Diamond Aries PC/104-Plus SBC User manual

Aries User Manual Rev A.02 www.diamondsystems.com Page 1
Aries Single Board Computer
PC/104-Plus SBC with Intel E3800 “Bay Trail”Processor
Copyright 2015
FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT Diamond Systems Corporation
PLEASE CONTACT: 555 Ellis Street
Mountain View, CA 94043 USA
[e-mail] Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.diamondsystems.com
Revision
Date
Comment
A.00
3/26/2015
Initial Release
A.01
8/26/2015
JP4 update and minor changes
A.02
11/3/2015
Section 8.5 removed

Aries User Manual Rev A.02 www.diamondsystems.com Page 2
CONTENTS
1. Important Safe Handling Information .............................................................................................................4
2. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Models...........................................................................................................................................................6
2.2Features.........................................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Operating System Support ............................................................................................................................7
2.4 Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental...........................................................................................................7
3. Functional Overview.........................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Block Diagram ...............................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Feature Descriptions .....................................................................................................................................9
3.2.1 Processor and Memory.........................................................................................................................9
3.2.2 Ethernet.................................................................................................................................................9
3.2.3 Video.....................................................................................................................................................9
3.2.4 SATA.....................................................................................................................................................9
3.2.5 USB.......................................................................................................................................................9
3.2.6 Serial Ports ...........................................................................................................................................9
3.2.7 Audio.....................................................................................................................................................9
3.2.8 Data Acquisition................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.9 Backup Battery................................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.10 PCIe MiniCard Socket........................................................................................................................ 10
3.2.11 PC/104-Plus Expansion..................................................................................................................... 10
3.2.12 PCIe link routing................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.13 Watchdog Timer................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.14 LED Indicators ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.15 BIOS Features ................................................................................................................................... 11
4. Mechanical Board Drawing........................................................................................................................... 13
5. Board Layout.................................................................................................................................................. 14
5.1 I/O Connectors, Jumpers and LED Summary............................................................................................ 15
6. I/O Connectors ............................................................................................................................................... 16
6.1 Connector Pin-out and Signal Description ................................................................................................. 16
6.1.1 PC/104 (J1, J2).................................................................................................................................. 16
6.1.2 PC-104 (J3)........................................................................................................................................ 17
6.1.3 LVDS LCD (J4) .................................................................................................................................. 18
6.1.4 HDMI (J5)........................................................................................................................................... 19
6.1.5 Display Port (J6) ................................................................................................................................ 19
6.1.6 USB 3.0 Ports (J7)............................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.7 USB 2.0 Ports (J8)............................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.8 Serial ports (J9, J10).......................................................................................................................... 21
6.1.9 External Battery (J11)........................................................................................................................ 21
6.1.10 Input Power (J12)............................................................................................................................... 21
6.1.11 Audio (J13)......................................................................................................................................... 22
6.1.12 Ethernet (J14) .................................................................................................................................... 22
6.1.13 SATA (J15) ........................................................................................................................................ 22
6.1.14 Digital I/O (J16).................................................................................................................................. 23
6.1.15 Analog I/O (J17)................................................................................................................................. 23
6.1.16 Utility Connector (J18) ....................................................................................................................... 24
6.1.17 VGA (J19) .......................................................................................................................................... 25
6.1.18 LCD Backlight (J20)........................................................................................................................... 25
6.1.19 mSATA / PCIe MiniCard Socket (J21)............................................................................................... 26
6.2 List of Connectors....................................................................................................................................... 27
7. Jumper Description ....................................................................................................................................... 28
7.1 LVDS Backlight and LVDS VDD (JP1)....................................................................................................... 29
7.2 SATA (JP2)................................................................................................................................................. 29
7.3 Digital IO (JP3) ........................................................................................................................................... 30
7.4 Miscellaneous (JP4) ................................................................................................................................... 31
8. BIOS Key Features......................................................................................................................................... 32
8.1 Entering the BIOS....................................................................................................................................... 32
8.2 Restoring Default BIOS Settings................................................................................................................ 32
8.3 Setting the Date and Time.......................................................................................................................... 32
8.4 Boot Priority................................................................................................................................................ 32
8.5 LED............................................................................................................................................................. 32

