[Arm-netbook] A10 server dreamboard

[Gordan Bobic]

On 05/29/2012 03:05 PM, Enrico wrote:
> 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)

Why not do away with flash completely and put a uSD slot on instead of 
the flash?

> - 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)

What's wrong with serial console/JTAG combo over micro/mini USB a-la 
SheevaPlug? That replaces both the need for video out and separate 
serial and JTAG.

> - 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.

That means a custom chassis. If you want it to be usable in an off the 
shelf chassis, a *TX solution is the way forward.

> 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...

If you are going for density, then you might as well go to the logical 
conclusion with EOMA "blades" and cram 40 or so into 1U. And that will 
still leave you plenty of space for an internal ethernet switch, 
internal serial switch (for console access), some 2.5" SATA bays (maybe 
with a "NAS node"), maybe even an internal UPS.

Gordan