Axiomtek announced a fanless embedded PC that packs a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and is intended primarily for railway applications. The tBOX320-852-FL has dual 2.5-inch drive bays, one externally accessible, plus a CompactFlash slot, two Mini PCI Express slots, and gigabit Ethernet ports with locking M12 connectors, the company says.

The idea of a PC for railway applications will sound odd to U.S. citizens, the majority of whom have never even seen a passenger train. But in Europe, China, Taiwan, and elsewhere, embedded PCs ride the rails to provide passenger information, infotainment, and video surveillance.

Axiomtek's tBOX320-852-FL is a relatively large embedded PC that runs fanlessly and has a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo SP9300 processor (with the GM45 northbridge and ICH9M southbridge). What makes it different from many others is that its 2GB of DDR3 memory is soldered-down, and its two gigabit Ethernet ports use locking M12 connectors — ensuring vibration resistance and compliance with EN50121/EN50155 standards, according to the company.

The Axiomtek tBOX320-852-FL
(Click to enlarge)

The tBOX320-852-FL's front panel, shown above, includes four isolated RS232/422/485 ports, VGA and DVI-D video outputs, four USB 2.0 ports, plus audio I/O (mic in and line out). The PC also offers digital I/O, though the number of possible inputs and outputs wasn't quantified by Axiomtek.

The rear panel, meanwhile, has a screwed-down cover, behind which is a CompactFlash slot and an externally accessible 2.5-inch drive bay, according to Axiomtek. The tBOX320-852-FL further has an internal 2.5-inch bay, two Mini PCI Express slots, a SIM slot, and three antenna openings, the company says.

Ports on the Axiomtek tBOX320-852-FL
(Click to enlarge)

According to Axiomtek, the tBOX320-852-FL runs Linux, Windows XP Embedded, or Windows CE, and can do so in temperatures ranging from -13 to 131 deg. F. It operates on input voltages ranging from 12 to 32VDC and endures vibration up to 2Grms, the company adds.

Specifications listed for the tBOX320-852-FL by Axiomtek include:

• Processor — Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 clocked at 2.26GHz
• Chipset — GM45 and ICH9M
• Memory — 2GB of DDR3 RAM
• Storage — 2 x 2.5-inch SATA bay (1 internal, 1 external)
• Expansion:
  • 2 x Mini PCI Express slots
  • 1 x CompactFlash
  • SIM slot
• Networking — 2 x gigabit Ethernet with M12 connectors
• Other I/O:
  • 4 x USB 2.0
  • 4 x isolated RS232/422/485
  • 1 x DVI-D
  • 1 x VGA
  • 1 isolated DI/DO connector
  • audio — mic in, line out
• Power — 12~32VDC with isolation support, plus protection from short circuits and over- or under-voltage
• Operating range — -13 to 131 deg. F.
• Dimensions — 11.3 x 8.3 x 3.4 inches
• Weight — "tbd"

Further information

Pricing was not listed, but the tBOX320-852-FL will be available by the end of this month, according to Axiomtek. More information may be found on the tBOX320-852-FL product page.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at [email protected] and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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