[Arm-netbook] EOMA/CF idea

[lkcl luke]

On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 2:50 PM, Bari Ari <bari at onelabs.com> wrote:
> On 12/30/2011 08:32 AM, lkcl luke wrote:
>> http://elinux.org/Embedded_Open_Modular_Architecture/CompactFlash
>>
>> someone on slashdot mentioned "why not use Compact Flash?" and i went
>> "don't be silly, it's only got 44 pins" well it turns out that i was
>> wrong, it's 50.  that's enough... *if* you use LVDS not RGB/TTL.
>>
>> i think the tiny size is absolutely awesome, and well worth the
>> sacrifice of the limitations of LVDS.
>>
>> thoughts, anyone?
>>
>>

> What is gained?

 smaller size means more uses.  think of a server where these are just
slotted in, side-by-side on a backplane.

> You give up 18 pins and the prices are near parity?

 don't know yet.

 it's 6 of 1 and 1/2 a dozen of the other.  the smaller size means a
smaller PCB, but it might have to be more layers (putting the cost up
again), or forcing the use of higher-cost components (higher-density).

 so it's a bit of a squeeze, hence why i think it would be suitable
either for very-low-cost systems (the new $5 allwinner cpu with only
512mb RAM or so) or really high-value ones where space is a premium.

 hardkernel got away with 42x25mm for goodness sake, and that was
mostly single-sided!  B2B connectors on the other side.
http://www.hardkernel.com/renewal_2011/products/prdt_info.php?g_code=G129705564426

 but, they had to do a 10 (possibly 12-layer) board to get everything
into that space.

 l.