Fanless automation PC boasts always-on reliability

By Eric Brown
2009-04-22

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Avalue announced a fanless computer designed for continually running systems, such as point-of-sale (POS) kiosks, automation controllers, or car PCs. The EPS-910 offers an Intel Celeron M clocked at 600MHz, 1GB SDRAM, dual gigabit Ethernet ports, plus ample USB and serial connectivity, the company says.

(Click for a larger view of Avalue's EPS-910)

The Linux-compatible EPS-910 is equipped with a 600MHz Celeron M with 512K of L2 cache, and an Intel 910GMLE/ICH6-M chipset, says Avalue. A 200-pin SODIMM socket is said to support up to 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM, and mass storage is catered for via both a CompactFlash slot and an internal 2.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD) bay, the latter supporting SATA and EIDE drives.

The system includes a Express Card/34 socket, offering the opportunity to add wireless connectivity, video capture, or extra storage. I/O includes dual gigabit Ethernet ports, six USB 2.0 ports (two front facing), four serial COM ports, and a variety of various video and audio connections.

EPS-910 (rear view)
(Click to enlarge)

The EPS-910 is said to improve upon similar Avalue systems in several ways. For example, the memory modules and HDD bay have been relocated closer to the bottom of the 8.7 x 6.3 x 3.1-inch chassis for easier (four screws) maintenance. The power connector is now set with a cable fixer for greater reliability, and power connection options are said to include Phoenix-type power connectors, as well as lockable connectors that secure the machine against power outages. An optional extended power range model widens the input range from 8VDC to 38VDC, thereby increasing reliability for use in an in-vehicle system, the company says.

The fanless system includes an internal heat sink for the Celeron processor, and the housing's extruded aluminum alloy blades conduct heat "passively and quickly," claims the company. The EPS-910 consumes less than 30 Watts of energy, and is ruggedized for always-on operation in harsh environments, says Avalue. An available extended-temperature version handles temperatures ranging from 5 to 131 deg. F (-15 to 55 deg. C).

Specifications listed for the EPS-910 include:

Intel Celeron M 600MHz with 512K L2 cache; Intel 910GMLE/ICH6-M chipset
Memory -- 1 x SODIMM for up to 1GB DDR2 SDRAM
Storage -- mounting kit for 1 x 2.5-inch bay, supporting SATA/EIDE HDDs
Networking -- 2 x gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) ports
USB -- 6 x USB 2.0 ports (two front-facing)
Serial -- 4 x RS-232 COM ports
Other I/O:
- VGA
- Mic in
- Line in
- Line out
- PS/2 mini DIN
Expansion:
- 1 x Express Card/34 slot
- CompactFlash slot
Audio -- Realtek ALC655 audio chip
Operating temperature -- 32 to 104 deg. F (0 to 40 deg. C) standard; optional 5 to 131 deg. F (-15 to 55 deg. C) range; fanless system
Power -- 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60Hz; 12VDC/5A (60W) output; optional 8VDC to 36VDC version; 30 Watts typical power consumption
Dimensions -- 8.7 x 6.3 x 3.1 inches (220 x 160 x 80mm)
Weight -- 4.4 lbs. (2 Kg)
Operating system -- Linux, Windows 2000/XP/98/95, and Windows CE

Availability

Avalue provided no pricing or availability information on the EPS-910. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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