VersaLogic Komodo VL-EPICs-36 User manual

Reference
Manual
REV. November 2020
VL-EPICs-36
(Komodo)
Intel Core 2 Duo Based SBC
with Ethernet, Video, SUMIT
and PC/104 interface

VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual ii
WWW.VERSALOGIC.COM
12100 SW Tualatin Road
Tualatin, OR 97062-7341
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Copyright © 2014-2020 VersaLogic Corp. All rights reserved.
Notice:
Although every effort has been made to ensure this document is error-free, VersaLogic makes no
representations or warranties with respect to this product and specifically disclaims any implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose.
VersaLogic reserves the right to revise this product and associated documentation at any time without
obligation to notify anyone of such changes.
PC/104 and the PC/104 logo are trademarks of the PC/104 Consortium.
The SUMIT name and logo are trademarks of the Small Form Factor Special Interest Group.

VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual iii
Product Release Notes
Rev 1.00 – Initial commercial release
Rev 1.05 – Updated soft reset language on page 17
Updated links throughout
Support Page
The VL-EPIC-36 product page contains additional information and resources for this product including:
Reference Manual (PDF format)
Operating system information and software drivers
Data sheets and manufacturers’ links for chips used in this product
BIOS information and upgrades
This is a private page for VL-EPICs-36 users that can be accessed only be entering this address directly. It
cannot be reached from the VersaLogic homepage.

VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual iv
Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................1
Description..........................................................................................................................1
Features and Construction.....................................................................................1
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................................2
VL-EPICs-36 Block Diagram.............................................................................................3
Thermal Considerations...................................................................................................... 4
CPU Die Temperature ...........................................................................................4
Model Differences.................................................................................................4
RoHS Compliance ..............................................................................................................5
About RoHS...........................................................................................................5
Warnings.............................................................................................................................5
Electrostatic Discharge..........................................................................................5
Lithium Battery......................................................................................................5
Handling Care........................................................................................................6
Technical Support...............................................................................................................6
Repair Service........................................................................................................6
Configuration and Setup...............................................................................................8
Initial Configuration ...........................................................................................................8
Basic Setup .........................................................................................................................8
Operating System Installation........................................................................................... 10
Physical Details...........................................................................................................11
Dimensions and Mounting................................................................................................11
VL-EPICs-36 Dimensions ...................................................................................11
VL-CBR-5009 Dimensions .................................................................................12
Hardware Assembly............................................................................................. 13
Standoff Locations...............................................................................................13
External Connectors .........................................................................................................14
VL-EPICs-36 Connector Locations – Top ..........................................................14
VL-EPICs-36 Connector Locations – Bottom.....................................................15
VL-EPICs-36 Connector Functions and Interface Cables...................................16
Connector Locations – VL-CBR-5009................................................................17
VL-CBR-5009 Connector Functions................................................................... 17
Jumper Blocks ..................................................................................................................18
Jumpers As-Shipped Configuration.....................................................................18
Jumper Summary.................................................................................................19
System Features..........................................................................................................20
Power Supply....................................................................................................................20
Power Connectors................................................................................................20
Power Requirements............................................................................................20
Power Delivery Considerations...........................................................................21
Lithium Battery....................................................................................................21

Contents
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual v
CPU...................................................................................................................................22
System RAM6...................................................................................................................22
Memory................................................................................................................22
SSDDR3 Dual Function Memory and Solid State Drive ....................................22
CMOS RAM.....................................................................................................................22
Clearing CMOS RAM.........................................................................................22
CMOS Setup Defaults ......................................................................................................22
Default CMOS RAM Setup Values..................................................................... 23
Primary and Backup BIOS...................................................................................23
Real Time Clock...............................................................................................................23
Setting the Clock..................................................................................................23
Fan/Tachometer Monitor..................................................................................................24
Fan Tachometer Read Code Example .................................................................24
Interfaces and Connectors .........................................................................................26
Video Output (J1 SVGA, J20 LVDS)..............................................................................26
Configuration.......................................................................................................26
SVGA Output Connector (J1) .............................................................................26
LVDS Flat Panel Display Connector (J20) ......................................................... 27
Compatible LVDS Panel Displays ......................................................................28
Console Redirection ............................................................................................28
PCI Express / SUMIT Connectors (J2-J3)........................................................................29
Ethernet (Interface J5, LED J4)........................................................................................31
BIOS Configuration.............................................................................................31
Ethernet Connector (J5).......................................................................................31
Ethernet LED (J4)................................................................................................ 31
Audio (J6).........................................................................................................................32
Software Configuration .......................................................................................32
PC/104 (ISA) Expansion Bus (J7-J8)...............................................................................33
PC/104 I/O Support ............................................................................................. 33
PC/104 Memory Support.....................................................................................33
IRQ Support.........................................................................................................33
DMA Support ......................................................................................................33
SATA Interface (J10, J15)................................................................................................34
USB Interface (Multiple Connectors)...............................................................................34
BIOS Configuration.............................................................................................35
eUSB Interface (J23) ...........................................................................................35
Main I/O Connector (J13).................................................................................................36
Serial Ports........................................................................................................................37
COM Port Configuration.....................................................................................37
RS-485 Mode Line Driver Control......................................................................37
Serial Port Connectors......................................................................................... 38
PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard Interface................................................................................39
Push-Button Reset ............................................................................................................39
Programmable and Power LEDs.......................................................................................40
Internal Speaker................................................................................................................40
MiniBlade Socket (J19)....................................................................................................41
SPX™ Expansion Bus (J22).............................................................................................42
VersaLogic SPX Expansion Modules .................................................................42

