VersaLogic Tiger User manual

Reference
Manual
DOC. REV. 4/3/2013
Tiger
(
VL-EPM-24
)
Intel Atom SBC with Ethernet,
Video, USB, and PC/104-Plus
interface

VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual ii
WWW.VERSALOGIC.COM
12100 SW Tualatin Road
Tualatin, OR 97062-7341
[phone]
Fax [phone]
Copyright © 2013 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.

VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual iii
Product Release Notes
Rev 1.00 –Commercial release.
Support Page
The VL-EPM-24 support page, at http://www.versalogic.com/private/tigersupport.asp, 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
Photograph of the circuit board
BIOS information and upgrades
This is a private page for VL-EPM-24 users that can be accessed only by entering this address directly. It
cannot be reached from the VersaLogic homepage.
The VersaTech KnowledgeBase is an invaluable resource for resolving technical issues with your
VersaLogic product.
VersaTech KnowledgeBase

VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual iv
Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................1
Description.......................................................................................................................... 1
Features and Construction.....................................................................................1
Technical Specifications.....................................................................................................2
VL-EPM-24 Block Diagram...............................................................................................3
RoHS Compliance .............................................................................................................. 4
About RoHS...........................................................................................................4
Warnings.............................................................................................................................4
Electrostatic Discharge..........................................................................................4
Lithium Battery......................................................................................................4
Handling Care........................................................................................................5
Earth Ground Requirement....................................................................................5
Technical Support...............................................................................................................5
Repair Service........................................................................................................6
Configuration and Setup...............................................................................................7
Initial Configuration ...........................................................................................................7
Basic Setup ......................................................................................................................... 7
CMOS Setup.....................................................................................................................10
Operating System Installation........................................................................................... 10
Physical Details...........................................................................................................11
Dimensions and Mounting................................................................................................ 11
VL-EPM-24 Dimensions.....................................................................................11
VL-CBR-5012 Dimensions .................................................................................12
Hardware Assembly.............................................................................................13
Stack Arrangement Example ............................................................................... 13
External Connectors .........................................................................................................14
VL-EPM-24 Connector Locations –Top............................................................14
VL-EPM-24 Connector Locations –Bottom....................................................... 15
VL-EPM-24 Connector Functions and Interface Cables.....................................16
Connector Locations –VL-CBR-5012................................................................ 17
VL-CBR-5012 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............................................................................................21
Power Cycling .....................................................................................................21
Lithium Battery....................................................................................................21
CPU...................................................................................................................................22

Contents
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual v
System RAM.....................................................................................................................22
CMOS RAM.....................................................................................................................22
Resetting CMOS and RTC ..................................................................................22
CMOS Setup Defaults ......................................................................................................22
Default CMOS RAM Setup Values.....................................................................23
Real Time Clock...............................................................................................................23
Setting the Clock..................................................................................................23
ACPI Power Management ................................................................................................23
S3 Sleep State......................................................................................................23
Setup....................................................................................................................23
Entering Standby Mode.......................................................................................24
Wakeup................................................................................................................ 24
Power Button Functionality.................................................................................24
Watchdog Timer...............................................................................................................25
Interfaces and Connectors .........................................................................................26
Ethernet Interface (J5) ...................................................................................................... 26
Ethernet Connector..............................................................................................26
Ethernet Status LEDs...........................................................................................26
Video Interface (J11)........................................................................................................27
Configuration.......................................................................................................27
LVDS Flat Panel Display Connector...................................................................27
Compatible LVDS Panel Displays ......................................................................28
VGA Output.........................................................................................................28
Console Redirection ............................................................................................29
IDE / PATA Interface (J3)................................................................................................30
Loading Software onto a Disk on Module Device ..............................................31
Main I/O Connector (J4)...................................................................................................32
Serial Ports........................................................................................................................33
Serial (COM) Port Configuration........................................................................33
Serial (COM) Port Connector Pin Functions.......................................................34
USB Interface ...................................................................................................................35
USB Client Mode ................................................................................................36
Programmable LED..........................................................................................................36
Internal Speaker................................................................................................................36
Pushbutton Reset ..............................................................................................................36
Audio ................................................................................................................................37
Expansion Buses...............................................................................................................37
PC/104-Plus (PCI + ISA) AND PCI-104 (PCI only)..........................................37
PC/104 I/O Cycle Support...................................................................................38
PC/104 Memory Cycle Support...........................................................................38
IRQ Support.........................................................................................................38
DMA and Bus Master Support............................................................................ 38
SPX Expansion Bus (J6)...................................................................................................39
VersaLogic SPX Expansion Modules .................................................................39
SPI Registers........................................................................................................40
System Resources and Maps.....................................................................................43
Memory Map ....................................................................................................................43

