From: "Pick, Sarah" <SPick@applieddata.net>
To: "'lwn@lwn.net'" <lwn@lwn.net>
Subject: 2 headed system introduced at LW...
Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 16:55:40 -0500

For Immediate Release
Contact: Sarah Pick
LINUX WORLD
Applied Data Systems
BOOTH #769	
301-490-4007 x128
spick@applieddata.net


Applied Data Systems (ADS) Introduces the "Tandem(,"
Two-Headed SBC Available with Linux: 
Reduces Display Unit Costs On Richly Featured Intel StrongARM( Platform 

New York, NY - January 30, 2001 - Today at LinuxWorld, Applied Data Systems
(ADS), a Maryland-based developer of application-ready RISC-based embedded
systems, introduced the Tandem(, a two-headed single board computer system,
available with embedded Linux. 

The Tandem is one of the first multi-display systems running embedded Linux
on the Intel( StrongARM* SA-1110 processor and it features two LCD's working
off of one 32-bit StrongARM processor, with two independent applications
working simultaneously. Because it has two displays running with one
processor, the Tandem reduces manufacturing and licensing costs, making it
ideal for retail, point of sale terminals and kiosks.

The Tandem has twice the features of most "standard" single board computer
systems. Two MediaQ MQ200 Graphics Controllers drive two (up to 24 bit
color) XGA sized displays, with two 2MB SDRAM frame buffers. Dual LVDS
drivers for LCD data transmission in the unit now extend the distance the
displays can be from the computer, allowing a distance of over 20 feet from
the panel to the receivers. The Tandem can run two separate speakers to be
coordinated with each display.

The Tandem also features a comprehensive IO package that, for its form, is
unparalleled in the industry. The Intel( StrongARM* SA-1111 processor
companion chip provides a USB Bus Master with a four port Hub, facilitating
peripheral communications.  Ethernet 10bT, CAN and a temperature probe
interface for VEE Compensation are all on-board.  An ADSmart I/O( package
contributes to user-selectable options that provide up to 32 digital IO's
and 12 analog inputs, and a keypad scan support for up to two 4 x 4 keypads.
These features can be for a cash machine, a kiosk or retail keypad, with
functionality available to support magnetic card readers.

"Until recently, running two displays has involved integrating two separate
computer systems. Now, with our dual-headed unit, users can run applications
with one license and one set of memory, reducing operating costs by 50%. The
Tandem brings a valuable new technological capability to the retail and
kiosk markets," said Robert Olsen, CEO of Applied Data Systems.

"The Tandem is a testament to the ability to develop highly functional
systems on a StrongARM foundation," said Mark Casey, director of marketing
for Intel's Handheld Computing Division. "Intel's StrongARM processor and
its industry leading high performance, low power capabilities make systems
like this possible." 

The Tandem features the MQ-200 from MediaQ, a company which designs and
markets integrated circuits to enhance the performance of mobile electronics
systems and display-centric embedded applications. The MQ-200 graphics
controller plays a critical role in supporting the Tandem's unique graphics
display capabilities. The MQ200 features true 128-bit performance, low power
consumption, and simultaneous display support. 

"We are very pleased to have Applied Data Systems use the MQ-200 in a truly
innovative product such as the Tandem," said Sunder Velamuri, MediaQ's vice
president of marketing. "It is an excellent graphics platform for embedded
applications such as point-of-sale terminals and other embedded retail
applications."

Power Features

The two-headed system can support two operator graphical displays to create
output on a variety of LCD displays working with external keyboards, buttons
or mouse, with little or no user input.

The ADS system has a core SBC with a wide selection of operating system
selections, including WindowsCE, VxWorks, Microware's OS-9, Linux and
supports Java. The stand-alone system incorporates a 206 MHz, 32-bit
StrongARM RISC processor, which can deliver 235 MIPS at a miniscule 450 mW
power dissipation, making it ideal for low power applications. The processor

uses a 100 MHz memory bus. The system is configurable with up to 32 MB of
program memory /frame buffer DRAM, to 32 MB of flash memory, 128 KB of EPROM
boot memory, 1 PCMCIA slot, 3 serial ports, CAN, an onboard codec with
speaker and microphone support, an Ethernet port, a video interface to XGA,
an LCD controller, a RTC, and an on-board 8-bit microcontroller that offers
user-selectable options from 32 digital IO's, 12 analog inputs and 2 PWMs. 

The two-headed system is ideal for multi-user requirements with display
advertising, kiosks, slot machines, news and information systems
applications. In production pricing starts in the $400's per unit, less than
many one-headed systems presently on the market, and the Tandem is available
currently. Product specs and information are available at
www.applieddata.net 

###

About Applied Data Systems 
Applied Data Systems (ADS) solutions enable numerous applications including 
process control, GPS, fleet management, and POS/kiosk. For information,
please visit the ADS website at http://www.applieddata.net or call
301/490-4007.


About MediaQ Inc. 
MediaQ, Inc., develops highly integrated semiconductors and accompanying
software for key segments of the growing market for wired and wireless
Internet appliances, including handheld computers, web terminals/PADs, and
smart mobile phones. Founded in 1997, MediaQ is headquartered in Santa
Clara, CA. More information about MediaQ is available at 408-733-0080 or by
visiting http://www.mediaq.com.