Atom PC offers cushioned drive bay, CompactFlash

By Jonathan Angel
2009-10-29

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Advantech has announced a fanless industrial computer based on a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor. The ARK-6310-3M04E incorporates a ruggedized handle, cushioned 2.5-inch drive bay, and bottom-accessible CompactFlash slot, the company says.

Advantech says the ARK-6310-3M04E, which measures 9.1 x 9.1 x 2.6 inches, is built around a previously released Mini-ITX motherboard. Though the company didn't specify, we suspect this is the AIMB-210 pictured at right, or a slightly modified version of same. Either way, the device uses the evergreen Atom N270 clocked at 1.6GHz, along with the typical 945GSE northbridge and ICH7M southbridge.

According to Advantech, the ARK-6310-3M04E has a single SODIMM slot that accepts up to 2GB of RAM, plus a 2.5-inch drive bay that incorporates anti-vibration cushioning. For even greater shock resistance, CompactFlash storage may be used instead, via a slot that's accessible from the bottom of the computer, the company adds.

Advantech's ARK-6310-3M04E

The ARK-6310-3M04E's front panel (pictured above) includes dual PS/2 ports, three serial ports, four USB ports, two gigabit Ethernet ports, a microphone input, a line output, and a VGA port. A cutout in the panel also provides room for an LVDS port, supplied as part of an optional cable kit that connects it to a header on the motherboard, Advantech says.

Advantech says another optional cable provides access to four additional USB ports, already present on the motherboard. Where the necessary additional Type A connectors would be mounted wasn't specified, however.

According to Advantech, the ARK-6310-3M04E also incorporates a programmable watchdog timer, thermal protection circuitry that can shut the system down if it gets overheated, and LEDs providing an indication of power, hard disk, and temperature status. An internal 75 Watt power supply accepts DC inputs from 14 to 24 Volts, the company adds.

Features and specifications listed by Advantech for the ARK-6310-3M04E include the following:

Processor -- 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270
Chipset -- 945GSE northbridge and ICH7M southbridge
Memory -- Up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM via single SODIMM slot
Storage -- 2.5-inch drive bay, with cushioning
Expansion -- CompactFlash slot
Networking -- 2 x gigabit Ethernet
Other I/O:
- 8 x USB (4 external, 4 internal)
- 2 x PS/2
- 4 x serial (3 external, 1 supported by cutout in case and optional cable)
- Mic in and line out
- 1 x VGA
- 1 x LVDS (internal, but supported by cutout in case and optional cable)
Operating temperature -- 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C)
Dimensions -- 9.1 x 9.1 x 2.6mm (232 x 232 x 65mm)
Weight -- 6.03 pounds (2.74kg)

Availability

Advantech did not detail pricing, operating system support, or availability for the ARK-6310-3M04E, but the device appears to be on sale now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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