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Shock resistant automation computer runs Linux

May 6, 2008 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 4 views

Axiomtek has announced a fanless embedded computer based on one of its existing SBCs (single board computers). Targeting applications such as digital signage or industrial control, the shock-resistant eBox647-FL boots Linux from CompactFlash, according to the company.

(Click here for a larger view of the eBox647-FL)

The eBox647-FL is packaged in a 7.9 x 5.9 x 2-inch housing made of aluminum and extruded steel. With an integral heat sink, it operates fanlessly from 0 to 50 deg. C, and is said to resist shocks up to 2Grms (gravity root mean square), thanks to the use of CompactFlash storage instead of a hard disk drive.

The main board used in the system is Axiomtek's SBC84710 (shown below). It features a 1.5GHz Via C7 processor, with the CX700 companion chip and ITE8888G PCI to ISA bridge. A single SODIMM socket accepts up to 1GB of RAM.


The eBox647-FL uses this SBC84710 main board

There are several features of the SBC84710 that aren't accessible on the eBox647-FL, obviously because of constraints imposed by the case. These include two of its USB ports, its dual IDE interfaces, its PC/104 expansion interface, and its MiniPCI expansion slot.

Nonetheless, the eBox647-FL is more than adequately provided with interfaces. It offers three RS232 ports, one RS232/422/485 port, VGA and PS/2 connectors, and an RJ45 jack for 10/100 Ethernet.


The rear of the eBox647-FL

There are also three front-mounted audio connectors, a 25-pin parallel port, and a power input that accepts either 5VDC or 12VDC.

As mentioned, the device also includes a CompactFlash slot. Apparently, this and the SODIMM slot are accessible via a door at the bottom of its case.

Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the eBox-647FL include:

  • Processor — 1.5GHz Via C7
  • Memory — up to 1GHz of DDR2 RAM in single SODIMM slot
  • Storage — via CompactFlash
  • Networking — 10/100 Ethernet
  • Other I/O:
    • 1 x RS232/422/485
    • 3 x RS232
    • 2 x USB 2.0
    • VGA
    • 1 x PS/2 for keyboard/mouse
    • Audio line in, line out, mic in (front-mounted)
    • 1 x LPT (front-mounted)

  • Expansion — Compact Flash Type II slot
  • Dimensions — 7.9 x 5.9 x 2
  • Weight — tbd
  • Vibration endurance — 2Grms (5-500Hz, X, Y, Z directions)
  • Operating temperature — 0 to 50 deg. C

Axiomtek did not release pricing information, but said the RoHS-compliant eBox647-FL will be available around the end of May. In addition to Linux, it runs Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE, according to the company.


 
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.



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