Tony et all,
USB POWER
---------
The 2 USB host ports have individual power with over-current detection and
power control.
They can be individually powered-off under SW control for power management.
POWER OUT
---------
Adding an internal connector for batteries is reasonable.
The end panels are 1.25mm thick aluminum ... tough stuff, but we could also
generate custome end panels.
USB 802.11b
-----------
We have supported that for a long time, but its yet another physical device
to pack.
Plus it consumes another USB port.
And those devices don't work through most hubs.
Why Compact FLASH for 802.11b?
------------------------------
Because 802.11b is not a good solution for any portable device period.
This leaves options like putting in a GSM radio for certain applications,
or BlueTooth or ZigBee, which make a lot more sense for the real world.
802.11b is such a power hog, the only portables with big enough batteries
are lap-tops, and even then it won't last a single shift (8-hours) on one
charge.
For real-world applications, carrying a Sears Die-Hard car battery along
isn't acceptable!
How about that Mini-ITX!
------------------------
Don't they look cute!
For some of our applications its size is too big for union limits on
wearable devices.
For ALL of our applications it sucks WAY too much power (see prior
paragraph).
Is 60MHz just a starting point?
-------------------------------
Yes. There is a road-map to faster processors, but only ones that use LESS
power. We are developing NEW technologies that are useful for real
applications, not repackaging OLD Desktop/Laptop technology with the
display missing. PC HW is interesting in a research environment, or for
short-duration (or low duty-cycle) applications, but I haven't talked to
any researchers planning on purchasing tens of thousands of units yet. If
you meet any please introduce us! :)
A POSSIBLY BETTER EXPLANATION
-----------------------------
Think of what we're building as a cell-phone/PDA type device with SVGA out,
that runs Linux, and has a CF slot for expansion.
Think of applications where a wireless PDA would almost work, but you need
both hands free. That's our market.
If you need a wearable Laptop, then talk to Xybernaut.
They've done a pretty good job of that device and it runs desktop SW and
the price is great for what you're getting.
We are not running X86 compatible CPUs and we're not running desktop clock
speeds.
We're building Linux terminals that could fit in a pocket.
Its not for everyone.
Brian
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Brian Empey, P. Eng.
President
Technical Solutions Inc.
Unit #1 7157 Honeyman St
Delta BC Canada, V4G 1E2
www.techsol.ca
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tony Havelka wrote:
>
> > Good idea.
> > Our SMPS generates 5v @ 1Amp for the USB HOST ports.
> > Then there's another switcher off that for the 3.3volt power
> > for the electronics. We'll have over 3/4 amp available for
> > USB devices or external devices from the 5-volt supply. We're
> > tight on connector space, but not all pins are used on the
> > VGA connector. Do any HMDs draw power from the DE-15 connector?
>
> No and I would recommend to avoid putting power on the VGA connector. Great
> for HMDs, could prove disastrous when you plug a regular monitor into it.
>
> > Another option is to change the power input connector to one
> > with more pins to support power-out.
>
> This may work. What about some post headers on the board and leave it up to
> the customer to "remote" the power output with their own connector on the
> end - if they need it?
>
> > We know at least one HMD maker was looking at a USB dongle
> > for controlling the display settings, and also for stealing
> > power from the host. That would work without extra ports, but
> > not many devices will run from that low a current level.
>
> Good idea until you have another product that needs power on the bus as well
> or if you have 2 ports and 2 devices hooked up already. Where do you put
> the 3rd?
>
> -Tony
>
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