EPIC (form factor)

Embedded Platform for Industrial Computing (EPIC) is a computer form factor standard put forth by a combined effort from WinSystems, VersaLogic, Octagon Systems, Micro/sys, and Ampro.

EPIC is a new standard that solves the need for an industrial-quality SBC that fits in size between PC/104-Plus and EBX standards. EPIC is endorsed by major SBC companies. It supports both PC/104 and PC/104-Plus expansion to take advantage of the hundreds of I/O modules available worldwide. It also has the flexibility to support high speed, serial buses like PCI Express.

Designers are always striving to add more functionality in less space. Embedded systems manufacturers who require faster CPUs and/or more I/O than found on a PC/104 CPU can now design in a broadly-supported, standardized, full-featured platform. Advances in semiconductor density, packaging technology, and connector technology have made this new EPIC form factor possible. This is especially important for applications that can’t accommodate larger, industrial grade EBX-sized boards. With EPIC, there is finally an industry standard for a mid-sized board.

Features

The key features of the EPIC platform include:

1. Small, industrial-grade, embedded SBC;
2. Full compatibility with existing PC/104 and PC/104-Plus expansion;
3. Fundamentally an I/O platform with processor;
4. Open industry standard administered by an independent standards body;
5. A bridge from current technology into the future—the ability to support PCI Express, ExpressCard, and other technologies, as they become available.;

References

• The consortium website
• The standard