Contents
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual vi
I/O Map.............................................................................................................................43
Interrupt Configuration.....................................................................................................44
Special Registers ........................................................................................................45
PLED and Product ID Register.........................................................................................45
Revision and Type Register..............................................................................................46
GPI Jumper Register.........................................................................................................47
Watchdog Timer Register.................................................................................................48
PC/104 I/O Block Enable Registers..................................................................................49
PC/104 Interrupt Request Enable Registers .....................................................................51
Appendix A –References............................................................................................53

VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 1
Introduction
Description
FEATURES AND CONSTRUCTION
The VL-EPM-24 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 Atom processor Z530P, 1.6 GHz
533 MT/s FSB (standard
temperature); Z520PT, 1.33 GHz, 533
MT/s FSB (extended temperature)
Up to 2 GB DDR2 memory, one SO-
DIMM
PATA Disk on Module, plugs directly
into IDE connector
Intel 82574IT-based Ethernet
interface, autodetect 10Base-T /
100Base-TX / 1000Base-T
PC/104-Plus (PCI + ISA) expansion
IDE controller (ATA/ATAPI-6,
UDMA 5, 100 MB/s), one channel,
up to two devices
LVDS flat panel display support
Seven USB 2.0 ports (one client and six
host) for keyboard, mouse, and other
devices on two breakout boards
TVS devices for ESD protection
Intel High Definition Audio (HDA)
compatible
SMSC hardware monitor
Four RS-232/422/485 COM ports, 460
Kbps
PC/104 compliant 4.49” x 3.78”
footprint
Field upgradeable BIOS with OEM
enhancements
ACPI 2.0 compatible
Customization available
The VL-EPM-24 is a single board computer (SBC) with an Intel Atom Z5xx (Menlow XL)
processor. The board is compatible with popular operating systems such as Windows, Windows
Embedded, Linux, VxWorks, and QNX.
The VL-EPM-24 features high-reliability design and construction, including voltage sensing
reset circuits and self-resetting fuses on the +5V supplies to the user I/O connectors.
VL-EPM-24 boards are subjected 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-EPM-24 is available with a multifunction utility cable (breakout board) that provides
standard I/O connectors, including four COM ports, two USB host ports, one USB client port,
and audio jacks. I/O expansion is available through the PC/104-Plus (PCI + ISA) and SPX
connectors.
11

Introduction
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 2
Technical Specifications
Specifications are typical at +25°C with +5V supply unless otherwise noted.
Board Size:
4.49” x 3.78” (PC/104 compliant)
Storage Temperature:
-40° to +85°C
Operating Temperature:
VL-EPM-24SU: 0° to +60°C free air, no airflow
VL-EPM-24EU: -40° to +60°C free air (100
LFPM from +60° to +85°C)
Power Requirements: (with 2 GB RAM, Ethernet,
keyboard, and mouse running Windows XP on a 3.5"
PATA drive)
+5V 5%
VL-EPM-24SU: 1.20A (6.0W) typ./0.21A (1.1W)
S3
VL-EPM-24EU: 1.18A (5.9W) typ./0.21A (1.1W)
S3
+3.3V or ±12V may be required by some
expansion modules
System Reset:
Watchdog timeout (warm/cold reset)
Pushbutton reset
DRAM: One SO-DIMM socket, 256 MB to 2 GB, DDR2,
eight chips max. JEDEC raw card types A and C
SO-DIMMs. Use VL-MM8 approved modules.
Video Interface:
Up to 1280 x 1024 (24 bits) @ 85 Hz
LVDS output for TFT FPDs
VGA output with VL-CBR-2010/12 cable and VL-
CBR-2014 adapter card
IDE/PATA Interface:
One channel, 44-pin, 2 mm connector. Supports
up to and including ATA-6, UDMA/100 interface
Supports two Parallel ATA IDE devices (hard
drive, CD-ROM, CF, etc.)
Flash Storage:
44-pin PATA Disk on Module (DOM). Shares
IDE channel, master or slave
Ethernet Interface:
Intel 82574IT-based 10Base-T / 100Base-TX /
1000Base-T Ethernet controller
COM1-4 Interface:
RS-232/422/485, 16C550 compatible, 460 Kbps
max., 4-wire RS-232 (only CTS and RTS
handshaking)
USB: Seven USB ports on two I/O connectors. One
client and six host. Client and five host are
2.0/1.1 ports; one host port is 2.0 only. Client
port can be configured as host in CMOS Setup.
Audio: Intel High Definition Audio compatible, stereo
line in/out
SPX: Supports four external SPI chips of user design
or any SPX series expansion board
ACPI: ACPI 2.0 compatible
BIOS:
Phoenix Technologies Embedded BIOS with
OEM enhancements. Field reprogrammable.
Support for USB boot. User-configurable CMOS
defaults.
Bus Speed:
CPU FSB: 533 MT/s
PCI: 2.5 Gbps
LPC: 33.33 MHz
ISA: 8.33 MHz
Compatibility:
PC/104-Plus –Partial compliance
Weight: (no memory installed)
VL-EPM-24SU –0.265 lbs (0.120 kg)
VL-EPM-24EU –0.286 lbs (0.129 kg)
Specifications are subject to change without notification.