Contents
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual vi
SPI Registers........................................................................................................43
Interrupt Configuration...............................................................................................46
Special Registers ........................................................................................................48
Product Code Register......................................................................................................48
Revision Level Register....................................................................................................49
Special Control Register...................................................................................................50
Appendix A – References............................................................................................51

VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 1
Introduction
Description
FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION
The VL-EPICs-36 is a feature-packed single board computer (SBC) designed for OEM control
projects requiring fast processing and designed-in reliability and longevity (product lifespan). Its
features include:

Intel Core 2 Duo 2.267 GHz, 1067
MT/s FSB, 3 MB cache
Up to 4 GB DDR3 socketed memory,
one SO-DIMM
MiniBlade SSD interface supports
USB 2.0 and SATA 2.0 (3 Gb/s)
Intel 82574IT based Ethernet
interface, autodetect 10BaseT /
100BaseTX / 1000BaseT
High speed 3D video accelerator (Gen
5.0) with analog and LVDS flat panel
outputs
SUMIT-A and SUMIT-B expansion,
supports three PCIe x1 lanes, LPC,
SPI, USB, and SMBus
Two SATA ports
One eUSB port

PC/104 (ISA) expansion
Ten USB 2.0 channels for keyboard,
mouse, floppy, and other devices
TVS devices for ESD protection
Intel High Definition Audio (HDA)
compatible
CPU temperature sensor
Two RS-232 and two RS-232/422/485
COM ports, 460K baud max.
Expansion with VersaLogic SPX add-
on I/O modules
EPIC-compliant 4.5” x 6.5” footprint
Field upgradeable BIOS with OEM
enhancements
Customizing available
The VL-EPICs-36 is a SUMIT-EPIC single board computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. The
board is compatible with popular operating systems such as Windows, QNX, VxWorks and Linux.
The VL-EPICs-36 features high reliability design and construction, including voltage sensing
reset circuits and self-resetting fuses on the 5V and 3.3V supplies to the user I/O connectors.
VL-EPICs-36 boards are subject to 100% functional testing and are backed by a limited two-year
warranty. Careful parts sourcing and US-based technical support ensure the highest possible
quality, reliability, service and product longevity for this exceptional SBC.
The VL-EPICs-36 is equipped with a multifunction utility cable (breakout board) that provides
standard I/O interfaces, including four COM ports, PS/2 mouse and keyboard, pushbutton reset,
programmable LED and speaker. Additional I/O expansion is available through the high-speed
SUMIT AB (PCI Express) and PC/104 (ISA) connectors.
11

