Compact Embedded Computer

Mercury Computer Systems (Chelmsford, MA) has introduced the PowerBlock™ 50 system, a high-performance, ultra-compact embedded computer. The system's modular architecture allows for flexible configurations of multiple processors, delivering well over 100 GFLOPS of processing power in a small, lightweight package. A fully configured PowerBlock 50 weighs less than 10 pounds and measures approximately 4" × 5" × 6". The system is available now as the PowerBlock 50 EDK (Engineering Development Kit), which is a complete software development platform. The EDK includes a PowerBlock 50 system, Linux BSP development environment, and a desktop heat rejection unit (HRU) to support the PowerBlock 50's cooling requirements. The PowerBlock 50 EDK is customizable into configurations that include PowerQUICC™, Virtex™-4, and Intel processors, and SATA storage. Each configuration includes Gigabit Ethernet and RS-232 I/O interfaces.