Small, but power-packed

Citation

(2002), "Small, but power-packed", Sensor Review, Vol. 22 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2002.08722aad.007

Small, but power-packed

Small, but power-packed

Keyword: Industrial computers

Pentium II power in mini-format

Under the product name PxV206, Kontron is now launching an industrial PC on the market which goes a long way to satisfying customer demands for ever increasing performance in an ever reducing size.

The compact housing in the 19 inch format 2U high and a mounting depth of 457 mm has space for either a Pentium II of up to 933 MH_z. With a memory capacity of up to 1 GB SDRAM, the industrial computer is therefore suitable for a wide range of industrial applications from sophisticated machine controllers through to industrial servers (Plate 7).

Plate 7 Envoy – single, scalable, upgradeable in-vehicle computing solution

Despite the tight spatial conditions, the computer has five additional free slots for expansion of its functions with digital I/Os, fieldbusses such as CAN, PROFIBUS or also intelligent axis controllers.

Special features of the industrial computer are also the redundant PDC power supplies and the E-Pac technology which enables better ventilation of the hotspots and easier servicing and update also contribute to easier servicing and trouble-free upgrading.

The PxV206 Industrial PC is immediately available.

A three-piece car PC for rough environmental conditions A mobile office in different versions

The new, highly robust mobile PC family from Kontron consists of three modules. It is especially suitable for use in police, ambulance and fire brigade vehicles as well as in cars and trucks, where there is a regular occurrence of splash water and uneven terrain. A waterproof version, the "Mobile C4", and a rainproof version "ENVOY" are also available.

The PC is fully Windows-compatible, can be connected to the Internet via GSM and to local data servers and with the aid of GPS can be used for route planning and navigation. The unit is shock and vibration resistant up to 100 g (according to MIL-STD-810E). It has an extended operation temperature range from –32°C to +60°C and complies with EMC regulations (currently according to FCC Class B).

The central processing unit with a 500MHz Pentium III processor, up to 256MB RAM and an exchangeable 20 GB hard drive fits in the boot. The display unit, (touchscreen optional), can be attached to the windscreen by means of a suction connection and swivel foot. A waterproof 10.4" version is also available and a rainproof 6.4" display will soon be launched for Europe. The third module is the keyboard with backlighting. The distance between the individual modules can be up to 6 meters.

The mobile PC has two PCMCIA and three serial ports; it can also be equipped with multimedia functions (CD and/or DVD drive) to allow viedeo representation while driving.

Application examples

The device is already used by the US police in Wyoming and in Minneapolis. The mobile computers have online access to the data bank server in police headquarters so that, for example, ID pictures can be compared online. When used by the fire brigade, the fire appliances could immediately set off once a fire is reported, navigate to the scene of the fire via GPS and automatically receive the plans for the water supply or details about hazardous materials at the scene of the fire. At the same time the central computer can switch all of the traffic signals on the route to green. Similar applications are also possible for ambulance service, where by the rescue crew can receive additional medical support online.

Contact: Mr Peter Blewett, Tel: 01273 441188; Fax: 01273 441199;E-mail: peter.blewett@uk.kontron.com