Gumstix Verdex

Gumstix has launched the 3G of its gumstick-shaped SBC (single-board computer) line. The tiny, Linux-friendly, PXA270-powered "Verdex" SBC offers 50 percent more processor speed and twice the memory of earlier models, and features an enhanced expansion bus, according to the company. In addition to its Marvell (formerly Intel) PXA270 (aka "Bulverde") processor, clocked at up to 600MHz, the new Verdex SBC integrates up to 128MB of RAM and 32MB of flash memory soldered onboard, the company said. Other enhancements over previous Gumstix SBCs include support for USB host interfaces, inputs for CCD (charge-coupled device) cameras, and better power management. Also available is an option for on-board Bluetooth, with a u.fl antenna connector, as shown on the Verdex XM4-bt board shown below.

The Verdex maintains the 3.2 x 0.8 x 3.2-inch (80 x 20 x 8mm) of Gumstix's earlier SBC generations. In addition to matching the dimensions of its predecessors, the Verdex retains the 60-pin board-to-board connector of the first generation SBCs (now referred to as "Basix"), which should enable it to support existing 60-pin expansion cards; these include audio I/O, digital I/O, various microcontroller co-processors for robotics applications, and serial and USB expansion. The Verdex replaces the 92-pin I/O expansion connector introduced with the second-generation SBCs ("Connex"), however, with a pair of connectors. The combination of a 24-pin flex connector and separate 120-pin connector will support a range of new expansion boards, including much sought-after USB host ports. On the software side, the Verdex SBC comes preinstalled with the latest Linux 2.6 operating system as well as the open source U-Boot bootloader. Some of the potential applications include position-tracking applications. At Coventry University, we are developing a sensor-based mixed reality platform based on Gumstix technology.

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