SBC suits use in demanding industrial applications

26th February 2015

congatec

Barney Scott

0 0

Datasheet

Congatec has released a versatile Pico-ITX SBC based on the Intel Atom E3800 processor series, with a footprint of 70x102mm. Real-time capability and support for multiple operating systems allow use in demanding industrial applications such as mechanical engineering or automation and control systems. The Intel Atom E3800 processors are also suitable for use in the extended industrial temperature range.

With power consumption of just 5-10W TDP, the single-chip Bay Trail solutions are suitable for passively cooled and enclosed systems that can be used in harsh environments. When high-performance graphics with extensive 3-D capabilities are not required, and when two independent displays with full HD resolution are sufficient, the Pico-ITX SBC from congatec proves to be reliable and cost effective. Typical applications include control of large machines with decentralised, distributed intelligence, robotics, all types of intelligent measurement and analysis devices, and high-performance IoT computers with low power consumption.

With the conga-PA3, congatec has released a powerful, low-power SBC with embedded qualities. The widespread and highly compact Pico-ITX form factor enables high volumes at low prices. Customers receive a robust SBC with a guaranteed availability of at least 7 years that is also suitable for 24/7 operation in harsh environments. Optional versions for the extended industrial temperature range of -40 to +85°C are also available.

Currently, there are two configurations: A dual-core Intel Atom E3826 and a quad-core Intel Atom E3845. Both processors are from Intel’s 64 bit Bay Trail family and are full SoCs characterised by high efficiency and an excellent price/performance ratio. Additional CPUs can easily be implemented as tailored products when minimum production quantity levels are met.

The integrated Intel Gen7 HD graphics supports two independent displays in Full HD resolution (LVDS 2x24bit via an internal connector and DP++; and HDMI1.4 via a connector on the I/O panel). The hardware supports or directly accelerates DirectX 11.1, OpenGL 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2. The RAM memory is soldered to the board. Depending on the processor, a total of up to 4GB DDR3L-1666 are available. The I/O panel further provides two USB2.0 ports, an RJ-45 connector for 10/100/1000 GB Ethernet, plus a 12V DC power supply.

Also integrated are an additional USB 2.0 port, a USB 3.0 SuperSpeed port, a connector for backlight and LVDS, fan control, HDA audio, two serial ports (RS232, RS232/485/422), a SATA connection, a half-size slot for shared mSATA/miniPCIe, plus another half-size miniPCIe slot.

Various interfaces including ACPI 5.0, I2C bus and LPC bus allow easy integration of legacy I/O interfaces via the feature connector. Real-time clock (RTC) and Intel High Definition Audio complete the feature set.