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Frequently Asked Questions...
Q. What does EPIC mean?
A. Embedded Platform for Industrial ComputingTM It defines a mid-sized, physical platform for industrial computing with significant I/O expansion capabilities.
Q. Why is EPIC needed? Aren’t there other mid-sized standards?
A. There are two major reasons: While there are other mid-sized cards on the market, there are no standards or standards organizations for these—as evidenced by the wide variations in sizes and critical connector locations and connector types. Secondly, the market is asking for a form factor smaller than the EBX, but with no compromises on processor power and industrial I/O. And designers want the standard backed by major companies. Phase 1 of EPIC also integrates the PC/104 and PC/104-Plus standards, both of which are recognized by hundreds of companies worldwide.
Q. Where do I get a complete copy of the standard?
A. The specification is available at www.epic-sbc.org
Q. Who is supporting this new industry standard?
A. Initially, five major industrial major suppliers of single board computers: Ampro, Micro/sys, Octagon Systems,VersaLogic, and WinSystems. Many other companies have expressed interest and are gathering information.
Q. Is there an industry trade association?
A. The standard is owned by the five founding members that defined it. However, the group is looking for a suitable technical standards body to oversee the specification.
Q. Is any product available?
A. Not yet. The goal of the founding members was to define a specification independent of any product currently on the market. Expect to see announcements and introductions in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2004.
Q. Are there environmental specifications defined for EPIC boards?
A No, that is left to the individual manufacturers to produce products to fit their markets.
Q. Does this standard only support x86 processors?
A. No, other processors can be supported. For example, the ISA and PCI Buses can be generated on a RISC processor card.
Q. What voltages are required for the board?
A. The voltages are a function of the design of the board. It may require only +5V or may require multiple voltages at high currents. The specification is flexible to address the needs of the application and specific design criteria.
Q. What are the similarities and differences of EPIC, PC/104 and EBX?
A. They are all single boards computers designed for the industrial market. The key difference is the size and the amount of circuitry that can be placed on each. EPIC’s board area is midway between PC/104 and EBX. A quick comparison is shown in the following chart.
| Relative Size |
Name |
Dimensions |
Board Area |
| Small |
PC/104 |
3.550 x 3.775-in. (90 x 96 mm) |
13.40 sq. in.
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| Medium |
EPIC |
4.500- x 6.500-in. (115 x 165 mm) |
29.25 sq. in. |
| Large |
EBX |
5.750- x 8.000-in. (146 x 203 mm) |
46.00 sq. in. |
Q. Where do I find information on PC/104 modules for I/O expansion?
A. Go to either www.pc104.org or www.pc104.com to get the most up-to-date listing of product functions and companies.
Q) Can the card be built without an expansion bus connector, for example the PC/104-Plus?
A. Yes, manufacturers can choose which types of expansion to support.
Q. Does EPIC support PCI Express or other fabrics?
A. Not yet. Phase 1 of the definition of the EPIC standard supports existing I/O expansion standards such as PC/104 and PC/104-s. Yet, EPIC is designed to bridge to the future. Phase 2 will involve investigation of and working with international standards organizations to determine which fabric will be adopted by the market and how it should be implemented with EPIC.
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