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Date:      Tue, 10 Oct 2000 22:56:16 -0500
From:      Gunther Schadow <gunther@aurora.regenstrief.org>
To:        Soren Kristensen <soren@soekris.com>
Cc:        Pico BSD <freebsd-small@FreeBSD.ORG>, CLEM <clem@regen.rg.iupui.edu>
Subject:   Re: MachZ PC on chip and small Embedded PC...
Message-ID:  <39E3E4E0.A46DF349@aurora.regenstrief.org>
References:  <39DC8E91.B1CFCA7C@aurora.rg.iupui.edu> <39E24D5C.145E9887@soekris.com>

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Hi Søren,

> I have looked at the MachZ too, but has decided against using it, and I will
> instead use two alternative chips.
> 
> The first board I'm doing use the the AMD SC520, that cost about half as much,
> and are only missing the IDE and USB controller and some of the multi I/O
> functions. But you don't need any of that in a small communication engine....
> 
> The next board I will do will probably use the new National Semiconductor
> SC3200, which has everything the MachZ has PLUS more, runs at up to 266 Mhz AND
> still cost less....

your project looks *very* interesting to us. Obviously the decision about
which processor to use is yours. In fact, I didn't even know of alternatives 
to the MachZ. This is very  interesting. In fact, if you can meet your target 
price, I would be excited! It seems as if your intentions are very much what 
I want to see. Unlike most of the stuff I found elsewhere. I particularly 
like your "small" version with the external wall transformer (those that go 
for five bucks a piece.) Cut down on all costs is absolutely essential to
deploy high numbers. 

> And btw, the first board is getting VERY close to being ready, I'm finishing up
> the PCB layout right now, and expect to have working prototype in about two
> weeks. 

I would be highly interested getting down to business ASAP. When will
you have a prototype? If we could have our first 30 boxes by the end 
of the year, it would be wonderful. If you could get one or two 
prototypes to us sometime sooner, it would be even better. I could then 
put all the software on it and show to my folks. That would give us even 
more confidence in deciding. Besides, you could use my configurations to
market your boxes fully loaded -- if you don't intend to do your 
own.  I'll do 

- IPsec gateways
- IPv6 gateways
- HTTPS gateways (apache/SSL proxy)
- IPsec based network printer (see comment below)
- A firewall that can do IPX routing (noone else seems to do that)
...

> The final specs are:
> 
>         100/133 Mhz AMD SC520.
>         16-64 Mbyte SDRAM, soldered on board.

is soldered cheaper than modules? Modules would give you more 
flexibility. In fact, I would want to try to down-optimize on
RAM requirements, testing various options. This would be hard
if soldered.

>         1 Mbit BIOS/BOOT Flash.
>         CompactFLASH socket, 8 Mbyte to ??.

cool, I like CF ... is is as cheap as Disk-on-chip?

>         2-3 10/100 mbit Ethernet ports, RJ-45.

Yes! Yes! I love it.

>         1 Serial port, DB9. (Optional 3 serial ports)

actually, if you could make up your mind and put one parallel
port on too, that would be much appreciated here. Our first
objective is an IPsec based network printer and we better have
a parallel port for that!

>         Power LED, Activity LED.
>         MiniPCI type III socket. (For optional hardware encryption.)

do you have a special recommendation for hardware encryption?

>         PCI Slot, right angle 3.3V only. (For optional WAN board.)

would there be a way to optionally connect an AeroNet or WaveLAN 
interface with that? Would a PCMCIA port be required? How could one
go about that?

>         8 bit general purpurse I/O, 14 pins header.
>         Size 4.8" x 5.5".
>         Power either 5V DC fixed or 7-20V DC, max 8W.
> 
> I plan to make two versions avaliable as standard products, a minimal version
> with a small box and using a wall transformer, and a full version using a box
> with internal power supply that can be rack mounted.

Would the small box have any less functionality? I guess I like the small
box most.

> I don't have any pricing yet, but do have a target of below $200 for the small
> version in single units.

Cool. You are my best deal so far: a design that does meet our needs almost
exactly and a very convincing price! I'd love to hear, see, touch, and use
more of this.

thanks,
-Gunther
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note;quoted-printable:Al oppinions expressed in this message are my own and do =0D=0Anot necessarily represent those of the Regenstrief Institute.
fn:Gunther Schadow
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