Rugged industrial computer goes dual-core

By Eric Brown
2011-06-08

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Adlink announced the availability of a $672 fanless industrial computer, equipped with a dual-core, 1.66GHz Intel Atom D510 processor and said to be resistant to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration. The MXE-3000 features SATA and CompactFlash storage, dual display support, PCI Express and 3G SIM expansion, three gigabit Ethernet ports, six USB 2.0 ports, and four serial ports, says the company.

The MXE-3000 is designed for mission critical and harsh environments, especially in "semi-outdoor" environments, says Adlink. Cited applications include warehousing, factory automation, and harbor automation, including mounting on trucks, lifters, or trailers.

Adlink notes an example of a vehicular application in which inventories can be recorded and wirelessly transmitted while a driver is simultaneously transferring goods, enabling "dependable online cargo management."

Adlink MXE-3000

The MXE-3000 is a faster, modified version of the MXE-1200 announced in February. It's faster because it moves from the single-core Intel Atom N270 up to the dual-core Atom D510 clocked at 1.66GHz, complete with integrated graphics. Otherwise, it offers fewer serial ports and more gigabit Ethernet and USB ports, among other differences.

MXE-3000, rear view

Equipped with 1GB of DDR2 memory, but upgradeable to 2GB, the MXE-3000 is fitted with a CompactFlash port, says Adlink. There is also a SATA port with an optional 320GB hard disk drive (HDD) or 8GB industrial-grade solid state drive (SSD), says the company. Dual eSATA ports are also said to be available.

The MXE-3000 offers a Mini PCI Express socket and a SIM slot for 3G expansion. An SMA antenna connector is said to be available to boost wireless connections.

The MXE-3000 offers LVDS and VGA dual display support, as well as a DVI-D port for an 18-bit LVDS LCD panel, says Adlink. While the MXE-1200 offered only a single gigabit Ethernet port, the MXE-3000 supplies three, and the number of USB 2.0 ports is boosted to six, says the company. Like the previous model, the MXE-3000 provides dual RS232 ports and two more ports programmable between RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485, but it lacks the eight additional serial ports offered by the MXE-1200.

MXE-3000, front (top) and rear detail

The 8.3 x 6.7 x 2.1-inch computer is available in standard and extended temperature (-4 to 158 deg. F) models, says Adlink. Vibration and shock resistance are said to be built into both versions, and the system is touted for its wide wide-range 9-32 VDC input and "unique thermal design with zero cable management requirements."

Features and specifications listed for the Adlink MXE-3000 include:

Processor -- Intel Atom D510 (dual cores @1.66GHz)
Chipset -- Intel ICH7-M
Memory -- up to 2GB DDR2 (667MHz) via 1 x SODIMM
Storage:
- 1 x CompactFlash Type II with PIO and DMA modes for HDD replacement
- 2 x eSATA ports on front panel
- 1 x SATA port for 2.5-inch HDD/SDD
- optional 320GB HDD or 8GB industrial-grade SDD
Expansion -- 1 x Mini-PCIe (internal); 1 x USIM socket for 3G module
Display:
- 1 x VGA + LVDS via VGA+DVI-I stacked connector
- dual display support
- up to 2048 x 1536 analog resolution
- 1 x DVI-D port for LCD panel (18-bit LVDS)
Networking -- 3 x gigabit Ethernet port (Realtek 8111C and 2 x Intel 82574L)
Other I/O:
- 6 x USB 2.0 ports
- 2 x RS232/422/485; software-programmable (COM1 & COM2)
- 2 x RS232 (COM3 & COM4)
- PS/2 keyboard/mouse
- mic-in; speaker-out
Other features -- 1 x SMA antenna connector with SMA-to-IPEX cable pre-installed; VESA or DIN rail mounting
Power -- 9-32 VDC input; 3P pluggable connector with latch; optional 80 W ext. AC-DC adapter
Operating temperature -- 32 to 122 deg. F (0 to 50 deg. C); extended option -4 to 158 deg. F (-20 to 70 deg. C) with industrial SSD
Vibration resistance -- 5 Grms, 5-500Hz, 3 axes with CF/SSD; 0.5 Grms; 5-500Hz, 3 axes with HDD
Shock resistance -- 100 G, half sine 11ms with CF/SSD
Dimensions -- 8.3 x 6.7 x 2.1 inches (210 x 170 x 53mm)
Weight -- 3.97 lbs (1.8 k)

Availability

The MXE-3000 is now available for a list price of $672. Operating system support was not detailed. More information may be found at Adlink's MXE-3000 page, and at Adlink's Booth 1114 at ESC Chicago today (June 8) in Rosemont, Ill.

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