Sales: sales@tri-m.com
Venus is a rugged, single board computer featuring the Intel Skylake 6th Generation processor in an extended "3.5-inch" form factor. Venus offers a wide range of I/O plus data acquisition functionality, meeting the majority of today’s connectivity requirements.
Based on the "Skylake" 6th generation Core i7/i5 U series processor with PassMark rating up to 4800, Venusoffers the highest available CPU performance in a small form factor rugged SBC with modest power consumption. It incorporates a full suite of rugged features such as soldered memory, latching connectors, a thicker PCB, and true -40/+85ºC operating temperature, making it suitable for the most demanding vehicle applications. High I/O density, multiple expansion sockets, rugged design, modest power consumption of 14W, and wide temperature operation combine to make Venus an extremely attractive option for applications requiring high CPU performance or ruggedness.
CPU Performance |
Venus is available with a choice of Intel "Skylake U" 6th generation Core i7 or i5 processors. Enabled by Intel’s Hyper-Threading technology, The Skylake 6th generation core processors provide users with faster computing power and aid in multitasking, and multimedia tasks. Additionally, the larger cache (on board memory) size available on these processors help with repetitive tasks that can impact processor speed. The U series provides the full processor circuit in a single package for space savings and keeps power consumption down to a modest 14 watts for the entire board (not including attached peripherals).
"Skylake U" i7-6600U 2.6GHz / i5-6300U 2.4GHz, 2 cores 4 threads |
Up to 20GB: 4GB memory down + socket for 4/8/16GB DDR4-2133 SODIMM / RSODIMM |
3 independent displays: HDMI, VGA, and LVDS, max resolution 4096x 2304 |
4x 2.0 USB on latching connectors |
4x 3.0 USB using Intel standard pin headers |
4x multi-protocal serial RS-232/422/485 |
3 SATA interfaces:SATA DOM; Standard SATA connector mSATA supported in one MiniCard socket |
TPM Module |
"3.5 inch" form factor: 5.75" x 4.0" / 146 x 102mm |
Board expansion option over OneBank PCIe/104 and PCI-104 connector |
-40° to +85C° target range |
Display Features
Venus supports 3 simultaneous independent displays, VGA, HDMI, and dual channel LVDS LCD. All three are 4K video capable. Mass storage options include SATA DOM, mSATA, and a connector for an external SATA drive (all ports are SATA III capable). Tri-M offers a series of MLC and SLC mSATA and SATA DOM modules with wide temperature qualification for use with Venus.
Wide Range of I/O
The 3.5 inch form factor enables Venus to include an impressive range of I/O features on a single board while retaining a small form factor profile. Connectivity includes 4 RS-232/422/485 serial ports, 6 USB ports (4 are USB 3.0 capable), dual gigabit Ethernet ports, and 16 digital I/O lines.
The 4 serial ports support RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 protocols. Protocol selection as well as all other configurations are fully software programmable and may be configured in the BIOS for convenience or controlled via an application program. For RS-422 and RS-485, line termination resistors are also provided and are programmable.
Available Models
Venus is available in two models, the higher performing model (VNS766-4GD) with the Intel i7 6th Generation Core Processor, and the second with the Intel i5 6th Generation Core Processor.
Model | Processor /Speed | Memory |
VNS766-4GD | 6600U/2.6GHz | 4GB DDR4 |
VNS563-4GD | 6300U/2.4GHz | 4GB DDR4 |
Development Support |
Venus is available in a complete development kit that includes a full set of I/O cables and a SATA Disk-on-Module SATA DOM) with your choice of operating system pre-installed. Available operating systems are Linux (Ubuntu 16.04), Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Other OS support is available by consultation. For customers who already have a Venus SBC or who have multiple boards, the programmed SATA DOM is also available for individual purchase.
Venus has a SATA DOM socket and a second SATA connector. All ports are SATA III compliant.
A multi-use MiniCard socket auto-selects for either a PCIe MiniCard or mSATA flashdisk. This dual function socket can be used to add compact additional I/O or mass storage to your system. The dedicated SATA connector can be used with off-board SATA devices and also supports use of a board-mounted miniature SATA disk-on-module for a smaller overall system envelope with less cables. Most I/O on Venus utilizes latching I/O connectors for enhanced ruggedness and reliability. Venus has a SATA DOM socket and a second SATA connector. All ports are SATA III compliant.
Venus provides 4 RS-232/422/485 ports using multiprotocol transceivers, one per port. All configuration features are fully programmable as well as configurable in the BIOS screens, including protocol and line termination for RS-422/485. In RS-458 mode, both echo and no-echo modes are supported. The expansion connectors use 22mm stacking height to provide more clearance for installed minicards.
