Medallion Hardware FAQ

Techsol is a world leader in Linux on ARM technology.
Leverage our off-the-shelf Medallion Computer Modules and development kits to accelerate your development projects. Whether you just need a Computer-on-Module for your own semi-custom design, or you need a turn-key solution, Techsol's focused Hardware and Software expertise plus superb support get you to market faster.
And our highly-integrated solutions provide the greatest value to maintain your competitive cost-advantage into production.

We hope these provide answers to your questions.
If not, send your Hardware questions for "support AT MedallionSystem DOT com"

What are the advantages of using Medallion CPU Modules?

All modules are pin-compatible for most features, so it is possible to prototype HW and develop SW on the slow devices and then switch Medallions to the faster ones for production.
You also have the flexibility of offering different models with difference performance specs at different prices.
And, of course, you gain the advantage of never having to worry about a CPU becoming obsolete because you can upgrade over time to the latest processors.
We will be releasing at least one new Medallion module every year.

If you're looking at low-power Linux single-board computers you'll find that ours offer several advantages over many others.

• Basically, we don't have "external I/O" connectors on the boards ... we don't try to force a form-factor on you!
• Our devices have very low power consumption
• They won't need heatsinks or fans. (saving space and cost).
• At 4 square inches, they are VERY small.
• The board-to-board spacing is variable from 5mm to 16mm, so you can add lots of circuitry between boards without wasting space
• They were the First with USB HOST and FUNCTION ports.
• They are attractively priced compared to the competition.
• Especially when you consider all the extra HW and SW features that are bundled.
• They are supported by experienced engineers who develop real products, just like you do!

What are the temperature ratings of the Medallion CPU Modules?

Most of the parts on the SA2410 are rated industrial temperature. Exceptions are:

• the CPU
• the NAND Flash
• the SDRAM

We use X7R CAPs (or tantalum) for wide temperature operation. The CPU can be operated at lower speeds to extend the temperature. The NAND is NOT available in undustrial temperatures. The SDRAM can be UPGRADED to industrial by request.
One customer did extensive temperature profiling, and even though we specify operation to +70 C, they found operation to be reliable to past +80 C. (which they needed for desert operations)

What comments can you make regarding regulatory approvals for Medallion CPU Modules?

There are no UL/CSA issues, as we operate below 45 volts.

As for FCC, many of our customers have migrated to our CPU modules from X86 designs. The only ones giving us feedback on emissions test results report that our boards have much LOWER RF emissions than the ones that we replaced. We follow all the proper design procedures for low-emissions radiation.

We use a high-end Mentor Graphics CAD package for PCB design. However, we do not use the auto-router. ALL TRACES are carefully HAND ROUTED to minimize length and to minimize emissions.

Plus, we use the "more is better" approach to ground planes and capacitors in our designs. You will find that our power traces and supplies have less noise and ripple than what is common in modern designs.

For more information on the pricing of support packages, look here.