[Arm-netbook] A10 server dreamboard

[Enrico]

On Tue, May 29, 2012 at 3:48 PM, Tsvetan Usunov, OLIMEX LTD
<usunov at olimex.com> wrote:
>> Ethernet, SATA, at least two USB2.
>
> what will be the purpose of the USB?

out of my mind: USB 3g modem (connection backup, send/receive sms for
some use cases), serial converter for some strange i/o, you never know
what it can be used for but it could be useful. One should be the
minimum, but using two stacked connectors shouldn't be a problem.


>> Standard mounting holes please, *TX would be best. Are you planning to do
>> just the boards, or a rack unit with several of them onboard?
>
> we do not plan anything for the moment I just evaluate different options.
> After the yesterday's discussion I'm thinking that maybe A13 will be just
> fine for the OLinuXino concept and A10 OLinuXino will not give anything more
> but just SATA capability on top of A13 board which is not of much use for
> OLinuXino embedded board concept anyway, so we can develop something more
> powerful / useful with A10?

I totally agree.

My take on the specs:

- as much as possible ram
- 512 MB flash (not more, if you need more space you have sata)
- video out could be useful, but not a must, definitely low priority
- serial connector for debug (not a "full" connector, just a header on the pcb)

- size: i think you should focus on the board, and let other think
about integration in 1U cases etc...so i would suggest as small as
possible, to fit say 10 boards inside a single 1U.
If you want to offer a complete 1U solution then you should add
internally at least an ethernet switch, you should design the power
system, cooling system etc...

Enrico