Introduction
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 2
Technical Specifications
Specifications are typical at 25°C with 5.0V supply unless otherwise noted.
Board Size:
4.5” x 6.5” (EPIC standard)
Storage Temperature:
-40° C to 85° C
Operating Temperature:
VL-EPICs-36S: 0° C to +60° C free air, no
airflow
VL-EPICs-36E: -40° C to +85° C free air
Power Requirements: (+5 V with 1 GB RAM, keyboard
and mouse, running Windows XP)
VL-EPICs-36S: Idle 2.5A (12.5W), Typical 4.8A
(24W), Max 5.5A (27.5W)
VL-EPICs-36E: Idle 2.3A (11.5W), Typical 3.2A
(16W), 3.9A (19.5W)
+3.3V or ± 12V might be required by some
expansion modules
System Reset:
Major power rails monitored by Super I/O chip
CPU and base board temperature monitoring
Fan monitor
DRAM: One SO-DIMM socket up to 4 GB DDR3
Video Interface:
Up to 1280 x 1024 (18/24 bits)
LVDS output for TFT FPDs
VGA standard output
Simultaneous independent analog/FPD output
SATA Interface:
Two SATA headers plus MiniBlade
Flash Storage:
MiniBlade (USB 2.0 / SATA 2.0)
eUSB (USB 2.0)
Ethernet Interface:
Intel 82574IT based 10BaseT / 100GBaseTX /
1000BaseT Ethernet Controller
COM1-2 Interface:
RS-232, 16C550 compatible, 115 kbps max., full
9-wire
COM3-4 Interface:
RS-232/422/485, 16C550 compatible, 460 kbps
max., 4-wire RS-232
USB: Ten USB 2.0. Four USB type A ports (on-board),
four channels on SUMIT A connector, one
channel on MiniBlade, and one on eUSB.
Audio: HD audio CODEC
Stereo Line in and Stereo Line out
SPX:
Supports four external SPI chips of user design
or any SPX™ series expansion board
BIOS:
Phoenix Technologies Embedded BIOS with
OEM enhancements
Field-upgradeable with Flash BIOS Update Utility
Bus Speed:
CPU FSB: VL-EPICs-36S: 1.066 GHz;
VL-EPICs-36E: 800 MHz
DDR3: VL-EPICs-36S: 1066 MT/s;
VL-EPICs-36E: 800 MT/s
PCI Express: 2.5 Gbps
USB 2.0: 480 Mbps
LPC: 33.33 MHz
PC/104 (ISA): 8.33 MHz
SPI/SPX: 8 MHz max.
Compatibility:
SUMIT – Three x1 PCIe lanes, LPC, SPI, USB
PC/104 – Partial compliance
Weight:
VL-EPICs-36S – 0.672 lbs (0.304 kg)
VL-EPICs-36E – 0.671 lbs (0.304 kg)
SUMIT Resources
Form Factor: SUMIT-EPIC
SUMIT
A
SUMIT
B
PCIe x1
1
2
PCIe x4
–
USB
4
ExpressCard
–
LPC

SPI / uWire
SPI
SMBus/ I2C
SMBus
+12V

+5V
 
+5Vsb
+5V
+5V
+3.3V
 
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Introduction
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 3
VL-EPICs-36 Block Diagram
Figure 1. System Block Diagram

Introduction
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 4
Thermal Considerations
CPU DIE TEMPERATURE
The CPU die temperature is affected by numerous conditions, such as CPU utilization, CPU
speed, ambient air temperature, air flow, thermal effects of adjacent circuit boards, external heat
sources, and many others.
The CPU is protected from over temperature conditions by several mechanisms.
The CPU will automatically slow down by 50% whenever its die temperature exceeds 105° C.
When the temperature falls back below 105° C, the CPU resumes full speed operation.
As a failsafe, if the CPU die temperature climbs above 115° C, the CPU will turn itself off to
prevent damage to the chip.
Note: Intel does not warrant their CPUs in the event of this occurrence.
MODEL DIFFERENCES
VersaLogic offers both standard and extended temperature models of the VL-EPM-35. The basic
operating temperature specification for both models is shown below.
VL-EPICs-36S: 0° C to +60° C free air, no airflow
VL-EPICs-36E: -40° C to +85° C free air
To reliably function at extreme temperatures the extended temperature model specifications
deviate from the standard model in the following ways:
The DRAM interface is slowed. PC3-6400 memory runs at 600 MHz. PC3-8500
memory runs at 800 MHz.
The DRAM refresh rates are doubled.
The Front Side Bus speed is reduced to 800 MHz.
Maximum processor speed is limited to 1200 MHz.
The graphics core is limited to 400 MHz.

