Harsh conditions PC

Mikro Elektronik has released the DC1, a rugged panel PC based on the Atom processor Z530 or Z510. The PC has low power consumption, extended temperature range, space-saving design and seven years’ minimum usage.

It is a rugged, fanless and maintenance-free panel PC for use in harsh, mobile and safety-critical applications in transport, avionics, medical engineering or industrial automation. Its robust aluminium housing is protected against vandalism and has been developed for safe operation in direct contact with passengers, eg, in infotainment applications in trains, buses or aircraft.

It is the first member in a family of display computers based on flexible, modular design concept as to display resolution, display size, processor type, I/O configuration and power supply.

At its heart are Atom processors with a frequency of up to 1.6 GHz and a performance comparable to a Pentium M with 1 GHz or more. 1 GB working memory and 5 GB USB-controlled flash are included.

Standard I/O comprises two USB, two fast ethernet, one UART, as well as binary inputs, and can optionally be extended by HD audio or IBIS fieldbus functionality. Wireless functions, eg, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, GSM/GPRS, UMTS, can optionally be implemented via a MiniPCI Express card slot in combination with an external antenna.

All signals are collected at the bottom side of the DC1, which enables the DC1 to be fixed on any mounting device.

The control electronics are directly behind the display, which enables a fanless cooling via conductive cooling between the electronics and display. With a total power dissipation of 20 W, the machine is suitable for an operation temperature of -40 to +70°C (up to +85°C for 15 mins).

The unit is protected against shock and vibration, all components are soldered and only M12 or D-Sub I/O connectors are used. The electronics are prepared with a coating against humidity. The off-the-shelf DC1 which is equipped with a 15" display and a wide range PSU with 9-36 V (optionally also 18-5 V and 36-154 V) is IP54 protected at the front and complies to railway standard EN50155.