Avalue announced a fanless embedded computer featuring shock and vibration resistance and an operating range of -14 to 131 deg. F. The EPS-QM57 is equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of DDR3 RAM, PCI and mini-PCI Express expansion, SATA and CFast storage, plus a wide range of I/O.

The EPS-QM57 supports Intel's Jan. 2010 version of the Core i7 processor, along with an Intel QM57 chipset, and it can optionally accept an Intel Celeron. (Despite the similarity in names, the computer does not appear to be based on the EPIC form-factor EPI-QM57 single board computer released by Avalue early last year; this year, the company followed up with a EPI-QM67 EPIC board based on the newer "Sandy Bridge" Core CPUs.)

Avalue EPS-QM57

The computer supports up to 8GB DDR3 via dual SODIMMs, although only one can be filled to achieve the -14 to 131 deg. F. temperature range. With the full 8GB, however, the device is operable from -14 to 122 deg. F, according to Avalue.

A CFast (SATA-based CompactFlash) socket is available for a solid state drive (SSD), and a SATA port and a 2.5-inch bay enable hard disk drive (HDD) storage, says Avalue. As to be expected, the shock and vibration resistance is slightly lower with the HDD installed (see spec sheet farther below).

Rear ports of the EPS-QM57

The EPS-QM57 comes standard with dual PCI slots and dual mini-PCI Express (PCIe) sockets, and a full-size PCIe x16 riser card is said to be optional. Wireless expansion is further enabled with a SIM card slot, says the company.

The EPS-QM57 features dual gigabit Ethernet ports, eight RS232 ports, and six USB 2.0 ports, two of them facing front, says Avalue. VGA and LVDS ports are also available, along with audio I/O and GPIO.

Avalue makes a point of noting the wide 9~30V voltage input range, and says the system features anti-interference capability, as well as protection from short circuits. The EPS-QM57 also supplies a bottom-side access panel for easier installation of storage drives and memory, says the company.

The EPS-QM57 supports operating systems including Linux, Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP, and Windows 7, says Avalue. In addition to general purpose industrial automation applications, the computer supports vehicle transportation systems, and communication systems, says the company.

Features and specifications listed for the EPS-QM57 include:

• Processor — Intel Core i7-620LE (2.0GHz with 4MB cache) or Intel Celeron P4505 (1.86GHz with 2MB Cache)
• Chipset — Intel QM57
• Memory — up to 8GB DDR3 800/1066 SDRAM via 2 x 204-pin SODIMMs
• Storage:
  • CFast socket with ejector and cover for SSD
  • SATA port
  • mounting kit for 2.5-inch HDD
• Expansion:
  • 2 x PCI slots
  • 2 x mini-PCIe sockets
  • optional PCIe x16 riser card
  • 1 x SIM card slot
• Networking — 2 x gigabit Ethernet ports (Intel 82577LM)
• Other I/O:
  • 6 x USB 2.0 port (2 x front-facing)
  • 8 x RS-232
  • VGA/LCD port (with dual-ch. 18/24-bit LVDS)
  • Mic in, line out (5.1-ch HD audio)
  • LPT
  • 8/16-bit DIO
  • 2-pin Phoenix-type extending switch
• Other features — watchdog; 6 x LEDs; optional table mount bracket
• Power — 9~30 V; 3-pin Phoenix-type connector
• Operating temperature — -14 to 131 deg. F (-10 to 55 deg. C) with 1 x SODIMM occupied; -14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C) with 2 x SODIMMs
• Vibration protection — CFast: 5Grms, IEC 60068-2-64, random, 5 ~ 500Hz, 1hr/axis; HDD: 1Grms, IEC 60068-2-64, random, 5 ~ 500Hz, 1hr/axis
• Shock protection — CFast: 50G, IEC 60068-2-27, half sine, 11ms; HDD: 20G, IEC 60068-2-27, half sine, 11ms
• Weight — 10 lbs.
• Dimensions — 9.84 x 8.66 x 4.25 inches (250 x 220 x 108mm)

Availability

No pricing or availability information was provided for the EPS-QM57. More information may be found on Avalue's EPS-QM57 page.

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