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8.6 Quiet / Quick Boot / Splash Screen............................................................................................................ 32
8.7 Selecting the Displays ................................................................................................................................ 33
8.8 Serial Port Configuration ............................................................................................................................ 33
9. Getting Started............................................................................................................................................... 33
9.1 Development Kit ......................................................................................................................................... 33
9.2 Quick Setup................................................................................................................................................ 34
9.3 Boot Device Options................................................................................................................................... 34
10. Data Acquisition Circuit................................................................................................................................ 35
10.1 Overview..................................................................................................................................................... 35
10.2 FPGA.......................................................................................................................................................... 36
10.3 Bus Interface............................................................................................................................................... 36
10.4 Interrupts..................................................................................................................................................... 36
11. A/D Circuit ...................................................................................................................................................... 38
11.1 A/D Input Ranges and Resolution .............................................................................................................. 38
11.2 Unipolar and Bipolar Inputs ........................................................................................................................ 38
11.3 Ranges and Resolutions ............................................................................................................................ 38
11.3.1 Conversion Formulas......................................................................................................................... 39
11.4 A/D Sampling Methods............................................................................................................................... 40
11.4.1 FIFO Description................................................................................................................................ 40
11.4.2 Scan Sampling................................................................................................................................... 41
11.4.3 Sequential Sampling.......................................................................................................................... 41
11.4.4 Sampling Methods ............................................................................................................................. 41
12. D/A Circuit ...................................................................................................................................................... 42
12.1 Ranges and Resolutions ............................................................................................................................ 42
12.1.1 Ranges............................................................................................................................................... 42
12.1.2 Resolution.......................................................................................................................................... 43
12.2 D/A Conversion Formulas and Tables........................................................................................................ 43
12.2.1 D/A Conversion Formulas for Unipolar Output Ranges..................................................................... 43
12.2.2 D/A Conversion Formulas for Bipolar Output Ranges....................................................................... 44
12.3 Calibration................................................................................................................................................... 45
12.4 Waveform Generator.................................................................................................................................. 45
13. Digital I/O ........................................................................................................................................................ 46
14. Counters and Timers..................................................................................................................................... 47
15. Pulse Width Modulation................................................................................................................................ 48
16. Watchdog Timer............................................................................................................................................. 49
17. Thermal Solutions.......................................................................................................................................... 50
17.1 Heat Spreader Drawing.............................................................................................................................. 50
17.2 Bottom view of Heat Spreader.................................................................................................................... 51
17.3 Heat Spreader Installed on the Board........................................................................................................ 52
17.4 Thermal Pad............................................................................................................................................... 53
17.5 Heat Sink Accessory .................................................................................................................................. 54
18. Specifications................................................................................................................................................. 55
19. Appendix......................................................................................................................................................... 57

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1. IMPORTANT SAFE HANDLING INFORMATION
WARNING!
ESD-Sensitive Electronic Equipment
Observe ESD-safe handling procedures when working with this product.
Always use this product in a properly grounded work area and wear appropriate
ESD-preventive clothing and/or accessories.
Always store this product in ESD-protective packaging when not in use.
Safe Handling Precautions
The Aries SBC contains a high number of I/O connectors with connection to sensitive electronic components. This
creates many opportunities for accidental damage during handling, installation and connection to other
equipment. The list here describes common causes of failure found on boards returned to Diamond Systems for
repair. This information is provided as a source of advice to help you prevent damaging your Diamond (or any
vendor’s) embedded computer boards.
ESD damage –This type of damage is usually almost impossible to detect, because there is no visual sign of
failure or damage. The symptom is that the board eventually simply stops working, because some component
becomes defective. Usually the failure can be identified and the chip can be replaced.
To prevent ESD damage, always follow proper ESD-prevention practices when handling computer boards.
Damage during handling or storage –On some boards we have noticed physical damage from mishandling. A
common observation is that a screwdriver slipped while installing the board, causing a gouge in the PCB surface
and cutting signal traces or damaging components.
Another common observation is damaged board corners, indicating the board was dropped. This may or may not
cause damage to the circuitry, depending on what is near the corner. Most of our boards are designed with at
least 25 mils clearance between the board edge and any component pad, and ground / power planes are at least
20 mils from the edge to avoid possible shorting from this type of damage. However these design rules are not
sufficient to prevent damage in all situations.
A third cause of failure is when a metal screwdriver tip slips, or a screw drops onto the board while it is powered
on, causing a short between a power pin and a signal pin on a component. This can cause overvoltage / power
supply problems described below. To avoid this type of failure, only perform assembly operations when the
system is powered off.
Sometimes boards are stored in racks with slots that grip the edge of the board. This is a common practice for
board manufacturers. However our boards are generally very dense, and if the board has components very close
to the board edge, they can be damaged or even knocked off the board when the board tilts back in the rack.
Diamond recommends that all our boards be stored only in individual ESD-safe packaging. If multiple boards are
stored together, they should be contained in bins with dividers between boards. Do not pile boards on top of each
other or cram too many boards into a small location. This can cause damage to connector pins or fragile
components.
Power supply wired backwards –Our power supplies and boards are not designed to withstand a reverse
power supply connection. This will destroy each IC that is connected to the power supply (i.e. almost all ICs). In
this case the board will most likely will be unrepairable and must be replaced. A chip destroyed by reverse power
or by excessive power will often have a visible hole on the top or show some deformation on the top surface due
to vaporization inside the package. Check twice before applying power!
Board not installed properly in PC/104 stack –A common error is to install a PC/104 board accidentally shifted
by 1 row or 1 column. If the board is installed incorrectly, it is possible for power and ground signals on the bus to
make contact with the wrong pins on the board, which can damage the board. For example, this can damage
components attached to the data bus, because it puts the 12V power supply lines directly on data bus lines.

