Axiomtek announced a fanless embedded PC that offers Intel's single-core Atom N455 or dual core D525 processors, along with a Mini PCI expansion slot. The eBOX620-801-FL supports up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, includes a 2.5-inch drive bay and a CompactFlash slot, and has three serial ports, according to the company.

Despite a troubled global economy, there has been no lessening in demand for fanless industrial PCs. OK, that statement might or might not be a fact, but it's certainly the impression given by Axiomtek, which continues to pump out what seems like infinite variations of its eBox devices — all passively cooled via impressive-looking heat sinks.

Axiomtek's eBOX620-801-FL
(Click to enlarge)

The new eBOX620-801-FL (above) is closely related to the eBOX620-800-FL that was released in March, as the modestly incremented model number indicates. Specs are mostly the same, except that where that model employed Intel's Atom N450 or D510, the newer device is offered with the single-core, 1.66GHz Atom N455 or dual-core, 1.8GHz Atom D525 (TDPs are 5.5 and 10 Watts, respectively, according to Intel).

We wouldn't expect to see much of a performance boost associated with this change in processors. However, Axiomtek points out that the D525-equipped model of the eBOX620-801-FL accepts up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM in its single SODIMM slot (the N455-equipped version still has the 2GB limit that's more typical for Atom-powered PCs).

As did its predecessor, the identically sized eBOX620-801-FL has room for a 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive and a CompactFlash slot (the latter apparently externally accessible once a door is unscrewed). Again, the device also features a Mini PCI Express slot, and Axiomtek says there's also now room for an internal USB-based wireless LAN adapter.

Ports on Axiomtek's eBOX620-801-FL
(Click to enlarge)

The PC's front panel (top, above) features a microphone input and line output, two USB 2.0 ports, plus two antenna connectors that were not present on the earlier eBOX620-800-FL. The rear panel is like the earlier PC's, with three serial ports (one RS232/422/485 and two RS232), a VGA port, two more USB 2.0 ports, and two gigabit Ethernet ports.

Axiomtek says that, as was the case with the eBOX620-800-FL, the eBOX620-801-FL is orderable with a second (DVI) video output, in which case dual monitors are supported. The company also claims the device has a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port, though we can't work out from the supplied images where this might be located (on the eBOX620-800-FL, it was between the Ethernet ports).

The eBOX620-801-FL supports a 14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C) operating temperatures with the D525 and 14 to 131 deg. F (-10 to 55 deg. C) with the N455, says the company. Operating system support is said to include Linux, Windows CE, and Windows XP Embedded.

Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the eBOX620-801-FL include:

• Processor — Intel Atom N455 (single-core) or Atom D525 (dual-core)
• Chipset — ICH 8M
• Memory — up to 4GB DDR3 of RAM via 1 x 200-pin SODIMM on D525 version; up to 2GB of DDR3 RAM
• Storage — 2.5-inch SATA bay and CompactFlash slot
• Expansion — 1 x Mini PCI Express card; internal USB bay for wireless LAN adapter
• Networking — 2 x gigabit Ethernet ports
• Other I/O:
  • 4 x USB 2.0 (2 front, 2 rear)
  • 1 x RS-232/422/485 (COM 1)
  • 2 x RS-232 (COM 2/3)
  • 1 x VGA
  • 1 x DVI (optional)
  • audio — mic in and line out
  • 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse (claimed)
• Power — AC adapter; 90-264 VAC input; 12 VDC output
• Operating temperature — 14 to 122 deg. F (-10 to 50 deg. C) with D525; 14 to 131 deg. F (-10 to 55 deg. C) with N455
• Vibration endurance — 2Grms with CompactFlash
• Dimensions — 7.87 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches (200 x 120 x 56mm)
• Weight — 4.36 pounds (1.98 kg)
• Operating systems — Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE, Linux

Further information

Axiomtek did not cite pricing or availability for the eBOX620-801-FL, but the device appears to be available now. More information may be found at Axiomtek's eBOX620-801-FL page.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at [email protected] and 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.