The RadiSys EPC-8A is a PC-compatible VMEbus embedded computer module designed for industrial control, data acquisition, and communication systems in harsh environments. Built around an Intel486 DX2 processor running at 50, 66, or 100 MHz, the EPC-8A delivers workstation-level performance across DOS and extended operating systems. The module integrates full VMEbus master control with VXIbus subset support, on-board Ethernet, Super VGA graphics, and a local 16-bit expansion bus for modular I/O without VMEbus interference.
Technical Specifications
Processor & Memory
• Intel486 DX2 at 50, 66, or 100 MHz with on-chip math coprocessor and four-way set associative cache
• Up to 16 MB or 32 MB on-board DRAM
• 2 MB flash memory option
• SRAM available via EXM expansion modules
VMEbus Interface
• Full VMEbus master with memory-locking support for semaphore operations
• Round-robin or four-level priority bus arbitration
• IACK daisy-chain driving and SYSCLK generation
• Bus address time-out detection
• All seven VMEbus interrupt levels supported
• VXIbus Extensions for Instrumentation (subset)
Expansion & Graphics
• 16-bit PC/AT-like EXM expansion bus; single or dual-slot configurations
• Cirrus Logic CL-GD5428 Super VGA controller with 512 KB video DRAM
• Resolutions: 640×480 (16/256 colors), 800×600 (16/256 colors), 1024×768 (16 colors)
• Female DB15 connector on front panel
Networking & System Features
• On-board Ethernet controller (NE2000/NE2000+/Western Digital compatible)
• 10BaseT connector on front panel
• Phoenix Flash BIOS with F2 setup access
• Configurable watchdog timer (interrupt or reset)
• VMEbus powered
– Key Features
• Hardware memory mapping for DOS conventional and extended memory
• Support for EXM modules including hard disk, ControlNet, and SRAM/Flash expansion
• Local bus Super VGA eliminates VMEbus contention for graphics
• Memory-locking operations enable reliable inter-board synchronization
– Typical Applications
Industrial automation, distributed control systems, real-time data acquisition, embedded instrumentation, and networked measurement platforms.
– Compatibility & Integration
Full VMEbus and VXIbus compatibility. EXM expansion interface accommodates third-party modules. Standard Ethernet support enables network integration. BIOS configuration via front-panel keyboard interface.