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Overvoltage on analog input –If a voltage applied to an analog input exceeds the design specification of the
board, the input multiplexor and/or parts behind it can be damaged. Most of our boards will withstand an
erroneous connection of up to 35V on the analog inputs, even when the board is powered off, but not all boards,
and not in all conditions.
Overvoltage on analog output –If an analog output is accidentally connected to another output signal or a
power supply voltage, the output can be damaged. On most of our boards, a short circuit to ground on an analog
output will not cause trouble.
Overvoltage on digital I/O line –If a digital I/O signal is connected to a voltage above the maximum specified
voltage, the digital circuitry can be damaged. On most of our boards the acceptable range of voltages connected
to digital I/O signals is 0-5V, and they can withstand about 0.5V beyond that (-0.5 to 5.5V) before being damaged.
However logic signals at 12V and even 24V are common, and if one of these is connected to a 5V logic chip, the
chip will be damaged, and the damage could even extend past that chip to others in the circuit.
Bent connector pins –This type of problem is often only a cosmetic issue and is easily fixed by bending the pins
back to their proper shape one at a time with needle-nose pliers. The most common cause of bent connector pins
is when a PC/104 board is pulled off the stack by rocking it back and forth left to right, from one end of the
connector to the other. As the board is rocked back and forth it pulls out suddenly, and the pins at the end get
bent significantly. The same situation can occur when pulling a ribbon cable off of a pin header. If the pins are
bent too severely, bending them back can cause them to weaken unacceptably or even break, and the connector
must be replaced.

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2. INTRODUCTION
Aries is an embedded single board computer (SBC) in the PC/104 form factor. Aries integrates on-board memory,
PC/104-Plus expansion, one PCIe Mini card socket, dual Gigabit Ethernet and optional data acquisition circuit
with analog and digital I/O.
The Aries SBC is based on Intel “Bay Trail” E3800 series processors. The form factor is similar to PC/104 with left
and right side extensions that extend the full length of the two sides without providing the corners traditionally
seen in PC/104 boards with “wings”.
2.1 Models
Model
Processor/
Speed
Memory
Analog
I/O
Digital
I/O
ARS3845-4GA
E3845/1.91GHz
4GB DDR3
Yes
Yes
ARS3845-4GN
E3845/1.91GHz
4GB DDR3
No
Yes
ARS3826-2GA
E3826/1.46GHz
2GB DDR3
Yes
Yes
ARS3826-2GN
E3826/1.46GHz
2GB DDR3
No
Yes
2.2 Features
1.91GHz Intel quad core E3845 or 1.46GHz dual core E3826 Bay Trail CPU
2GB or 4GB 64-bit DDR3 SDRAM soldered on board
I/O Support:
3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 3.0 port
4 RS-232/422/485 ports with programmable protocol and line termination
2 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet ports
1 SATA port for disk-on-module or external drive
24-bit LVDS LCD display and VGA CRT
DP and HDMI sharing on single channel
HD audio
Shared expansion socket auto-selects for either PCIe MiniCard or mSATA flash disk modules
Programmable watchdog timer
Data Acquisition:
16 16-bit analog inputs with 250KHz maximum sample rate
4 16-bit analog outputs with waveform generator
22 digital I/O lines with programmable direction
8 32-bit counter/timers
4 24-bit PWMs
PC/104-Plus and PCIe MiniCard expansion capability

