Adlink announced a rugged, extended-temperature computer that allows purchasers to “optimize” wireless performance, gaining greater Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 3.0 range. The Matrix MXE-5300 runs on “Sandy Bridge” Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processors, supports up to 16GB of DDR3 RAM, has Mini PCI Express and CompactFlash slots, and includes SATA, gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0/3.0, and serial connections.

The MXE-5300 is designed for intelligent transportation, in-vehicle multimedia, surveillance, and factory automation applications, says Adlink. The optional wireless modules make the computer a good choice for cargo management and wireless relays to control centers, adds the company. 

MXE-5300, with optional antennas
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The computer is the latest in Adlink's line of Matrix MXE branded PCs, such as last year's Intel Atom N270-based MXE-1200 and Atom D510-based MXE-3000. The latest Matrix jacks into Intel's "2nd-generation" of Core processors known as "Sandy Bridge" chips, including the quad-core Core i7-2710QE, which is clocked at 2.1GHz. The Intel QM67 chipset is also supplied, along with Intel AMT 7.0 support, says the company.

The MXE-5300 is equipped with 4GB of DDR3 memory, and upgradeable to 8GB or 16GB, says Adlink. The computer provides a CompactFlash slot as well as a bay for an optional 320GB hard disk drive (HDD) or solid state drive (SSD) up to 64GB, says the company. An external eSATA port is also said to be available.

Rear view of MXE-5300
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The MXE-3000 offers dual Mini PCI Express (PCIe) sockets, and like the earlier MXE models, it also offers a SIM slot. Instead of just supporting 3G expansion, however, the MXE-5300 is also available with 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and aGPS wireless modules.

In addition, the computer features a new RF Matching Module option that is designed to enhance wireless performance. For example, it provides 300-meter (984-foot) coverage and minimum 1Mbps bandwidth for Wi-Fi, as well as a 100-meter (328-foot) operating range for Bluetooth 3.0, claims Adlink. Other enhancements available with the RF Matching Module are said to include support for WCDMA /HSDPA/HSUPA cellular, as well as GPS cold-start time of as little as 25 seconds.

MXE-5300 port detail, front and back
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The MXE-5300 offers DVI-I and VGA dual display support, as well as four gigabit Ethernet ports and six USB ports, including two USB 3.0 models, says the company. Two RS232 ports are supplied, as well as two more ports that are programmable between RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485.

The MXE-5300 is available in standard and extended temperature ranges, and provides vibration and shock resistance, including memory and storage stabilizers, says Adlink (see spec list below). The system provides a wide-range 9-32 VDC input, customized copper conduits to enhance thermal dissipation efficiency, and an anodized aluminum alloy chassis to prevent corrosion, says the company.

MXE-5300 —  mounting (left), plus access to storage (middle) and memory (right)
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The MXE-5300 is further promoted for its thumbscrew design and other access features (see images above). These are said to make it easy to upgrade HDDs RAM, and mini PCIe modules.

Features and specifications listed for the Adlink MXE-5300 include:

• Processor — Intel Core i7-2710QE, i5-2510E, or i3-2300E ("Sandy Bridge")
• Chipset — Intel QM67
• Memory — 4GB DDR2 (1066MHz) via 1 x SODIMM, expandable up to 8GB or 16GB
• Storage:
  • CompactFlash slot
  • eSATA port
  • SATA-III port and bay for 2.5-inch HDD/SDD
  • optional 320GB HDD or 8GB/32GB/64GB SSD
• Expansion:
  • 2 x Mini PCIe (internal)
  • 1 x USIM socket for 3G module
  • optional wireless modules for 3G (WCDMA), Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 3.0, aGPS
  • optional RF Matching Module
• Display — VGA and DVI-I ports with dual display support; up to 2048 x 1536 analog resolution
• Networking — 4 x gigabit Ethernet port (2 x Realtek 8111C, Intel 82574IT, and Intel 82579LM)
• Other I/O:
  • 6 x USB ports (2 x USB 3.0)
  • 2 x RS232/422/485; software-programmable (COM1 & COM2)
  • 2 x RS232 (COM3 & COM4)
  • PS/2 keyboard/mouse
  • mic-in; speaker-out
  • 4 x DIO with 1.5KV isolation
• Other features — optional antennas, wall-mount kit
• Power — 9-32 VDC input; 3P pluggable connector with latch; optional 160 W ext. AC-DC adapter with -4 to 158 deg. F (-20 to 70 deg. C) support
• Operating temperature — 32 to 122 deg. F (0 to 50 deg. C); extended option -4 to 158 deg. F (-20 to 70 deg. C) with industrial SSD (except for i7, which extends to 140 deg. F/60 deg. C)
• Vibration resistance — 5 Grms, 5-500Hz, 3 axes with CF/SSD; 0.5 Grms; 5-500Hz, 3 axes with HDD
• Shock resistance — 50 G, half sine 11ms with CF/SSD
• Dimensions — 9.0 x 8.0 x 2.9 inches (230 x 205 x 75mm)
• Weight — 8.39 lbs (3.8 k)

Availability

According to Adlink, the Matrix MXE-5300 was "released," suggesting its current availability. No pricing or operating system support was listed. More information may be found at the Adlink MXE-5300 product page.

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