ADLINK ETX-BT Module Configuration and PATA to SATA Upgrade Guide

ADLINK ETX-BT Embedded Module Configuration and PATA to SATA Migration Practical Guide

In the upgrade of industrial embedded systems, the ETX-BT module provides an ideal bridge to retain traditional ETX carrier boards and ISA/PCI peripherals while achieving modern processor performance and high-speed storage. This module is based on Intel Atom ®  E3800 SoC（Bay Trail）， Compatible with the ETX 3.02 standard and introducing innovative PATA to SATA storage solutions to help engineers smoothly eliminate outdated PATA flash drives. This article provides a complete deployment and troubleshooting manual from the aspects of hardware selection, interface definition, storage migration, BIOS tuning, and SEMA intelligent management.

Model Overview and Selection Points

The ETX-BT series supports from single core E3815 to quad core E3845, as well as Celeron ®  Multiple processors such as N2930/J1900, with TDP coverage ranging from 4.5W to 10W. The standard version operates at a temperature range of 0-60 ℃, with an optional wide temperature range of -40 ℃ to+85 ℃ (Extreme Rugged) ™）。 Key selection considerations:

CPU performance: Real time control menu core E3815 (5W, no Turbo), multitasking quad core E3845 (10W, Turbo up to 1.91GHz).

Display output: VGA+single/dual channel LVDS, optional DisplayPort (via board edge FPC), supports dual independent display.

Storage configuration: By default, 1 PATA (main mode) and 1 SATA 3Gb/s are provided, or dual PATA, dual SATA, or even onboard SATA SSDs (2-64GB) can be customized. Please refer to the table in section 2.5 for specific combinations.

Important reminder: If you want to keep the old PATA DOM or CF card, please select the default "PATA+SATA" configuration; If upgrading to SATA SSD, it is necessary to confirm the "SATA SSD" option in the model (occupying the second SATA port). When ordering, it is important to clarify the requirements, as some interfaces are build options.

Core interface pin analysis and connection points

The ETX-BT is interconnected with the carrier board through four 100 pin connectors (X1~X4), and understanding its signal definition is crucial for carrier board design or troubleshooting.

2.1 X1- PCI, USB, and Audio

PCI bus: 32-bit/33MHz, supports 4 master devices, compliant with PCI 2.3. Note that the PCI clock (PCICK3/4, etc.) and interrupt routing (INTA~INTD) can be adjusted through SW4 (see section 6.10).

USB: 4-channel USB 2.0, supports wake-up (S3/S4).

Audio: HD Audio (ALC262), providing microphone, left and right channels (AUXAL/AUXAR, etc.).

Common problem: PCI device cannot recognize, check if SW4's PCI IRQ routing matches the carrier board design (default ABCD complies with ETX specifications).

2.2 X2- ISA bus (16 bits)

The ISA bus is implemented through an LPC-to-ISA bridge, but does not support DMA (as SoC does not have DMA capability). This means that older ISA DMA cards (such as some data acquisition cards) cannot function. The signals include SD [0:15], SA [0:19], LA [17:23], IOR #/IOW #, MEMR #/MEMW #, IRQ3~15, etc., and are compatible with 3.3V~5V levels.

Warning: If ISA DMA is required for the carrier board, an external DMA controller must be added or other modules must be selected.

2.3 X3 – LVDS、 Serial parallel port, keyboard and mouse

LVDS: Supports single/dual channel 18/24 bit, data pairs (LCD0~LCD19) and clock signals. The panel type (resolution, data format, polarity) needs to be configured in the BIOS.

Serial port: COM1/COM2 full signal (including DCD, DSR, CTS, RTS, RI), supports RS-232.

Parallel port: SPP/EPP mode (without DMA).

PS/2: Keyboard (KBCLK/KBDT) and Mouse (MSCLK/MSDAT), 5V pull-up.

Debugging prompt: If LVDS does not display, first check if the LCD Panel Type in BIOS matches, and then confirm if the LVDS Backlight Control Source (BMC or IGFX) and control signals such as BLON # and DIGON are effective.

2.4 X4- Storage and Ethernet

X4 is the core of storage and networking:

PATA IDE: Primary (P_IDE) and Secondary (D_IDE) channels, only supports Master mode (not Slave). The default primary channel is PATA and the secondary channel is SATA. If dual PATA is required, customization is required.

SATA: Two SATA 3Gb/s, multiplexed with PATA (see Table 2.5). SATA mode can be set as IDE or AHCI in BIOS.

Ethernet: By default, it only operates at 10/100 Mbps (via X4's RXD/TXD pair), but it can be optionally equipped with a gigabit FPC connector (optional). Please note that both cannot be activated simultaneously.

Key to PATA to SATA migration: ETX-BT has a built-in SATA to PATA bridge controller that converts traditional PATA signals to SATA protocol, allowing for the use of modern SATA SSDs or HDDs, while still being treated as PATA devices at the software level (in IDE mode). To enable SATA native mode, set SATA Mode Selection to AHCI in the BIOS and configure the corresponding port as SATA (not PATA). Specific port function allocation needs to refer to the ordering configuration - default Port1=PATA, Port2=SATA; If Port1=SATA is required, a special model is needed.

Practical Storage Configuration Migration (PATA → SATA)

Many legacy systems use PATA DOM (Disk On Module) or CF cards, but these devices have small capacity, slow speed, and are gradually being discontinued. ETX-BT provides the following migration paths: