Diamond Systems ATHENA IV PC/104 SBCs with COM Express Modules and Integrated Data Acquisition

PC/104 systems in service often run longer than the processors on their boards, which leaves engineers redesigning around an end-of-life part. The Diamond Systems ATHENA IV series tackles that directly. It is the fourth Athena generation since 2004, keeping the same board shape and most of the connectors of earlier Athena boards while moving the processor onto a replaceable COM Express module. Diamond reports customers maintaining products for up to 16 years this way.

Each ATHENA IV pairs a COM Express Type 10 mini module with a PC/104 carrier that provides the ISA expansion and remaining I/O. The datasheet offers Intel Atom E3845, E3940 and E3950 modules with 4 to 8 GB of RAM soldered on the module. I/O covers two Gigabit Ethernet ports, VGA and single-channel 24-bit LVDS, one USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports, four RS-232/422/485 ports and HD audio on an ALC262 codec. Storage is an M.2 2230 SATA socket for up to 128 GB plus a 7-pin SATA connector. Swapping the COM later keeps the rest of the system unchanged, and because most processors appear on COMs first, the approach also gives earlier access to newer processors.

The ATH4-E3845-4GA is the Atom E3845 build at 1.91 GHz with 4 GB of RAM and the full data acquisition circuit: 16 single-ended or 8 differential 16-bit analog inputs at up to 150 kHz, four 12-bit analog outputs, 24 digital I/O lines and two counter/timers, with autocalibration through Diamond’s Universal Driver software. The analog inputs use fault-protected multiplexers against overvoltage, and the analog outputs support simultaneous update.

Power is 5 V DC and the board runs fanless from -40 to 85 °C under a heat sink. I/O modules stack on the PC/104 ISA bus, with bottom-side stacking preferred to keep airflow over the heat sink. The board supports Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux, and a 2.5 inch drive can mount on the stack with Diamond’s ACC-HDDMOUNT accessory board. Diamond Systems names three uses: extending the life of products built on earlier Athena boards, replacing an obsolete PC/104 SBC, and new PC/104 systems expected to stay in service for many years.