Introduction
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 5
RoHS Compliance
The VL-EPICs-36 is RoHS-compliant.
ABOUT ROHS
In 2003, the European Union issued Directive 2002/95/EC regarding the Restriction of the use of
certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment.
The RoHS directive requires producers of electrical and electronic equipment to reduce to
acceptable levels the presence of six environmentally sensitive substances: lead, mercury,
cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and the presence of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) flame retardants, in certain electrical and electronic
products sold in the European Union (EU) beginning July 1, 2006.
VersaLogic Corporation is committed to supporting customers with high-quality products and
services meeting the European Union’s RoHS directive.
Warnings
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE
Warning! Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage circuit boards, disk drives and other
components. The circuit board must only be handled at an ESD workstation. If an
approved station is not available, some measure of protection can be provided by
wearing a grounded antistatic wrist strap. Keep all plastic away from the board,
and do not slide the board over any surface.
After removing the board from its protective wrapper, place the board on a
grounded, static-free surface, component side up. Use an antistatic foam pad if
available.
The board should also be protected inside a closed metallic anti-static envelope
during shipment or storage.
Note: The exterior coating on some metallic antistatic bags is sufficiently conductive to
cause excessive battery drain if the bag comes in contact with the bottom-side of
the VL-EPICs-36.
LITHIUM BATTERY
Warning! To prevent shorting, premature failure or damage to the lithium battery, do not
place the board on a conductive surface such as metal, black conductive foam or
the outside surface of a metalized ESD protective pouch. The lithium battery may
explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire. Dispose
of used batteries promptly and in an environmentally suitable manner.

Introduction
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 6
HANDLING CARE
Warning! Care must be taken when handling the board not to touch the exposed circuitry
with your fingers. Though it will not damage the circuitry, it is possible that small
amounts of oil or perspiration on the skin could have enough conductivity to cause
the contents of CMOS RAM to become corrupted through careless handling,
resulting in CMOS resetting to factory defaults.
Technical Support
If you are unable to solve a problem after reading this manual please visit the VL-EPICs-36
Product Support web page below. The support page provides links to component datasheets,
device drivers, and BIOS and PLD code updates.
6If you have further questions, contact VersaLogic Technical Support at [phone].
VersaLogic support engineers are also available via e-mail at [email protected].
REPAIR SERVICE
If your product requires service, you must obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA)
number by calling(503) 747-2261.
Please provide the following information:
Your name, the name of your company and your phone number
The name of a technician or engineer that can be contacted if any questions arise.
Quantity of items being returned
The model and serial number (barcode) of each item
A detailed description of the problem
Steps you have taken to resolve or recreate the problem
The return shipping address
Warranty Repair All parts and labor charges are covered, including return shipping
charges for UPS Ground delivery to United States addresses.
Non-warranty Repair All non-warranty repairs are subject to diagnosis and labor charges,
parts charges and return shipping fees. Please specify the shipping
method you prefer and provide a purchase order number for invoicing
the repair.
VL-EPICs-36 Product Page

Introduction
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 7
Note: Please mark the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box before
returning.

VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 8
Configuration and Setup
Initial Configuration
The following components are recommended for a typical development system.
VL-EPICs-36 Computer
ATX Power Supply
LVDS Display
USB Keyboard
USB Mouse
SATA Hard Drive
USB CD-ROM Drive
DDR3 DRAM module
The following VersaLogic cables are recommended.
VL-CBR-2010, 2011, or 2012 – LVDS cable
VL-CBR-0701 – SATA data cable
VL-CBR-0401 – ATX to SATA power cable
VL-CBR-2022 – Main power cable
You will also need a Windows (or other OS) installation CD.
Basic Setup
The following steps outline the procedure for setting up a typical development system. The VL-
EPICs-36 should be handled at an ESD workstation or while wearing a grounded antistatic wrist
strap.
Before you begin, unpack the VL-EPICs-36 and accessories. Verify that you received all the
items you ordered. Inspect the system visually for any damage that may have occurred in
shipping. Contact [e-mail] immediately if any items are damaged or missing.
Gather all the peripheral devices you plan to attach to the VL-EPICs-36 and their interface and
power cables.
It is recommended that you attach standoffs to the board (see Hardware Assembly) to stabilize
the board and make it easier to work with.
Figure 2 shows a typical start-up configuration.
22

Configuration and Setup
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 9
Figure 2. Typical Start-up Configuration
1. Install Memory
Insert the DDR3 DRAM module into the SO-DIMM socket J21 on the bottom of the
board and latch it into place.
2. Attach Cables and Peripherals
Plug the LVDS adapter cable VL-CBR-2010, 2011, or 2012 into socket J20 on the
bottom of the board. Attach the adapter cable to the LVDS display.
Plug a USB keyboard and USB mouse into any Type A USB connector on the board
(J11, J12, J16, or J17).
Plug the SATA hard drive data cable VL-CBR-0701 into a SATA socket, J10 or J15.
Attach a SATA hard drive to the cable.
J20
ATX
Power Supply
LVDS
USB Keyboard
and USB Mouse
SATA
Hard Drive
USB CD-
ROM Drive
OS Installation
CD-
ROM
VL-EPICs-36
KOMODO
VL-CBR-2022
VL-CBR-2010, 2011, or 2012
VL-CBR-0701
J
12 J17
J11 J16
J10 J15
J14
USB Type A
USB Type A
VL-CBR-0401