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2.3 Operating System Support
Windows 7, 8, Linux
Driver packages and/or BSPs available for each OS
2.4 Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental
PC/104 form factor 4.5” x 4.0” (not including I/O connector overhang).
-40°C to +85°C ambient operating temperature
Power input: +5VDC +/- 5%

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3. FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW
3.1 Block Diagram
Figure 1: Functional Block Diagram

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3.2 Feature Descriptions
This section describes the key subsystems of the Aries SBC.
3.2.1 Processor and Memory
Aries core embedded computer circuit is based on Intel’s Bay Trail. Depending on the model chosen the
processors speed and its memory will differ. The two different cores available are 1.91GHz quad core Intel E3845
with 4GB DDR3 and 1.46GHz dual core Intel E3826 with 2GB DDR3 memory.
3.2.2 Ethernet
Aries provides two Gigabit Ethernet Ports derived from Intel I210IT PCIe Gigabit Ethernet Controllers (MAC +
PHY). The board has been provided with necessary magnetics for the ports. Instead of a standard RJ-45 jack a
pin header has been used.
On-board LEDs are provided for Link, Activity, and Speed. The LEDs are located along the board edge near the
Ethernet connector. The Ethernet connector does not provide access to the LED signals. However, the LED’s can
be accessed from the Utility Connector J18.
3.2.3 Video
The processor offers three video output options: 2 DDI and one dedicated VGA. The DDI ports are configurable
for either HDMI 1.4, DP 1.1a, or eDP. Any two outputs can be active at any time.
The second DDI port can be configured for either HDMI or DP, and the board’s circuit and I/O connector are
configured accordingly. Maximum resolution of DP is 2560 x 1600 x 60Hz x 24bpp. Maximum resolution of HDMI
is 1920 x 1080 x 60Hz x 24bpp.
The first DDI port can be used in eDP mode and an eDP to LVDS converter provides a dual-channel LVDS LCD
output.
Maximum LVDS and VGA resolution is 2560 x 1600 x 60Hz x 24bpp.
The LCD backlight control is provided by a PWM circuit. LCD backlight power and control are on a separate
latching connector.
3.2.4 SATA
Aries offers two SATA ports derived from the processor. One port is connected to an industry-standard vertical
SATA connector that accepts cables with latching connectors or an on-board SATA-DOM. The second port is
dedicated to the combination mSATA / PCIe Mini Card socket.
3.2.5 USB
Aries provides 3 user accessible USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port coming directly from the processor. Three
come directly from the processor. The fourth USB 2.0 port from the processor is connected to the PCIe Mini card
socket. All ports have minimum 500mA per port drive capability with short circuit / over current and ESD
protection on each port. USB port connected to mini PCIE does not have ESD protection.
The USB 3.0 port uses an industry standard right-angle USB 3.0 connector. The USB 2.0 ports use miniature
1.25mm pitch latching connectors.
3.2.6 Serial Ports
Aries provides four serial ports with varying protocols and signal availability using the Exar XR28V384 LPC
UART. RS-232/422/485 protocols are supported with Exar SP335 multiprotocol transceivers, one per port. In RS-
232 mode, only signals TX, RX, RTS, and CTS are provided. Protocol selection and TX / RX 121 ohm line
termination resistors for RS-422/485 are controlled using GPIO pins from the FPGA and are configurable via
BIOS configuration screens as well as via application software. The GPIO pins are controlled from a page in the
FPGA register map dedicated for board configuration. Console redirection is available on COM1.
3.2.7 Audio
The design provides HD audio support from ALC892. Audio I/O signals include stereo line in, stereo line out and
mono mic in. The audio signals are made available on a latching connector.

