

Like all VersaLogic products, the Gecko is designed from day one for high reliability and long-term availability. From initial application design to 5+ years of production, its quality and longevity provide a cost-effective, long-term solution. The Gecko is manufactured to the highest quality standards, and is backed with VersaLogic’s excellent (award winning) support. Product customization is available in quantities as low as 100 pieces.

Details
The Gecko’s extensive on-board features support a wide range of applications. In addition to the standard AT-style peripherals (PS/2 mouse and keyboard), it includes 4 USB ports, 10/100 Ethernet with Boot ROM support, 4 COM ports (RS-232 and RS-422), LPT, 16-line TTL user I/O port, and eight 12-bit analog input channels. The Gecko combines the advantages of PC-style connectors, with OEM embedded features such as high-reliability design and a PC/104-Plus expansion site. The Gecko’s standard PC architecture is compatible with desktop systems and PC software, making it easy to integrate into a wide variety of applications.

The Gecko includes several features for enhanced application reliability. These include Transient Voltage Suppression (TVS) devices to help protect the board from external static discharges. TVS protection is included on the keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, USB, COM, and LPT ports. A programmable watchdog timer controls application run-away conditions and resets the system in the event of a serious malfunction. A self-resetting fuse on the 5V power to the keyboard, mouse, USB, and LVDS ports protects the board from cable or connector shorts.

For moderate I/O expansion, the Gecko supports PC/104 and PC/104-Plus plug-in modules. For more extensive OEM I/O requirements, a Gecko version is available with PC/104 connectors that extend through and below the board. This allows the Gecko to be plugged into a user baseboard to drive specialized I/O subsystems. Custom I/O boards of this type can be as large, or larger than the Gecko without creating any mounting challenges.

The Gecko includes General Software’s Embedded BIOS with OEM enhancements. This field-reprogrammable BIOS supports custom defaults and the addition of managed boot agent firmware to allow network booting. The Gecko is compatible with a variety of popular operating systems, including Windows, QNX, VxWorks and Linux.

EPIC-2b… AMD Geode GX 500, 366 MHz
EPIC-2e… AMD Geode GX 500, 333 MHz, extended temp.