Axiomtek is readying an expandable fanless embedded computer targeting industrial automation, digital signage, gaming, and vehicle applications. Due in May, the eBOX639-840-FL offers Core 2 Duo or Celeron M processors, PCI and x16 PCIe slots, two gigabit Ethernet ports, four serial ports, and six USB ports.

(Click here for a larger view of Axiomtek's eBOX639-840-FL)

Axiomtek's SB86840 mini-ITX motherboard (Click image to enlarge)

Axiomtek makes no secret of the fact that its eBOX devices are the result of a building-block approach to creating embedded computers, where previously introduced mini-ITX motherboards are combined with standardized cases and I/O panels. The new eBOX639-840-FL shares its 9.06 x 7.17 x 5.51-inch aluminum case, for example, with the eBOX639-822-FL introduced last year. And, it shares its SB86840 motherboard (right) with the eBOX832-840, also released in 2008.

In Axiomtek nomenclature, the “FL” suffix denotes fanless operation, apparently enabled here by the eBOX639-840-FL's aluminum case, bristling with cooling slots and an integral heat sink. The device's motherboard is installed at the top of the case, where, most likely, a heat pipe or spreader connects its processor and chipset to the fins above.

According to Axiomtek, the eBOX639-840-FL uses Intel's GME965 northbridge and ICH8M southbridge, allowing it to support a variety of Core 2 Duo and Celeron M processors, with frontside bus speeds of 533MHz, 667MHz, or 800MHz. The device has two DIMM sockets, which accept up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, plus a 2.5-inch bay for an SATA or IDE hard disk drive, the company adds.

Axiomtek says the eBOX639-840-FL has one 32-bit, 33MHz PCI expansion slot, and one PCI Express x16 slot. Thanks to a “special design,” both slots are said to be accessible for card installation or replacement without opening up the whole computer.

As pictured at the top of our story, all the computer's interfaces are mounted on its rear panel, just above the expansion slots. They include PS/2 ports for keyboard and mouse, four serial ports (three RS232, one RS232/422/485), two gigabit Ethernet ports, a VGA output, six USB ports, mic in, and line out.

On its spec sheet for the SB86840 motherboard, Axiomtek also lists two IEEE 1394a (FireWire) ports. These ports appear to be present on the back of the eBOX639-840-FL but, oddly, are not listed by Axiomtek in its specifications for the computer.

Features and specifications that are listed by Axiomtek for the eBOX639-840-FL include:

• Processor — Intel Socket P-compatible CPUs including Core 2 Duo and Celeron M
  
• Memory — Up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM via dual 240-pin DIMMs
  
• Display — VGA output
  
• Storage — Accepts 2.5-inch hard disk drive
  
• Networking — Dual gigabit Ethernet interfaces with RJ45 connectors
  
• Other I/O:
  • 3 x RS232 serial ports
    
  • 1 x RS232/422/485
    
  • 2 x PS/2 (for keyboard and mouse)
    
  • 6 x USB 2.0

  • 2 x 1394a (Firewire) ports
    
  • 2 x 3.5mm jacks for mic in and line out
    
  • 1 x SATA (internal)
    
  • 1 x IDE (internal)

• Expansion:
  • 1 x 32-bit/33MHz PCI (up to 200mm card length)
    
  • 1 x PCI Express x 16 (up to 167mm card length)

• Power requirements — accepts 16VDC~28VDC input voltages, requires 150 Watts
  
• Operating temperature — -10 to 40 deg. C (-14 to 104 deg. F)

• Dimensions — 9.06 x 7.17 x 5.51 inches
  
• Weight — 9.92 pounds (4.5kg)

Axiomtek did not release pricing but said the eBOX639-840-FL will be available in May, supporting Linux, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows CE.

More information on the eBOX639-840-FL can be found on the Axiomtek website, here.

 
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