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3.2.8 Data Acquisition
Aries provides an optional data acquisition sub-circuit containing analog input, analog output, and digital I/O
features. This circuit is controlled by an FPGA attached to the processor via the LPC bus. A pin header on the
board provides access to JTAG signals for reprogramming the FPGA on the board and in the field.
Type of I/O
Characteristics
Analog Input
16 single-ended/8 differential inputs, 16-bit resolution
250KHz maximum aggregate A/D sampling rate
Programmable input ranges/gains:
+/-10V, +/-5V, +/-2.5V, +/-1.25V, 0-10V, 0-5V, 0-2.5V
2048 sample A/D FIFO for reliable high-speed sampling
Analog Output
4 analog outputs, 16-bit resolution
±10V, ±5V, ±2.5V, 0-5V and 0-10V output ranges
Indefinite short circuit protection on outputs
Digital I/O
22 programmable digital I/O, 3.3V and 5V logic compatible
Counter/Timers
Eight 32-bit counter/timer for A/D sampling rate control
Apart from the characteristics mentioned in the above table DAQ also offers selectable pull up/down resistors,
programmable directions, buffered I/O and capability to use a counter/timer and PWM circuits.
3.2.9 Backup Battery
The board does not contain an on-board RTC backup battery. A connector is provided to enable the use of an
external battery. A jumper is also provided for clearing the CMOS NVRAM
3.2.10 PCIe MiniCard Socket
The board has one full size (51mm length) PCIe MiniCard socket. The socket supports both PCIe MiniCards and
mSATA modules. It has a PCIe/mSATA switch controlled by a pin on the socket to select which interface is active.
Additionally, a USB port is also available in PCIe MiniCard socket.
3.2.11 PC/104-Plus Expansion
The board offers a full PC/104-Plus expansion socket with both PCI and ISA expansion connectors on the top
side of the board. The PCI bus is provided by a PCIe to PCI Bridge. It supports both 5V and 3.3V logic levels
configurable with a jumper. The ISA bus is provided by the Fintek F85226AF LPC to ISA Bridge.
3.2.12 PCIe link routing
Lane 1: Ethernet #1
Lane 2: Ethernet #2
Lane 3: PCIe Mini card
Lane 4: PCIe to PCI bridge for PCI-104 connector
3.2.13 Watchdog Timer
The board contains a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit with programmable delay time derived from the LPC UART.
The WDT can be enabled, disabled, and retriggered in software. If the WDT times out before it is retriggered, it
will cause a system reset. The watchdog timer circuit timeout period is programmable from 0 to 255 seconds with
1 second or better resolution.

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3.2.14 LED Indicators
The board provides the following LED indicators. All LEDs are located near to a board edge or their respective
features. The blue LED is located along the lower edge of the board. All LEDs are labeled in silkscreen with their
function.
Power input: Green LED when 5VDC is applied
Power on: Green LED when board is powered on
Ethernet: Green LED for Link, activity, and speed for each port
Activity
LED
LINK 100
LED
LINK
1000 LED
Description
On
Off
Off
Port is active
Speed is 10MBps
On
On
Off
Port is active
Speed is 100MBps
On
On
On
Port is active
Speed is 1GBps
The Activity LED when Blinking: Activity on the port.
Solid: Link
LED locations of all the Ethernet LED’s on the board are shown in the Board Layout section.
Digital I/O: Blue, driven with reverse logic from +5V, controlled by data acquisition FPGA
Programmable LED: Green, connected to a GPIO line on the processor; this LED is off during power-
up and is turned on in the BIOS to indicate a successful system BIOS startup.
PCIe Mini Card socket: 3 green LEDs to support WWAN, WPAN, WLAN signals from the connector
3.2.15 BIOS Features
The BIOS provides the following key features:
Boot from LAN (PXE) as well as USB, SATA, and mSATA ports
Free boot sequence configuration to allow different boot sequences as first, second and third boot
devices
Support for various LCD configurations supported by the video chipset (default should be 1024x768)
LCD brightness control adjustment
Console (display and keyboard) redirection to COM1 port.
DSC-configurable default settings in battery-less configurations; the necessary BIOS customization is
provided
Customizable splash screen
Quiet boot option
POST message will display “Diamond Systems Corporation” and also display the board name and
BIOS version. The BIOS version will be displayed as “Major.Minor-rev –Date Built” format. For
example “Version 1.01 – 12-Oct-2012”.
Enable/disable for individual COM ports.
Protocol selection for each of the COM ports to select serial port protocol on SP330 using DIO lines.
Default for all ports is RS-232.
121 ohm line termination for serial ports in RS-422/485 protocol.
IRQ sharing for COM ports
IRQs can be reserved in BIOS for use on ISA bus; a minimum of 2 IRQs can be reserved.
Watchdog timer enable/disable and timeout period selection
Ethernet MAC address readback on boot-up and in BIOS screens
Wake on LAN for on-board Ethernet and mini card socket
Field upgradeable via a DOS utility.

