[Updated, Jan. 21] — Sintrones Technology announced an in-vehicle computer featuring AMD's new G-Series processors. The VBOX-3200 offers features including a 1.6GHz dual-core or 1.2GHz single-core CPU, up to 8GB DDR3 memory, dual 2.5-inch drive bays, power protection, and a CAN bus, says the company.

This is the first time we've covered Sintrones, which offers a number of embedded boards and computers based on the Intel Atom. The name sounds French — or as if it belongs to a 60's Motown group or army of alien robots — but the company is actually based in Taiwan.

Sintrones VBOX-3200

Sintrones' debut appearance on LinuxDevices also marks the first in-vehicle computer based on Advanced Micro Devices' (AMD's) new G-Series processors, smaller-footprint rivals to Intel's Atom that're touted as offering better graphics and video power. (Yesterday, CompuLab announced a new fit-PC3 mini-PC that adopts the G-Series too.)

The VBOX-3200 can run Linux or Windows Embedded on AMD's dual-core, 1.6GHz  T56N with Radeon HD 6310 graphics, or the single-core, 1.2GHz T44R with Radeon HD 6250 graphics. The computer offers up to 8GB of DDR2 memory, the company adds.

Sintrones says the VBOX-3200 has room for two 2.5-inch drive bays, ready to accommodate hard disks or solid-state storage. The device also offers three Mini PCI Express expansion slots, according to the company.

The VBOX-3200 is touted as "supporting" 3.5G wide area networking, wireless local networking, Bluetooth, and GPS, but we assume these options need to be added via Mini PCI Express cards. The system includes a SIM slot with an eject button, according to Sintrones.

Sintrones says the VBOX-3200 is equipped with dual gigabit Ethernet ports, three serial ports (two with RS422/485 selection), and eight USB 2.0 connections, four with Type A connectors. Not surprisingly for a vehicle computer, the VBOX-3200 is further equipped with four digital input/output interfaces, as well as a CAN bus interface.

A diagram of the VBOX-3200's rear panel

According to Sintrones, the VBOX-3200 provides two video outputs — one DVI-I and one DVI-D. The device's rear panel also has DB9 connectors for the three serial ports, as shown above.

The VBOX-3200 supports 9-32VDC input power, and can adapt to a variety of different power supply conditions, according to Sintrones. In addition, it offers short circuit protection, software-selectable power-off delay, and an optional internal battery that provides ten minutes of backup power.

The 3.3-pound box measures 9.25 x 6.10 x 2.17 inches, and is said to provide a "heat-prevention design." The computer supports a temperature range of -22 to 140 deg. F (-30 to 60 deg. C), and meets the MIL-STD-810F standard, claims the company.

Features and specifications listed for the VBOX-3200 include:

• Processor — AMD T56N (dual-core, 1.6GHz), T44R (single-core, 1.2GHz)
• Chipset — AMD A55E Controller Hub with Radeon HD 6310 (T56N) or Radeon HD 6250 (T44R) graphics
• Memory — up to 8GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM via 2 x SODIMMs
• Expansion — 3 x Mini PCI slots; SIM socket with eject button
• Networking — 2 x gigabit Ethernet ports (Realtek RTL8111E) with WoL, PXE
• Other I/O:
  • 4 x USB 2.0 ports plus 4 x internal ports for 8 x total
  • 3 x serial ports (1 x RS232; 2 x RS232/422/485)
  • 1 x DVI-I
  • 1 x DVI-D
  • DIO — 2 x in; 2 x out
  • 1 x CAN bus
• Audio — 2 x line out
• Other features — watchdog timer
• Power:
  • 9V -32V DC input
  • internal battery kit for 10 min. operation (optional)
• Operating temperature — -22 to 140 deg. F (-30 to 60 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 9.25 x 6.10 x 2.17 inches (235 x 155 x 55mm)
• Weight — 3.3 lbs (1,500 g)
• Operating system — Linux; Windows Embedded

Availability

No details were offered on the pricing or availability of the Sintrones computer, but more information may be found on the company's VBOX-3200 page or PDF-formatted data sheet.

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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.