Introduction
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 3
VL-EPM-24 Block Diagram
Figure 1. System Block Diagram
Intel HD Audio
Codec
LVDS Video
SPX
(CPLD)
LPC-to-PC/104
Bridge
VersaRegs
System
Management
Controller
SPX Controller
Super I/O
FWH
Intel
System Controller Hub
(SCH)
Intel 82574IT
Gigabit Ethernet
MAC/PHY
ISA
PCI
DDR2
SDRAM
DDR2
SDRAM
DDR2
SDRAM
DDR2
SDRAM
DDR2
SDRAM
DDR2
SDRAM
DDR2
SDRAM
DDR2
SDRAM
Intel
Atom XL
Processor
PATA
SO-DIMM
Audio
Line Out
COM1
COM2
COM3
COM4
Audio
Line In
USB0
1.1/2.0
USB2
1.1/2.0
Client
USB1
1.1/2.0
I/O Connector
USB3
1.1/2.0
USB5
1.1/2.0
USB4
1.1/2.0
USB6
2.0
I/O Connector
PCIe
Bridge
DDR2
PATA / IDE
FSB
LVDS
(4) USB 1.1/2.0
(3) USB 1.1/2.0
Intel HDA
Audio Line In/Out
LPC
PCIe x 1
LPC
LPC
Serial
SPI SS0/1/2/3
PC/104
PCI v2.3

Introduction
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 4
RoHS Compliance
The VL-EPM-24 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 Corp. 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 antistatic 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-EPM-24.
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-EPM-24 Reference Manual 5
HANDLING CARE
Warning! Care must be taken not to touch the exposed circuitry with your fingers when
handling the board. 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.
EARTH GROUND REQUIREMENT
Warning! All mounting standoffs (four on PC/104 boards, eight on EBX and EPIC boards)
should be connected to earth ground (chassis ground). This provides proper
grounding for EMI purposes.
Technical Support
If you are unable to solve a problem after reading this manual, please visit the VL-EPM-24
product support web page below. The support page provides links to component datasheets,
device drivers, and BIOS and PLD code updates.
The VersaTech KnowledgeBase contains a wealth of technical information about VersaLogic
products, along with product advisories. Click the link below to see all KnowledgeBase articles
related to the VL-EPM-24.
If you have further questions, contact VersaLogic Technical Support at [phone].
VersaLogic support engineers are also available via e-mail at [e-mail].
VL-EPM-24 Support Page
http://www.versalogic.com/private/tigersupport.asp
VersaTech KnowledgeBase

Introduction
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 6
REPAIR SERVICE
If your product requires service, you must obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA)
number by calling [phone].
Please provide the following information:
Your name, the name of your company, your phone number, and e-mail address
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.
Note: Please mark the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box before
returning.

VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 7
Configuration and Setup
Initial Configuration
The following components are recommended for a typical development system with the VL-
EPM-24 computer:
ATX power supply
DDR2 memory module (see “System RAM”)
LVDS display (or analog display with VL-CBR-2014 adapter card)
Standard I/O breakout board (VL-CBR-5012)
USB keyboard and mouse
USB SSD or floppy disk drive (optional)
IDE hard drive (optional)
IDE CD-ROM drive (optional)
The following VersaLogic cables are recommended:
VL-CBR-2012 (24-bit, Hirose) or VL-CBR-2011 (18-bit, JAE) or VL-CBR-2010 (18-bit,
Hirose) –LVDS adapter cable
VL-CBR-4406 –IDE data cable
VL-CBR-4405 –IDE adapter board, if you are using drives with 40-pin connectors
VL-CBR-1008 –Power adapter cable
You will also need an operating system (OS) installation CD-ROM.
Basic Setup
The following steps outline the procedure for setting up a typical development system. The VL-
EPM-24 should be handled at an ESD workstation or while wearing a grounded antistatic wrist
strap.
Before you begin, unpack the VL-EPM-24 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 [email protected] immediately if any items are damaged or missing.
Gather all the peripheral devices you plan to attach to the VL-EPM-24 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 (using RoHS-compatible cables).
22