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3.2.15.1 POWER SUPPLY
The board requires only +5VDC input voltage as per the PC/104 Specification. It supports ACPI pushbutton on/off
control. It supports Standby mode. In standby mode the board may be powered on via Wake on LAN feature on at
least one Ethernet port.
The 5V supply on the PC-104 and PC/104-Plus connectors is routed directly to the input power connector, so that
the board may obtain its input power from either the input power connector or either of these bus connectors.
Maximum allowable reflected ripple, measured at the voltage input connector is 50mV p-p.
All required supply voltages for the board, other than the +12V, are derived from the 5V input. These power
supplies are sized to support the highest power E3800 family processor with the highest capacity on-board
memory plus have enough reserve capacity to support the below add-on features:
5V
3.3V
Features
2.0A
2.0A
PC/104 and PC/104-Plus add-on modules
1.5A
PCIe Mini card add-on modules
0.25A
SATA disk module
1.4A
0.7A
LCD power
0.9A
LCD backlight
0.05A
DAQ connector
0.05A
Utility connector
1.0A
USB 2.0 ports
0.9A
USB 3.0 port
The PC/104 and PC/104-Plus connectors obtain 5V power from the input connector. The PC/104-Plus connector
obtains 3.3V power from the on-board power supply. The +12 pin on the input power connector is routed to the
+12V pins on the PC/104 and PC/104-Plus connectors as well as the +12V source for the LCD backlight.

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4. MECHANICAL BOARD DRAWING
Figure 2: Mechanical Board Drawing

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5. BOARD LAYOUT
Figure 3: Board Layout
J3
J1
J2
J4
JP1
J5
J6
J7
J8
J9
J10
J11
J12
J13
J14
J15
JP2
JP3
J16
J17
JP4
J24
J18
J19
J20
J21
LED
Block 1
LED
Block 2
LED
Block 3
LED
Block 4

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5.1 I/O Connectors, Jumpers and LED Summary
Connector
Function
Jumper
Function
J1
PC/104 - ISA A/B
JP1
LVDS VCC & Backlight
J2
PC/104 - ISA C/D
JP2
SATA DOM
J3
PC/104-Plus - PCI
JP3
Digital VIO
J4
LCD
JP4
Miscellaneous
J5
HDMI
LED Block 1
J6
DP
1st LED (Leftmost
in the block)
BIOS
J7
USB-3.0
2nd LED (Middle
one in the block)
PWRON
J8
USB-2.0
3rd LED (Rightmost
in the block)
PWRIN
J9
Serial ports 1,2
LED Block 2
J10
Serial ports 3,4
1st row 1st LED
GBE 0 LINK100
J11
External Battery
1st row 2st LED
GBE 1 LINK100
J12
Power In
2nd row 1st LED
GBE 0 LINK1000
J13
Audio
2nd row 2nd LED
GBE 1 LINK1000
J14
Ethernet
3rd row 1st LED
GBE 0 ACT
J15
SATA
3rd row 2nd LED
GBE 1 ACT
J16
DAQ Digital I/O
LED Block 3
J17
DAQ Analog I/O
1st LED (Leftmost
in the block)
WAN
J18
Utility
2nd LED (Middle
one in the block)
LAN
J19
VGA
3rd LED (Rightmost
in the block)
PAN
J20
LCD Backlight
LED Block 4
DAQ LED
J21
PCIe Mini-Card
J22
XTP Connector
J23
SPI socket for BIOS
J24
JTAG for FPGA