Configuration and Setup
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 10
Attach an ATX to SATA cable VL-CBR-0401 to the ATX power supply and SATA
drive.
Attach a USB CD-ROM drive to any Type A USB connector on the board (J11, J12, J16,
or J17).
3. Attach Power
Plug the power adapter cable VL-CBR-2022 into socket J14. Attach the motherboard
connector of the ATX power supply to the adapter.
4. Review Configuration
Before you power up the system, double check all the connections. Make sure all cables
are oriented correctly and that adequate power will be supplied to the VL-EPICs-36 and
peripheral devices.
5. Power On
Turn on the ATX power supply and the video monitor. If the system is correctly
configured, a video signal should be present.
6. Select a Boot Drive
During startup, press the B key to display the boot menu. Insert the OS installation CD in
the CD-ROM drive, and select to boot from the CD-ROM drive.
7. Install Operating System
Install the operating system according to the instructions provided by the OS
manufacturer. (See Operating System Installation.)
Note:If you intend to operate the VL-EPICs-36 under Windows XP or Windows XP
Embedded, be sure to use Service Pack 3 (SP3) for full support of the latest device
features.
Operating System Installation
The standard PC architecture used on the VL-EPICs-36 makes the installation and use of most of
the standard x86 processor-based operating systems very simple. These operating systems use the
standard installation procedures provided by the maker of the OS. Special optimized hardware
drivers for a particular operating system, or a link to the drivers, are available at the VL-EPICs-
36 Product web page

VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 11
Physical Details
Dimensions and Mounting
VL-EPICS-36 DIMENSIONS
The VL-EPICs-36 complies with all PC/104-Express standards. Dimensions are given below to
help with pre-production planning and layout.
Figure 3.VL-EPICs-36 Dimensions and Mounting Holes
(Not to scale. All dimensions in inches.)
33
6.096
4.128 4.328
2.596
5.496
-0.200
5.596
2.446
0.000
3.375
-0.200
0.000
3.250
1.950
Heatsink / fan mounting

Physical Details
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 12
VL-CBR-5009 DIMENSIONS
Figure 4. VL-CBR-5009 Dimensions and Mounting Holes
(Not to scale. All dimensions in inches.)
5.50
5.10
1.175
1.95
1.575
1.325
0.065
1.875

Physical Details
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 13
HARDWARE ASSEMBLY
The VL-EPICs-36 uses pass-through SUMIT (PCIe) and PC/104 (ISA) connectors so that
expansion modules can be added to the top of the stack. A SUMIT expansion module with a
PCIe x4 lane must be closest to the CPU board. Next on the stack would be an expansion module
with a PCIe x1 lane. Above that, USB, SPI, SMBus and/or LPC SUMIT modules can be stacked.
ISA modules must not be positioned between the VL-EPICs-36 and any SUMIT modules on the
stack.
The entire assembly can sit on a table top or be secured to a base plate. When bolting the unit
down, make sure to secure all eight standoffs (A and B) to the mounting surface to prevent
circuit board flexing. Four standoffs (B) must be used under the stack. These are secured with
four male-female standoffs (C), threaded from the top side, which also serve as mounting struts
for the SUMIT-PC/104 stack. Standoffs are secured to the top circuit board using pan head
screws. See page 11 for dimensional details. Four standoffs and screws are available as part
number VL-HDW-105. Note that the standoffs in this kit are 15.25 mm (0.60 inch), and must not
be mixed with the 15.0 mm standoffs used for non-SUMIT boards.
An extractor tool is available (part number VL-HDW-201) to separate the PC/104 modules from
the stack. Use caution when using the extractor tool not to damage any board components.
STANDOFF LOCATIONS
Figure 5. Standoff Locations
A
B
C

Physical Details
VL-EPICs-36 Reference Manual 14
External Connectors
VL-EPICS-36 CONNECTOR LOCATIONS –TOP
Figure 6. Connector Locations (Top)
J1
VGA
J2
SUMI
T B (PCIe)
J22
SPX
J5
Ethernet
J6
Audio
J7-J8
PC/104 (ISA)
J9
Fan
J10 J15
J12 J17
J11 J16
J13
User I/O
J14
Power
J3
SUMIT A (PCIe)
Intel ICH9M
Intel GM45
Intel Core 2 Duo
J24 - Factory
J4
Ethernet LED
J11 - USB1
J16
- USB0
J10 - SATA1
J15
- SATA0
J12 - USB3
J17
- USB2