Cirrus 7500FE Evaluation Board Introduction

The EB7500ATX evaluation board is an ATX footprint motherboard, based around the Cirrus Logic EP7500FE system-on-chip. The board is supplied with a pre-patched Linux kernel, Debian GNU/Linux distribution and a number of customised Linux-based images.

Hardware Description

Standard features include:

• 56MHz¹ EP7500FE
• Two 72 pin SIMM sockets for FPM or EDO memory².
• Three ROM sockets supporting up to 6MB of Flash ROM. One 16Mbit (2MB) Device fitted as standard.
• SuperIO facilities such as parallel port, serial ports, floppy,
• Dual channel IDE
• Integrated video supporting resolutions up to 1600*1200
• Integrated 10BaseT Ethernet
• Integrated ESS audio codec supporting connections for Line in, Line Out, Mic, CDROM and Aux
• 16 bit ISA slot
• Real time clock
• I2C bus

¹56Mhz is the manufacturers highest specification on this part, In our experience these parts are reliable at 64Mhz operation, this frequency may be requested when ordering.

²EDO memory is recomended and may be run at 50,60 or 70ns depending on parts used. Simms from Cruicial and Dabs have been used successfully.

Full specification further information on the hardware specification is available.

Software Description

The board is supplied complete with our ABLE firmware, ready to boot your chosen operating system. The support CD supplied with the board contains:

• Linux kernel binaries, pre-patched sources and patch sets.
• Debian GNU/Linux boot disc and easy to install disc image.
• Custom linux based images.
• uClibc based source distribution for small footprint systems.
• NetBSD distribution.

Linux kernel patches are integrated in the official maintainer tree and Debian boot images are included in the official debian CDs.

Applications

Adding expansion cards and peripherals to the board allows many possible systems to be prototyped. For example, adding RAM and a case produces a network computer. Alternatively, a hard drive produces a network attached storage device.

If the standard product does not meet your needs exactly, Simtec can provide custom hardware and software solutions.

Other pages

• Availability - Price and availability.
• Resources - Documentation and software resources for the Cirrus 7500FE Evaluation Board.
• Firmware - Firmware for the Cirrus 7500FE Evaluation Board.
• Gallery - Images of the Cirrus 7500FE Evaluation Board.