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Prometheus BIOS version 1.07M

Release date September 2002

download here

  • Built-in support for solid-state bootable disk using on-board flash memory.
  • Eliminates the need for separate storage media.
  • Works with MS-DOS and ROM-DOS (FlashFX software not needed!).
  • Reduces system size and cost while enhancing reliability and ease of installation.
  • Free do-it-yourself upgrade for existing Prometheus users.
  • Included on all new boards shipped after September 23, 2002.

This latest BIOS release for the Prometheus CPU includes support for disk emulation in the on-board flash memory. With this new BIOS, Prometheus now offers a true all-in-one solution for embedded control: CPU, network, I/O, data acquisition, and file storage, all on a single board!

The on-board flash has a capacity of 2MB, and 256KB is required for the BIOS. The remaining unused portion (about 1.5MB after accounting for management overhead) can be used as a bootable A: drive or non-bootable B: drive in MS-DOS and ROM-DOS applications.

This flash drive can be formatted and SYSed just like a floppy drive. Because it's totally solid state, file access is much faster than with a standard floppy drive. The flash memory has a lifetime of 2,000,000 write cycles to each sector, and the BIOS contains a built-in technique to "walk through" the available free sectors to minimize the wear on any one sector. This significantly extends the flash lifetime in repetitive file writing applications.

Best of all, this flash drive reduces overall system cost by totally eliminating the need for external storage media and related mounting and cabling concerns. ROM-DOS users can now take advantage of the on-board flash memory without having to purchase a FlashFX development kit and pay royalties.

Our "flash diskette" feature has been tested and is fully compatible with MS-DOS 6.22 and ROM-DOS 7.1. Setup is easy and takes only a few minutes.

The free zip file provided here contains the new BIOS, utility software for downloading it into Prometheus, and instructions. Upgrading takes about 5-10 minutes and requires a separate computer running a terminal emulation program and a null modem cable. BIOS version 1.07M is included on all Prometheus boards shipped after September 23, 2002.

You may also download an older version of the BIOS, 1.06G, here.

ROM-DOS and FlashFX are trademarks of Datalight Corp.