Venus supports two 10/100/1000 high speed Gigabit Ethernet ports derived from Intel I210IT PCIe Gigabit Ethernet controllers. A latching connector is used to bring these ports off board instead of RJ-45 jacks, optimizing space on the board and increasing ruggedness. Activity status of the Ethernet ports can be read from LEDs.
Expansion Capability |
In addition to the already high level of onboard I/O, Venus also provides great expansion flexibility, including both a OneBank Plus (PCIe/104 + PCI-104) socket and 2 full-size MiniCard sockets.
The compact OneBank expansion connector provides high performance PCIe expandability in a stacking format. The expansion connectors use 22mm stacking height to provide more clearance for installed minicards. It supports up to 4 PCIe/104 Type 1 and Type 2 add-on modules along with PCIe/104 OneBank I/O modules with PCIe x1 host interface, while conserving board space and reducing total system cost. The companion PCI-104 connector supports PCI-104 modules for compatibility with an even greater array of I/O modules. (Use of PC/104-Plus modules will require removing the PC/104 ISA connector to avoid interference with the OneBank connector.)
The top side MiniCard socket supports full-size PCIe and USB MiniCards as well as mSATA Disk-on-Modules. The bottom side socket supports full-size and half-size PCIe MiniCards.
Second MiniCard socket available on bottom |
Venus is equipped with latches on the serial ports for added protection in harsh environments.
Features | |
Processor | "Skylake U" i7-6600U 2.6GHz / i5-6300U 2.4GHz, 2 cores 4 threads |
Chipset | Integrated onto processor package |
Memory | Up to 20GB: 4GB memory down + socket for 4/8/16GB DDR4-2133 SODIMM / RSODIMM |
Graphics | 3 independent displays: HDMI, VGA, and LVDS, max resolution 4096 x 2304 |
Ethernet | 2 Gigabit ports: 1 from chipset with i219 PHY, 1 from i210 on PCIe x1 lane, on-board LEDs for status |
USB | 4x USB 3.0/2.0 ports on Intel standard USB 2.0 connectors + 2x USB 2.0 on separate connector |
2x USB 2.0 via PCIe/104 OneBank expansion connector | |
2x USB 2.0 via PCIe MiniCard sockets | |
Serial | 4x multiprotocol RS-232/422/485, all features programmable including termination |
Audio | HDA audio with Line in, Line out, and Mic in, ALC892 CODEC |
Digital I/O | 16 lines with bitwise programmable direction, configurable 3.3V/5V logic levels, and configurable pull-up/down resistors |
Mass storage | 3 SATA interfaces: SATA DOM, Standard SATA, mSATA support in one MiniCard socket |
Security | TPM module Infineon SLB 9670XQ2.0 |
Expansion | MiniCard sockets: |
1 socket supports full size MiniCard / mSATA modules | |
1 socket supports full / half size MiniCard | |
OneBank Plus (PCIe/104 + PCI-104) socket with 22mm stacking height | |
Stackable I/O: | |
2 Full size (51mm length) | |
Supports up to 4 PCIe x1 Type 1 / Type 2 / OneBank I/O modules + up to 2 USB interface modules | |
Supports up to 4 PCI-104 expansion modules | |
Connectors | Latching, JST GH / GHD series |
Form factor | "3.5 inch" form factor: 5.75" x 4.0" / 146 x 102mm |
Cooling | Conduction cooling heat spreader on bottom |
Input voltage | 9-18VDC |
Power consumption | 14W under typical operating conditions |
Operating Temp | -40° to +85°C |
Available Models: | ||
VNS766-4GD | Venus SBC, i7-6600U 2.6GHz CPU, 4GB RAM | |
VNS563-4GD | Venus SBC, i5-6300U 2.4GHz CPU, 4GB RAM | |
CK-VNS-01 | Venus SBC Cable Kit, No HDMI Cable | |
CK-VNS-02 | Venus SBC Cable Kit, With HDMI Cable | |
DK-VNS766-LNX | Venus SBC development kit, includes VNS766-4GD SBC, Linux OS on SATA DOM, and cable kit | |
SDK-VNS-LNX | Venus SBC software development kit, includes Linux OS on SATA DOM | |
SDK-VNS-WE10 | Venus SBC software development kit, includes Windows 10 OS on SATA DOM |
Sales: sales@tri-m.com
Main: 604.814.5069
Fax: 888.831.5149
Tri-M Technologies Inc.
208 – 31510 Gill Avenue
Mission, BC, Canada V4S 0A1