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FEATURES 6-in-1 design reduces size and weight, increases reliability Ultra high integration PC/104-Plus expandable EPIC SBC CPUs ranging from low power 500MHz AMD LX800 to high performance 1.4 GHz Pentium M Fully featured: 10/100 BaseT and Gigabit Ethernet, CRT and LVDS support, 4 USB, 6 serial ports and S-ATA and/or IDE depending on CPU module Optional data acquisition featuring 32 16-bit A/D with autocalibration, 4 12-bit D/A, 24 programmable digital I/O lines, 8 optically isolated inputs, 8 optically isolated outputs, and 2 counter/timers 5-28V DC power supply with 40W output power and ATX function Selected models available with extended -40°C to +85°C operating temperature RoHS compliant

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DOWNLOADS Neptune Data Sheet (.pdf, 1.8 MB)

Neptune EPIC format CPU with integrated autocalibrating analog I/O, digital I/O and DC/DC power supply

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Description

Neptune introduces a new concept in small form factor embedded SBCs. The CPU core consists of an ETX module which mounts on the bottom side of the board for improved thermal management. This technique provides more room on the main board for I/O features. The result is an efficient, cost-effective, reliable, and compact embedded SBC rich in I/O and user benefits. Neptune is the first 6-in-1 embedded SBC, integrating processor, system I/O, data acquisition, and even a DC/DC power supply onto a single board in the compact EPIC format.

You can select from a wide range of ETX CPU modules from a world-class supplier to tailor Neptune’s price and performance to your application and budget. A PC/104-Plus expansion socket enables you to add still more I/O or features if needed, and the built-in 5-28V input DC/DC power supply provides flexibility in integrating the board with your system power supply. These features give Neptune an unsurpassed level of value and flexibility in a small form factor embedded SBC. 

Benefits of 6-in-1 Integration

• Less Space: Smaller and thinner than a stack of PC/104 boards

• Lower Cost: An integrated solution eliminates extra PCBs and connectors to lower the unit cost

• Higher Reliability: Less interconnects and components, resulting in higher reliability

• More Rugged: The flatter profile and reduction in connectors makes Neptune far more rugged in mobile applications

• Single Vendor: Purchasing and stocking are easier with a single board

• Saves Time: Assembly effort is dramatically reduced, shortening your total system integration time

Data Acquisition

• 32 analog inputs, 16-bit A/D, 250KHz sample rate
• 4 analog outputs, 12-bit D/A
• 24 digital I/O, 3.3V/5V compatible
• 8 opto-isolated digital inputs, 3-24V range
• 8 opto-isolated digital outputs, 3-24V range
• 2 counter/timers for A/D sample rate control, event counting/timing, and programmable interrupts
• Universal Driver software support for C programming under Windows and Linux

Benefits of an ETX Processor Core

• Choice of price/performance: Neptune is available with a low-power AMD LX800 up to an Intel Core 2 Duo, so you can obtain exactly the performance and price point you need
• Protection from obsolescence: Easily switch processor modules in case of processor end of life
• Easy upgrade: ETX CPUs are interchangeable, allowing you to easily upgrade your system with minimal or no redesign
• Low Cost: ETX modules cost less than their equivalent single board computer, resulting in a lower total cost for Neptune

Autocalibration for Best Measurement Accuracy

Diamond’s top-performing autocalibration circuitry enables you to calibrate the analog circuits under software control at any time, maintaining best accuracy under all conditions. Temperature- and time-dependent measurement drift is eliminated, as the board can be calibrated as often as desired in just a few seconds to ensure accurate readings in all environments.

Thermal Management

Neptune places the processor on the bottom side of the board. An integrated heat spreader makes thermal contact with the heat generating components on the CPU module and provides a flat surface on the bottom side for mating to the system enclosure. This technique provides for efficient removal of heat from the CPU without the need for a fan.