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6. I/O CONNECTORS
6.1 Connector Pin-out and Signal Description
6.1.1 PC/104 (J1, J2)
The Aries SBC contains the non-stack-through / short pin 8-bit and 16-bit PC/104 connectors on the top side in
the standard position as described by the PC/104-Plus specification. Press fit PC/104 connectors have been
used.
J2: PC/104 16-bit bus connector J1: PC/104 8-bit bus connector
Ground
D0
C0
Ground
IOCHCHK-
A1
B1
Ground
MEMCS16-
D1
C1
SBHE-
SD7
A2
B2
RESET
IOCS16-
D2
C2
LA23
SD6
A3
B3
+5V
IRQ10
D3
C3
LA22
SD5
A4
B4
IRQ9
IRQ11
D4
C4
LA21
SD4
A5
B5
-5V
IRQ12
D5
C5
LA20
SD3
A6
B6
DRQ2
IRQ15
D6
C6
LA19
SD2
A7
B7
-12V
IRQ14
D7
C7
LA18
SD1
A8
B8
0WS-
DACK0-
D8
C8
LA17
SD0
A9
B9
+12V
DRQ0
D9
C9
MEMR-
IOCHRDY
A10
B10
Key
DACK5-
D10
C10
MEMW-
AEN
A11
B11
SMEMW-
DRQ5
D11
C11
SD8
SA19
A12
B12
SMEMR-
DACK6-
D12
C12
SD9
SA18
A13
B13
IOW-
DRQ6
D13
C13
SD10
SA17
A14
B14
IOR-
DACK7-
D14
C14
SD11
SA16
A15
B15
DACK3-
DRQ7
D15
C15
SD12
SA15
A16
B16
DRQ3
+5V
D16
C16
SD13
SA14
A17
B17
DACK1-
MASTER-
D17
C17
SD14
SA13
A18
B18
DRQ1
Ground
D18
C18
SD15
SA12
A19
B19
Refresh-
Ground
D19
C19
Key
SA11
A20
B20
SYSCLK
SA10
A21
B21
IRQ7
SA9
A22
B22
IRQ6
SA8
A23
B23
IRQ5
SA7
A24
B24
IRQ4
SA6
A25
B25
IRQ3
SA5
A26
B26
DACK2-
SA4
A27
B27
TC
SA3
A28
B28
BALE
SA2
A29
B29
+5V
SA1
A30
B30
OSC
SA0
A31
B31
Ground
Ground
A32
B32
Ground
Connector Type: J1 - 64 pins .435” high solder tails
J2 - 40 pins .435” high solder tails

Aries User Manual Rev A.02 www.diamondsystems.com Page 17
6.1.2 PC-104 (J3)
The board contains a non-stack through / short pin PC-104 connector on the top side in the standard position as
described by the PC/104-Plus specification.
J3
Pin
A
B
C
D
1
GND/5.0V KEY2
Reserved
+5
AD00
2
VI/O
AD02
AD01
+5V
3
AD05
GND
AD04
AD03
4
C/BE0*
AD07
GND
AD06
5
GND
AD09
AD08
GND
6
AD11
VI/O
AD10
M66EN
7
AD14
AD13
GND
AD12
8
+3.3V
C/BE1*
AD15
+3.3V
9
SERR*
GND
SB0*
PAR
10
GND
PERR*
+3.3V
SDONE
11
STOP*
+3.3V
LOCK*
GND
12
+3.3V
TRDY*
GND
DEVSEL*
13
FRAME*
GND
IRDY*
+3.3V
14
GND
AD16
+3.3V
C/BE2*
15
AD18
+3.3V
AD17
GND
16
AD21
AD20
GND
AD19
17
+3.3V
AD23
AD22
+3.3V
18
IDSEL0
GND
IDSEL1
IDSEL2
19
AD24
C/BE3*
VI/O
IDSEL3
20
GND
AD26
AD25
GND
21
AD29
+5V
AD28
AD27
22
+5V
AD30
GND
AD31
23
REQ0*
GND
REQ1*
VI/O
24
GND
REQ2*
+5V
GNT0*
25
GNT1*
VI/O
GNT2*
GND
26
+5V
CLK0
GND
CLK1
27
CLK2
+5V
CLK3
GND
28
GND
INTD*
+5V
RST*
29
+12V
INTA*
INTB*
INTC*
30
-12V
Reserved
Reserved
GND/3.3V KEY2
Connector Type: 30 x 4 pin 2mm pitch with solder tails

