Embedded equipment manufacturer Advantech announced the acquisition of DLog GmbH from Augusta Technologie AG for 12.85 million Euros (about $17.6 million). DLog is claimed to be Europe's third largest producer of rugged industrial computers, with a focus on in-vehicle terminals and computers plus expertise in embedded Linux and Windows XP/CE development.

Taipei, Taiwan-based Advantech, which claims to be one of the world's largest manufacturers of embedded boards, modules, and industrial PCs, plans to focus the new Advantech-DLog company's efforts on industrial in-vehicle computing, and expand into Asia and U.S. markets, says the company. The terms of the transaction have been approved by the Advantech and Augusta board of directors, says Advantech.

Current DLog CEO Hans-Peter Nüdling will continue on as the leader of the new Advantech-DLoG company, says Advantech. Prior to joining DLoG in 2007, Nüdling held various management positions within the electrical engineering sector, including ATI, AMD, and Infineon, says Advantech.

Munich, Germany-based DLog was founded in 1985 and was later acquired by German embedded manufacturer Augusta. The 75-employee DLog, which houses design, R&D, sales, and marketing departments, owns a 19.3 percent share of the European rugged industrial computer market share, says Advantech. In 2008, DLog was said to have achieved revenue of 18.5 million Euros, followed by 13 million Euros (about $17.8 million) in the 2009 recession year. According to Advantech, the company is on track to grow again in 2010.

Expertise in intralogistics and heavy-duty in-vehicle terminals

DLog's primary focus is vehicle mount terminals, but the company also manufacturers stationary industrial PCs, using Linux, Windows XP Pro/Embedded, and Windows CE. In addition, it develops logistics applications, with a specialty in floor conveyors, as well as visualization/control applications, and stationary applications in fabrication and production.

Advantech-DLoG will focus on two in-vehicle computing markets where DLog has been dominant — the intralogistic and heavy duty segments — as well as two areas where Advantech has greater experience: stationary applications and fleet management, says Advantech. Advantech's existing "Trek" line of vehicle-mount computers, such as the 10.4-inch Trek-775, supports various versions of Windows, but not Linux.

DLog's Linux-ready MPC vehicle-mount computers

DLog sells industrial vehicle mount computers in 7-, 10-, 12-, and 15-inch touchscreen display versions. Its 10-inch DLog MPC 6 / 110 (pictured at right), for example, runs Linux or Windows XP Embedded on an Intel Celeron M clocked at up to 1GHz, along with 512MB to 1GB of DDR2 RAM, says DLog. The modular system is said to offer a 10-inch VGA touchscreen, CompactFlash and hard-drive storage options, as well as PCI and PCIe MiniCard expansion.

The computer is said to be further equipped with serial interfaces, MDE and CAN interface cards, PC cards, USB ports, and optional WLAN, Bluetooth, RFID, GPS, and GPRS. The system also offers speakers and audio I/O, says DLog.

The ruggedized system is said to be compliant with IP54, IP65, IP66, and IP67 protection standards, offer vibration and shock resistance, and provide a galvanically isolated power supply. In addition, the computer is said to withstand operating temperatures ranging from 32 to 122 deg. F (0 to 50 deg. C).

DLog's touchscreen technology

Like DLog's other vehicle mount computers, the MPC 6 / 110 incorporates the company's own ruggedized touchscreen design (see diagram above). The design incorporates film-film-glass (FFG) with buffer-layer technology, incorporating two polyester films that have been chemically hardened, says DLog.

Stated Advantech CEO KC Liu, "DLog boasts sophisticated German craftsmanship, design quality and distinguished brand architecture in the European market. I highly appreciate the achievement of the current DLog management team in the in-vehicle computing business." Liu also stated that Advantech would "carefully maintain the stability of DLog's supply chain, eco partners and customer service model after the acquisition."

Stated Nüdling, "Both Advantech and DLog are experts in industrial in-vehicle computing. We are confident in developing more complete product lines as well as raising higher quality and better services practice."

Availability

Advantech's acquisition of DLog appears to have been completed. More information on D-Log may be found at its German-language website, here. More information on Advantech's vehicle-mounted computers may be found here.

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