CoreModule 420 Reference Manual 5
Chapter 2 Product Overview
This introduction presents general information about the PC/104 architecture and the CoreModule 420
single board computer (SBC). After reading this chapter you should understand:
•PC/104 Concept
•CoreModule 420 architecture
•CoreModule 420 features
•Major components
•Connectors
•Specifications

PC/104 Architecture

The PC/104 architecture affords a great deal of flexibility in system design. You can build a simple
system using only a CoreModule 420, with input/output devices connected to its serial or parallel ports,
and a solid state disk drive or CompactFlash card in the respective bytewide socket, or CompactFlash
socket. To expand a simple CoreModule system, simply add self-stacking Ampro MiniModules or 3rd
party PC/104 expansion boards to provide additional capabilities, such as:
•Additional serial and parallel ports
•Analog or digital I/O
•PCMCIA interfaces
•Sound cards
PC/104 expansion modules can be stacked with the CoreModule 420 avoiding the need for card cages
and backplanes. The PC/104 expansion modules can be mounted directly to the PC/104 bus connector
of the CoreModule 420. PC/104-compliant modules can be stacked with an inter-board spacing of ~0.66
inches so that a 3-module system fits in a 3.6 inch by 3.8 inch by 2.4 inch space. See Figure 2-1.
One or more MiniModule products or other PC/104 modules can be installed on the CoreModule
expansion connectors. When installed on P1 and P2, the expansion modules fit within the CoreModule
outline dimensions. Most MiniModule products have stack through connectors compatible with the
PC/104 Version 2.5 specification. Several modules can be stacked on the CoreModule headers. Each
additional module increases the thickness of the package by 15mm (0.60”). See Figure 2-1.
PC/104 Module
CoreModule 420
PC/104 Module
Stackthrough
Expansion
Bus Headers
4-40 nut (4)
0.6 inch spacer (4)
0.6 inch spacer (4)
4-40 screw (4)
PC/104 Module
CM420stack
Figure 2-1. Stacking PC/104 Modules with the CoreModule 420