Axiomtek announced a fanless DIN-rail computer designed to tolerate temperatures from -40 to 158 deg. F. The rBOX200 provides an AMD LX800 processor, up to 1GB of RAM, CompactFlash storage, redundant power inputs, and dual 10/100 Ethernet ports with magnetic isolation protection, the company says.

It's almost always true in the tech biz that more powerful devices get model numbers that are higher numerically. Not so with Axiomtek's little rBOX200: It's a follow-on to the rBOX100 released last year, but that product had 1.1 or 1.3GHz Intel Atom X5xxPT processors, while the '200 gets a lowly AMD Geode LX800.

Running at an unstated clock speed, the LX800 is paired with AMD's CS5536 companion chip, while the rBOX200's single DIMM slot accepts up to 1GB of memory. Persistent storage is via a CompactFlash slot, and Axiomtek says it can supply cards with Linux, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows CE 6.0 operating systems on board.

Recommended for "unconstrained thermal environments" such as power plant automation, facility monitoring systems, manufacturing automation, and transportation systems, the rBOX200 can operate from -40 to 158 deg. F. Its two 10/100 Ethernet ports are magnetically isolated, according to Axiomtek, and the company's data sheet lists a wide range of environmental, safety, EMI, and EMS compliances for the device.

Axiomtek says the DIN-rail-mountable rBOX200 has a terminal block providing two redundant power inputs, accepting DC ranging from 12 to 48 Volts. A VGA port is mounted on top of the machine alongside its power terminals, the company adds.

The rBOX200's front panel serves up not only its LAN ports, but also two USB 2.0 ports, two RS232/422/485 ports, and a 25-pin connector that's apparently for the digital I/O (eight in/out) cited by Axiomtek.

Like the earlier rBOX100, the rBOX200 ships with AXView software, enabling system administrators to set up, manage, and monitor remote computers. Based on SNMP protocols, AXView includes management utilities, agent services, and libraries, according to Axiomtek.

Specifications listed by Axiomtek for the rBOX200 include:

• Processor — AMD Geode LX800
• Chipset — CS5536
• Memory — up to 1GB of DDR400 RAM
• Storage — CompactFlash slot
• Networking — 2 x 10/100 Ethernet
• Other I/O:
  • 2 x RS232/422/485
  • 2 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x DIO (8 in/out)
  • 1 x VGA
• Power — redundant inputs accept 12~48VDC; consumption n/s
• Operating range — -40 to 158 deg. F (-40 to 70 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 5.31 x 4.33 x 3.18 inches
• Weight — 3 pounds

Further information

Axiomtek did not cite pricing for the rBOX200, but said the device will be available by early May. More information may be found on the rBOX200 product page.

Jonathan Angel can be followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.