Processor	0/60°C	-30/+85°C
AMD LX800	Yes	Yes
Intel Celeron M 1GHz	Yes	Yes
Intel Pentium M 1.4GHz	Yes	Yes
Intel Core 2 Duo	Yes	-10/+85°C

System I/O Features

All models of Neptune include the following standard CPU I/O features in addition to the data acquisition and DC/DC power supply:

Serial Ports	2 RS-232, 4 RS-232/422/485
USB	4 ports, 1.1 / 2.0 depending on ETX module
PS/2	Keyboard and mouse provided
Ethernet	1 10/100Mbps from ETX module; 1 Gigabit Ethernet using Intel 82541 and on-board RJ-45 jack
Parallel and Floppy	User selectable through ETX module configuration
Audio	AC’97 (Mic in, Line in, Line out)
IDE	1 44-pin connector for solid state flashdisk up to 4GB; 1 44-pin connector for hard disk interface
CompactFlash	Socket for Type I/II device
S-ATA	Available on Core 2 Duo model
VGA, LCD	Performance depends on ETX module

Panel I/O Board

This accessory plugs onto the front row of pin headers to provide cable-free access to the standard system I/O: Serial ports, USB, Ethernet, PS/2, VGA, Power input.

Cables

A cable kit provides access to all I/O features on Neptune including the features on the panel I/O board.

Item	Qty	Part No.	Description
1	1	698002	Ethernet cable
2	1	698022	Dual-port PS/2 cable
3	1	698025	Audio I/O cable
4	1	698017	TV output cable
5	1	698018	Speaker output cable
6	1	698024	VGA output cable
7	1	C-20-18	20-conductor ribbon cable
8	1	C-40-18	40-conductor ribbon cable
9	1	C-50-18	50-conductor ribbon cable
10	1	C-DB9M-4	4-port serial port cable
11	1	698026	40-conductor UDMA-100 IDE cable
12	1	698004	44-conductor IDE cable
13	1	698015	Power input cable, 10 conductors
14	1	698016	High-power input cable, 2 conductors
15	1	698011	External battery cable
16	1	698006	Output power cable
17	2	698012	Dual-port USB cable
18	1	861002	Utility board

Memory

Neptune uses DIMM modules with capacities ranging from 512MB to 2GB depending on the choice of ETX CPU module.

Development Kits

A quick-start development kit includes everything you need to get started with your application development, including:

• Neptune SBC with integrated CPU of your choice
• 1 GB memory installed
• Heat spreader installed
• 128MB Flashdisk with embedded Linux
• Panel I/O board
• Cable Kit
• AC power adapter
• User manual, FastStart guide, and software on CD

Operating System Support

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	Neptune Block Diagram

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Neptune available models: C-NPT-KIT Neptune Cable Kit DK-LNX-NPT Linux Development Kit for Neptune with 512MB flash disk DK-NPTLX8-01 Neptune LX8A Development Kit: SBC with data acquisition, cables, FlashDisk with Linux, docs and software DK-NPTPM14-01 Neptune PM14A Development Kit: SBC with data acquisition, cables, FlashDisk with Linux, docs and software MEM-1024-02 1GB DDR SODIMM for NPT-LX8 and NPT-PM14 MEM-512-02 512MB DDR SODIMM for NPT-LX8 and NPT-PM14 NPT-LX8A Neptune SBC, 500MHz LX800 CPU, with data acquisition NPT-LX8N Neptune SBC, 500MHz LX800 CPU, no data acquisition NPT-PM14A Neptune SBC, 1.4GHz Pentium M 738 CPU with data acquisition NPT-PM14N Neptune SBC, 1.4GHz Pentium M 738 CPU, no data acquisition PNL-NPT-01 Neptune Panel I/O Board PNL-NPT-KIT Neptune Panel I/O Board Kit TRI-NPT-K Triton Enclosure and hardware for Neptune TRI-NPT-KIT Triton Kit for Neptune with panel I/O board and cable kit Please login or signup for an online quote request.