BDD Group is readying a tiny, sub-$50, SODIMM-style computer module powered by an SOC (system-on-chip) containing a single ARM Cortex A8 core along with a Mali-400 GPU, among other functions. The business card-sized “A10 COM” will be supported with Android and Linux BSPs.



BDD’s CEO, Rowdy VanCleave, says the A10 COM was created to enable rapid design and development of a wide range of “industrial embedded” products.

The module is quite small, measuring just 68 x 52mm (2.7 x 2 inches). Its core consists of an Allwinner A10 SOC. Beyond that, the module adds SDRAM, flash memory, an Ethernet “PHYceiver,” and power management functions.



BDD’s tiny COM snaps into a uniquely-wired SODIMM socket

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Like all COMs, the A10 COM needs to plug into a standard or custom baseboard, which provides the additional functions and connectors required by the intended application. In the A10 COM’s case, a normal SODIMM connector, wired in an abnormal manner, serves as the baseboard socket.

To speed developments based on the A10 COM, BDD has developed a ready-made baseboard (shown below) to go with it.



BDD’s A10 COM and baseboard

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The block diagram below illustrates the potential capabilities of the BDD A10 COM, assuming it’s combined with a suitable baseboard.

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A10 COM application possibilities

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BDD’s A10 COM essentially brings all of the SOC’s signals out to its SODIMM connector. Consequently, all these Allwinner A10 SOC features can potentially be supported by the A10 COM:

CPU — ARM Cortex-A8

GPU — ARM Mali-400

Video: UHD 2160P video decoding 3D video decoding Video decoding formats — VP8, AVS, H. 264 MVC, VC-1, MPEG-1,2,4, etc H.264 HP video encoding ([email protected]; or dual-channel [email protected])

Display: Dual-display 2D/3D HD Integrated HDMI 1.4 YPbPr, CVBS, VGA Multiple LCD interfaces, including CPU, RGB, LVDS up to full HD

Memory: Up to 2GB DDR2/DDR3 RAM Up to 64GB flash

RTC with rechargeable battery

Networking — 10/100 Ethernet

Misc. I/O — GPIO, SPI, I2C, TWI, SDIO, Can Bus, RS485, RS232, USB 2.0 Host, USB 2.0 OTG, SATA

The processor be operated fanless at up to 1GHz, although higher are possible given the addition of cooling mechanisms, according to VanCleave. At 1GHz, typical power consumption is “below 5W and in most cases below 2.5W,” he adds. The module’s operating temperature range was not specified, although it’s reasonable to expect 0 to 70 deg C from a board that targets embedded applications.

Operating system support for the A10 COM and its baseboard include BSPs for Android 4.x+, Linux, and Windows CE, according to the company. (Windows Embedded is also supported.)



Availability and pricing

BDD’s A10 COM and companion baseboard are expected to ship in April. Budgetary pricing for the A10 COM in small quantities is “less than $50,” says Rowdy. Pricing for the BDD’s A10 COM carrier board will depend on quantity and populated options; for example, single units with minimal options (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, microSD, and power functions) will run around $15. Dual-core (A20) and quad-core (A31) versions of the COM will follow later in the year.

For further details on the A10 COM and its baseboard, visit BDD’s website. Further information regarding Allwinner Technology’s A10 SOC can be obtained here.