Aries User Manual Rev A.02 www.diamondsystems.com Page 18
6.1.3 LVDS LCD (J4)
J4 can be used to connect the LCD. Connector J4 provides access to the internal LVDS LCD display drivers.
Note that the connector J20 can be used for LCD backlight properties. The LCD panel power is jumper-selectable
for 3.3V (default) or 5V.
J4
Ground
1
2
Ground
Power
3
4
Power
Power
5
6
Power
Power
7
8
NC
DID Clk
9
10
DID Data
D0- odd
11
12
D0- Even
D0+ Odd
13
14
D0+ Even
Ground
15
16
Ground
D1- Odd
17
18
D1- Even
D1+ Odd
19
20
D1+ Even
Ground
21
22
Ground
D2- Odd
23
24
D2- Even
D2+ Odd
25
26
D2+ Even
Ground
27
28
Ground
Clk- Odd
29
30
Clk- Even
Clk+ Odd
31
32
Clk+ Even
Ground
33
34
Ground
D3- Odd
35
36
D3- Even
D3+ Odd
37
38
D3+ Even
Ground
39
40
Ground
Signal
Definition
D0-3 +/- Even
Primary Data Channel, bits 0-2 (LVDS Differential signaling)
D0-3+/- Odd
Primary Data Channel, Clock (LVDS Differential signaling)
CLK+/- Even
Secondary Data Channel, bits 0-2 (LVDS Differential signaling)
CLK+/- ODD
Secondary Data Channel, Clock (LVDS Differential signaling)
Power
+3.3V Switched Power Supply for LCD display
(only powered up when LCD display is active)
Ground
Power Ground, 0V
Connector Type: 40 position .050” pitch dual row right angle latching

Aries User Manual Rev A.02 www.diamondsystems.com Page 19
6.1.4 HDMI (J5)
Standard HDMI connector Type A right angle has been mounted on the board.
Note: If HDMI is used, Display Port will not be available and vice versa. Selection between HDMI and DP can be
done from BIOS GUI.
J5
Data 2+
1
2
Ground
Data 2-
3
4
Data 1+
Ground
5
6
Data 1-
Data 0+
7
8
Ground
Data 0-
9
10
Clock+
Ground
11
12
Clock-
CEC (NC)
13
14
Reserved
DDC Clock
15
16
DDC Data
Ground
17
18
+5V
Hot Plug Detect
19
20
NC
Connector Type: Standard HDMI type A connector, right angle
6.1.5 Display Port (J6)
A standard Display port connector with the following pin-out has been used on the board.
Note: If HDMI is used, Display Port will not be available and vice versa. Selection between HDMI and DP can be
done from BIOS GUI.
J6
Lane 0+
1
2
Ground
Lane 0-
3
4
Lane 1+
Ground
5
6
Lane 1-
Lane 2+
7
8
Ground
Lane 2-
9
10
Lane 3+
Ground
11
12
Lane 3-
Ground
13
14
Ground
Aux+
15
16
Ground
Aux-
17
18
Hot Plug Detect
Power return
19
20
3.3V (fused)
Connector Type: Standard DisplayPort connector, right angle

Aries User Manual Rev A.02 www.diamondsystems.com Page 20
6.1.6 USB 3.0 Ports (J7)
Connector J7 provides both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connections.
J7
1
USB Power
2
USB 2.0 Data-
USB 2.0 signals
3
USB 2.0 Data+
4
Ground
5
SSRX-
USB 3.0 signals
6
SSRX+
7
Ground
8
SSTX-
9
SSTX+
Connector Type: USB 3.0 type A receptacle, right angle
6.1.7 USB 2.0 Ports (J8)
Aries provides four USB 2.0 ports. Two of which are connected to the USB 2.0 header, whose pin-out has been
provided below. Access to one of the remaining two is provided by a USB3.0 connector and the other through the
PCIe MiniCard connector.
J8
1
USB1 Power
2
USB1 Data-
3
USB1 Data+
4
Ground
5
Shield
6
USB2 Power
7
USB2 Data-
8
USB2 Data+
9
Ground
10
Shield
Connector Type: 10 position 1.25mm pitch right angle latching