Known Limitations

•RFD (onboard flash drive) is not compatible with DOS expanded memory configuration in EMM386.EXE. Use the NOEMS switch appended to the end of the EMM386 line in your config.sys to bypass EMS. Example line in config.sys: device=c:\DOS\EMM386.exe NOEMS

•The onboard flash chip has a limitation of 2,000,000 erase cycles, so swap drives or virtual memory functions should not be used.

•Currently we are shipping 2M byte Flash chips so Onboard Flash drives can be formatted with 1.45M bytes left over. 4 and 8M byte versions can be custom ordered. Contact sales@diamondsystems.com for more information.

•Only 16 bit OS’s are supported for this Onboard Flash. MSDOS 6.22 and ROMDOS 6.22 and 7.0 have been tested. Other OS’s may work as long as it has some sort of 16-bit compatibility mode.

Life Cycle Management and Calculations

The Disk-On-Board feature provides a simple form of wear leveling. Each time data is written, the next consecutive available memory space is used, and the current location is marked as garbage and made available for later use. This way the system walks through the entire available space before rewriting the current file location. This technique helps to dramatically increase the chip’s lifetime, because the entire chip is used to spread out the wear caused by the repeated erase cycles.

A typical embedded application consists of reading a file, updating it, and repeating the process over and over again. The formula for calculating the number of times this may be done before the flash reaches its limit is as follows:

Number of file writes = (size of chip / size of file) * lifetime of chip

Where size of chip = 1.45MB and lifetime of chip = 2,000,000. This formula reveals the increase in lifetime provided by the wear leveling. The lifetime is increased by the ratio of the chip’s total capacity to the file size.

To calculate the number of days the chip will last, simply factor in the number of updates per day:

Lifetime in days = number of file writes / file writes per day

Prometheus CPU User Manual V1.44

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PR-Z32-E-ST, PR-Z32-EA-ST specifications

The Diamond Systems PR-Z32-EA-ST and PR-Z32-E-ST are pioneering solutions in the realm of embedded computing systems, designed to meet the challenging demands of various industrial applications. These boards harness advanced technologies and a comprehensive feature set to ensure exceptional performance, flexibility, and reliability.

At the heart of the PR-Z32 series is a robust processor architecture that combines efficiency with processing power. The systems are built around the Zynq-7000 SoC (System on Chip), which integrates a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor with Xilinx FPGA technology. This hybrid architecture provides the ability to run complex algorithms and custom logic concurrently, making the boards ideal for applications requiring intense computational tasks such as image processing, data acquisition, and real-time control.

One of the main features of the PR-Z32-EA-ST and PR-Z32-E-ST is their versatility. Both variants support a wide range of I/O options, including USB, Ethernet, CAN, and serial interfaces. This range of connectivity allows for integrations with various sensors, actuators, and other peripheral devices, making it suitable for industrial automation, robotics, and IoT projects. The inclusion of multiple GPIO pins also enhances the capability of the boards to interface with additional hardware.

In terms of performance, the PR-Z32 series supports substantial amounts of on-board memory, which can be essential for applications requiring the storage and processing of large datasets. The configurations are often customizable, allowing users to select the appropriate amount of RAM and on-board flash memory for their specific applications.

Reliability is a critical characteristic of the Diamond Systems PR-Z32 series. The boards are built to withstand adverse environmental conditions, making them suitable for deployment in industrial environments. They are often designed to operate over a wide temperature range, ensuring functionality in both hot and cold climates. Additionally, the boards are compliant with various industry standards, assuring users of their robustness and durability.

Moreover, the PR-Z32-EA-ST and PR-Z32-E-ST support real-time operating systems (RTOS) and conventional operating systems such as Linux. This support provides developers with the flexibility to choose the best environment for their applications, whether they require real-time performance or full-fledged operating system features.

In conclusion, the Diamond Systems PR-Z32-EA-ST and PR-Z32-E-ST are formidable options for those seeking powerful, versatile, and reliable embedded computing solutions. With their advanced SoC architecture, flexible I/O options, extensive memory configurations, and environmental resilience, these boards are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of modern industrial applications.

Diamond Systems PR-Z32-E-ST user manual Known Limitations, Life Cycle Management and Calculations

Models: PR-Z32-E-ST PR-Z32-EA-ST