25 May 2005
Press release, 25-May-05, Bluewater Systems, Christchurch, New Zealand: ARM technology solutions experts Bluewater
Systems has launched the innovative Snapper-255 Single Board Computer Module that reduces development cost for
electronic products such as handheld devices, telecommunications equipment or multimedia display units by 50-80%.
Based on the Intel PXA255 microprocessor, Snapper-255 'snaps' into a product design and instantly delivers tried and
tested core functionality such as processing power, memory, storage and a broad range of peripherals.
By providing the 'brain' of a product, Snapper offers one of the most complex parts of an electronic design project on a
board significantly smaller than a business card. This enables developers to focus on the unique benefits of a product
and use Snapper as a common component across an entire product range.
"Often the hardest part of a design project is the CPU and memory system, yet it is often very similar between products.
Engineers can spend months drafting similar designs that are all based on a uniform need; this restricts the time
available to design and develop the more unique aspects of a project. Using Snapper removes this restriction," said
Simon Glass, managing director of Bluewater Systems.
The Snapper module uses ARM technology: a proven system architecture that is reliable, expandable and power-efficient.
With over 1 billion ARM processors shipped last year, virtually every household in New Zealand or Australia unknowingly
owns an ARM processor, whether it is in their mobile phone, television, car or iPod.
Glass explained why Snapper-255 and ARM technology can be key in the development of new and innovative products. "People
in this part of the world are only now starting to awaken to the potential offered by ARM technology. By developing the
Snapper-255 module we are bringing the benefits of developing ARM based products within reach of every organisation.
Snapper-255 will foster local product development by dramatically cutting costs."
Its small size has not affected Snapper's performance; the module is able to easily run Microsoft Windows CE or embedded
Linux. Power consumption is low, enabling Snapper-255 to work with a range of battery or alternative power options.
Snapper-255 also includes a powerful FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), enabling its hardware functionality to expand
in line with a product's specific requirements.
The Snapper-255 Single Board Computer Module provides the following features:
400 MHZ Intel Xscale microprocessor 64MB SDRAM 512MB storage via xD card Altera Cyclone FPGA 10/100 Ethernet USB Host
and slave Bluetooth 20 bit Audio LCD support up to 800 x 600 Touchscreen controller PCMCIA support
Snapper-255 is available as a standalone module or included as part of configurable development kit.
ENDS