Chassis enables workload sharing and parallel computing

8th September 2014

Siobhan O'Gorman

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Datasheet

Designed for high-end machine automation applications that require two computers in one piece of equipment, Advantech has introduced the ACP-4D00. The 4U, dual-node industrial chassis, which has a depth of 350mm, enables workload sharing and parallel computing. With the dual node architecture, the user can install two half-size slot SBCs into two sub-systems and integrate them in a 4U cage.

As each node supports a CPU card with desktop Core i processor, a 6-slot backplane and up to a 350W power supply, the computer node can be used for control applications and high end CPU/GPU computing. For example, in an AOI application, one node can be used for controlling the camera, robotic arm movements and capturing image or sensor data, while the other can be used for processing data and generating inspection results.

Due to it's depth, the ACP-4D00 is easy to integrate into equipment enclosures and leaves more space for air flow, device placement, and cable routing. The chassis also features a tool-less deign, allowing the user to pull out the sub-system, open its top-lid, or take out the system fan just by loosening thumb-screws. This design facilitates equipment maintenance,shortening mean time to repair.

Along with a PICMG 1.3 or PCI half-size CPU card with computing power up to desktop Core i7, each node supports a 6-slot backplane with maximum three PCIe or PCI expansion slots. The ACP-4D00, which features a thermal design, also supports a 250W or 350W high-efficiency 80 Plus power supply.