Industrial Computer suits harsh industrial environments.

Contec Microelectronics Europe BV Dec 22, 2004

Press Release Summary:

For PC-based automation solution located close to machines, 146 x 157 x 64 mm BOX-PC 360 series uses 400 MHz Intel Ultra Low Power Celeron embedded CPU with 100 MHz FSB and 256 Kbyte full-speed L2 cache. Heatsink, built into top of external case, eliminates need for fan. External interfaces include CardBus PC card slot, two 100BASE-TX LAN, four USB 2.0, IDE(ATA/100), RS-232C/422/485, and AC97 audio. Slot-in mechanism is used to mount storage devices.

Original Press Release:

CONTEC Releases New Ultra-Compact BOX-PC 360 Series for Harsh Industrial Environment

Ruggedness evident e.g. with respect to EMC, temperature, vibration/shock etc. is of decisive importance when selecting the correct hardware platform for PC-based automation solutions close to machines. For such applications, Contec has developed a new series of ultra-small computers in its "BOX-PC" range of fanless industrial computers for embedded applications.

The "BOX-PC 360 series" uses the latest 400MHz Intel Ultra Low Power Celeron (FSB 100MHz, 256Kbyte full-speed L2 cache) embedded CPU which delivers excellent performance with very low power consumption. The unit includes a large heatsink built into the top of the (external) case which provides sufficient heat dissipation to make a fan unnecessary. The series features a high degree of expansion capability with a wide range of external interfaces including a CardBus PC card slot, 2 x 100BASE-TX LAN, 4 x USB 2.0, IDE(ATA/100), RS-232C/422/485, and AC97 audio. These make the series suitable for diverse applications such as controllers, network security devices, and IT data terminals. The external interfaces, power supply, and other connectors are all located on the front panel of the "BOX-PC 360 series" for ease of cabling. The units can be attached from the rear and are suitable for wall mounting. Another important feature of the units is the slot-in mechanism used to mount storage devices (hard disks or similar) which makes it easy to install or replace the storage device from the side of the unit. The box size is 146(W) x 157(D) x 64(H) [mm] which is roughly the same as a five inch drive bay on a desktop computer and represents a reduction in volume of more than half compared to the previous model (BOX-PC 620 series) using the same CPU.

The series uses an embedded CPU with high reliability and long term availability, has a BIOS (from Phoenix Corporation) customized by CONTEC, and the power supply, battery, and other peripheral devices are constructed from high-reliability/long-life parts. By carefully selecting the components used in the units and through the use of CONTEC's optimized production systems, the series provide the quality and long-term product availability that is essential in embedded applications.