New Rugged SBC from MEN Micro Offers Robust Display Functions for Mobile Applications

AMBLER, Pa., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- MEN Micro Inc., a world-renowned provider of embedded computing and I/O solutions for mission-critical industrial, mobile and harsh environment applications, has developed a rugged, maintenance-free single board computer (SBC) for use in mobile and intelligent display environments including trains, public transportation, airplanes and other specialty vehicles as found in construction and agricultural applications.  The new compact SC21 measures only 220 mm x 150 mm x 35 mm to easily fit into display devices with TFT LCD panels as small as 10.4".

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100722/PH39267 )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100722/PH39267 )

The new conduction-cooled SBC, which complements MEN Micro's existing rugged display solutions including the RC1 and DC1, features backlight control and is prepared for a touch screen interface.  Controlled by the low-power Intel Atom XL Z520PT, the new SC21 features a core processor speed of 1.33 GHz and a system bus frequency of 533 MHz for exceptional computing power in space-constrained environments.  Other Intel Atom processors running at up to 1.6 GHz are available for various board designs.

The SC21 offers flexible memory configurations with 1 GB of soldered DDR2 SDRAM, a MicroSD card slot and a SATA interface for HDD/SSD with transfer rates of up to 100 MB/s to meet data-intensive requirements.  Standard interfaces include two Fast Ethernet ports, via RJ45 connectors, with switch functionality to connect multiple displays and two USB host ports as well as four binary inputs, via the 10-pin power supply.  When combined with an external antenna, the MiniPCI Express slot with a SIM card slot provides wireless functions, such as WIFI, WIMAX, GSM/GPRS or UMTS.

The standard LVDS 25-pin connector enables direct connection of a 1366 x 768 LVDS display.  With the optional secondary LVDS port, displays of up to 1920 x 1200 can be used.  Aside from the LVDS signals and backlight brightness control, a customizable PCB connector houses all I/O signals including a USB-driven 5-pin connector for the touch screen interface.  An optional MEN Micro SA-Adapter enables a serial interface as well.

The internal power supply unit (PSU) provides a wide operating range from 8 V to 36 V (12 VDC nominal or 24 VDC nominal), ideal for mobile applications.  The intelligent PSU includes input voltage and temperature supervision to monitor and control the display as well as backlight control to turn off the display at configurable temperatures.  When used with an optional external railway-specific PSU, the SBC conforms to the EN 50155, class Tx railway standard.  

Operating temperature of the board is -40 degrees C to +70 degrees C for normal operation, and at +85 degrees C for up to 10 minutes.  All electronic components are soldered to withstand shock and vibration to EN 50155 specifications. Minimum board availability is five years.

An optional brightness sensor for controlling the display as well as HD audio via D-Sub connectors and an onboard LVDS connection to attach a second display that shows the same or different content are available.

Pricing for the SC21 is $845 per unit.  Delivery is four to six weeks ARO.

For additional information, visit http://www.menmicro.com/products/08SC21-.html or contact Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro Inc., 24 N. Main Street, Ambler, Pa. 19002; Phone: 215-542-9575; Fax: 215-542-9577; E-mail: [email protected].

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READER SERVICE INQUIRIES: Please forward all reader service inquiries to Stephen Cunha, MEN Micro Inc., 24 N. Main Street, Ambler, Pa. 19002; E-mail: [email protected].

About MEN Micro Inc.

Since 1982, MEN Micro has focused on innovation, reliability and flexibility to develop standard and custom board-level solutions used throughout industrial embedded applications and harsh environments.  

The company provides a robust offering of highly reliable embedded computing and I/O solutions that employ the highest technology and innovations.  In addition, MEN Micro offers exceptional custom development and environmental qualification services in accordance with industry standards.  The company's standard product range contains more than 100 different computer boards and systems with corresponding BIOS, BSP and driver software based on different PowerPC and Pentium platforms.

The company has nearly 200 employees and is a member of several industry associations, consortiums and alliances.

SOURCE MEN Micro Inc.