Micro Industries Introduces mNLX810E CPU Board; Combines Innovative Intel Technology With Long-Term Support

Business Wire, Dec 3, 2001

Business Editors & Technology Writers

WESTERVILLE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 2001

The Next Generation of NLX Motherboards for

Applied Computing Applications

Micro Industries Corporation today announced the release of the mNLX810E, a mini-NLX CPU board featuring the new Communications I/O Controller Hub (C-ICH) from Intel Corporation.

The mNLX810E offers OEMs a compact, yet feature-rich design that's ideal for demanding industrial, medical, and commercial applications. It uses the Intel(R) Communications I/O Controller Hub (C-ICH) in place of several traditionally used board components. The C-ICH includes two serial ports and two Ethernet controllers, combined with the full capabilities of the 810E Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH), which alleviates the need for a separate graphics controller, reduces the number of parts required and, consequently, the board's overall cost.

"We are pleased that Micro Industries selected the C-ICH component for their newest CPU board. Combining the features of the 810E GMCH with our new C-ICH product provides OEMs with a cost effective, flexible architecture that will support a broad range of OEM applications," said Ton Steenman, Director of Intel's Embedded Intel Architecture Division.

The mNLX810E is the latest in Micro Industries' growing line of NLX-based CPU boards. Micro Industries is an electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company that provides electronic engineering, manufacturing, and system integration resources to OEMs. According to Micro Industries President and CEO Michael Curran, "The Intel C-ICH allows us to implement the critical features of our current generation NLX CPU products with technology that can be scaled to support even the most demanding requirements of our OEM customers. The mNLX810E also demonstrates our continuing commitment to the NLX form factor. It is a viable choice for applied computing applications now and for many years into the future."

Micro Industries' mNLX810E features:

-- Intel(R) Celeron(TM) and Pentium(R) III Processors and 82810E GMCH: The
mNLX810E supports Intel(R) Celeron(TM) processors with 128 KB integrated cache
and Intel(R) Pentium(R) III processors with 256 KB integrated cache and 32 -
512 MB of SDRAM.

-- Mini-NLX Form Factor: Designed by Intel, this form factor supports larger
memory modules, the latest microprocessors and AGP video technology, and
provides better access to motherboard components, enabling system-level design
and integration flexibility. The dockable design also allows for easy removal
for upgrades or service. Dimensions are 8" x 10".

-- Hardware Monitoring: National Semiconductor(R) LM80 Microprocessor System
Hardware Monitor monitors five voltages and three fan speeds, and provides POST
code RAM storage.

-- Graphics: The 810E GMCH directly supports AGP graphics, alleviating the need
for an additional graphics controller.

-- Sound Blaster(R) Pro Compatible Sound System: With state-of-the-art
technology, Creative Labs' Sound Blaster products are the industry standard in
PC audio cards. The Sound Blaster Pro compatible sound system features stereo
input and output.

-- Four Serial I/O Ports: The mNLX810E supports three general-purpose RS-232
ports and one configurable port for RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485. Two of the ports
are included on the C-ICH.

-- One Bi-Directional Parallel Port: One ECP/EPP/IEEE 1284 for fast peripheral
communications.

-- Two USB Ports: Support up to 127 physical devices.

-- BIOS: Includes a 4 Mb FLASH memory hub, Advanced Power Management, Plug and
Play, and FLASH re-programming and Crisis Recovery utilities.

-- Additional Features: Two-stage watchdog timer, two EIDE channels, floppy
disk drive interface, PS/2 keyboard/mouse interface, Real Time Clock with
battery backup, Advanced Power supply Control (APC), and Advanced Power
Management.

Availability and Price

The new product is available immediately in the United States and Europe. Volume OEM pricing is $395 (U.S.). Smaller quantities are available at higher prices. Prices are subject to change without notice. Products can be ordered by calling Micro Industries' Customer Service Department at 800/722-1842.

About Micro Industries

Micro Industries Corporation, founded in 1978, is an electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company that provides electronic engineering and manufacturing resources to OEMs. Micro Industries helps customers translate their product requirements into low-cost standard, custom, and semi-custom product solutions for embedded and integrated computer systems. The 52,000 square foot facility in Westerville, Ohio, serves as corporate headquarters and houses an EPA Zero Discharge manufacturing facility that meets both ISO 9001-94 and ISO 14001 standards. The manufacturing facility has fully automated conventional and surface mount assembly lines for both prototype and production requirements. Micro Industries employs a dedicated staff of engineers focused on product design. Micro Industries also supports an Internet-based company that features free online tools OEMs can use to design circuit board assemblies and systems and accelerate new product development. The website for this wholly-owned subsidiary, Sweetcircuits, Inc., is located at sweetcircuits.com. For more information about Micro Industries, please visit www.microindustries.com.