Configuration and Setup
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 8
Figure 2. Typical Start-up Configuration
1. Install Memory
Insert the DDR2 DRAM module into the SO-DIMM socket J10 on the bottom side of the
board and latch it into place.
2. Attach Cables and Peripherals
Plug the LVDS cable VL-CBR-2012 or VL-CBR-2011 or VL-CBR-2010 into socket J11
on the bottom side of the board. Attach the cable to the LVDS display. (Note: You can
attach an analog monitor to connector J11 using the VL-CBR-2014 adapter card.)
Plug the breakout board VL-CBR-5012 into socket J4.
Plug a USB keyboard and USB mouse into socket J1 of the breakout board. (Note: In
DOS, input is through a keyboard only. Due to a limitation of the BIOS, mouse function
is not supported in DOS.)
Plug the hard drive data cable VL-CBR-4406 into socket J3. Attach a hard drive and CD-
ROM drive to the connectors on the cable. If the hard drive is 3.5”, use the 2 mm to 0.1”
adapter VL-CBR-4405 to attach the IDE cable.
Attach an ATX power cable to any 3.5” drive (hard drive or CD-ROM drive).
OS Installation
CD-ROM
Hard
Drive
CD-ROM
Drive
VL-CBR-5012
J4
J1
VL-CBR-1008
USB Keyboard
and USB Mouse
Power
to Drives
LVDS
VL-CBR-2012 or
VL-CBR-2011
J9
J11
J3
J4
VL-EPM-24
TIGER
VL-CBR-4406
ATX
Power Supply

Configuration and Setup
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 9
Set the hard drive jumper for master device operation and the CD-ROM drive jumper for
slave device operation.
3. Attach Power
Plug the power adapter cable VL-CBR-1008 into socket J9. 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-EPM-24 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 CTRL-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 OS according to the instructions provided by the OS manufacturer. (See
Operating System Installation.)
Note:If you intend to operate the VL-EPM-24 under Windows XP or Windows XP
Embedded, be sure to use Service Pack 3 (SP3) for full support of the latest device
features.

Configuration and Setup
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 10
CMOS Setup
See VersaLogic Knowledgebase article VT1666 - VL-EPM-24 CMOS Setup Reference for
complete information on CMOS Setup parameters.
Operating System Installation
The standard PC architecture used on the VL-EPM-24 makes the installation and use of most of
the standard x86-based operating systems very simple. The operating systems listed on the
VersaLogic OS Compatibility Chart use the standard installation procedures provided by the
maker of the OS. Special optimized hardware drivers for a particular OS, or a link to the drivers,
are available at the VL-EPM-24 Product Support web page at
http://www.versalogic.com/private/tigersupport.asp.

VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 11
Physical Details
Dimensions and Mounting
VL-EPM-24 DIMENSIONS
The VL-EPM-24 complies with PC/104-Plus dimensional standards. Dimensions are given
below to help with pre-production planning and layout.
Figure 3. VL-EPM-24 Dimensions and Mounting Holes
(Not to scale. All dimensions in inches.)
33
0.150
0.125
0.000
-0.200
3.575
3.375
3.250
3.050 3.350
0.125 DIA x4
Use 3mm or #4
standoffs
+
+
+
+
3.175
0.200
-0.670 –0.200
0.000
3.150 3.350 3.820
J9
0.38
J5
0.11

Physical Details
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 12
Figure 4. VL-EPM-24 Height Dimensions
(Not to scale. All dimensions in inches.)
VL-CBR-5012 DIMENSIONS
Figure 5. VL-CBR-5012 Dimensions and Mounting Holes
(Not to scale. All dimensions in inches.)
1.95
1.57
5.50
5.10
1.17
1.24
0.065
0.44
0.06
0.45

Physical Details
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 13
HARDWARE ASSEMBLY
The VL-EPM-24 provides both ISA and PCI connectors for adding expansion modules to the top
and bottom of the stack. PC/104 (ISA only) modules must not be positioned between the VL-
EPM-24 and any PC/104-Plus (PCI + ISA) or PCI-104 (PCI only) 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 four standoffs to the mounting surface to prevent circuit board
flexing. Standoffs are secured to the top circuit board using four pan head screws. See page 11
for dimensional details. Standoffs and screws are available as part number VL-HDW-105.
An extractor tool is available (part number VL-HDW-201) to separate the expansion modules
from the stack. Use caution when using the extractor tool not to damage any board components.
STACK ARRANGEMENT EXAMPLE
Figure 6. Stack Arrangement Example

Physical Details
VL-EPM-24 Reference Manual 14
External Connectors
VL-EPM-24 CONNECTOR LOCATIONS –TOP
Figure 7. Connector Locations (Top)
2
1
10
9
J2
PCI
J8
ISA
J4
COM1-4,
USB 0-2,
PLED,
Speaker,
Reset, Power
Button, Audio
line in/out
J3
IDE
J5
Ethernet
J9
Power
J6
SPX
J7
USB 3-6
= Pin 1
J1
JTAG