Pengwyn open development platform from SILICA targets industrial applications

Distributor provides industrial customers an easy, low-cost yet powerful open development board for applications on Linux or Windows Embedded

Poing, 24 January 2013 – SILICA, an Avnet (NYSE: AVT) company, has expanded its range of microcontroller development tools by introducing a new ARM-based board for industrial applications. Designed under the umbrella of SILICA's Core ‘n More support programme, Pengwyn is a low cost single-board computer based on TI's AM 3354 ARM Cortex™-A8 Microprocessor. It provides industrial customers with a powerful open platform to develop applications quickly and easily under Linux or Windows Embedded operating systems.

"Pengwyn is a very concrete example of what Core ‘n More is all about", said Mario Orlandi, SILICA's vice-president of marketing, "working with the world-leading MCU vendors to help customers build smarter applications in the shortest time frame and with the best technical back-up resources. With this new development board we're providing industrial developers with a tool that is both open and focussed on their needs".

The new board carries a powerful feature set to target industrial designs. Supporting the ARM Cortex A8 microcontroller is 256 MB of fast DDR3 RAM, 1 Gigabit of NAND Flash, which is widely used in industrial applications, and 32 MB of SPI Flash Memory for communicating with peripherals. It is well connected too, providing communications and expansion via the on-board ports for USB Host and USB Device functions as well as generic expansion modules. Networking is facilitated by an RJ-45 Ethernet Port and a connector is provided to attach an optional Gigabit Ethernet interface. The SDIO/MMC Port can be used for optional Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® modules.

Instead of using potentially conflicting third-part modules for peripherals like Wi-Fi and LCD displays, Pengwyn expansion boards simplify designs by providing Plug-and-Play capability, together with connectors for I2C, SPI, and USB interfaces. On-board Flash memory carries appropriate software and applications ready to run. Kernel modules automatically load on boot and demonstration applications will be easily installable from the SILICA software repository. Together, these features make it quick and easy to carry out jump in testing and develop new components.

Development is further simplified by the board's stripped-down power supply, focussed on industrial applications that rarely demand deep sleep modes. This further reduces design complexity and lowers costs.

Pengwyn will exclusively be available at SILICA and Avnet Express. The board will be priced at 69 Euro.

About SILICA

SILICA, an Avnet, Inc. (NYSE:AVT) company, is one of the leading semiconductor distributors in Europe. SILICA accelerates its customers’ success by connecting 25 technology suppliers with a broad base of more than 15,000 customers and providing in-depth design support and cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For more information, visit www.silica.com