Industrial Computer Hardware


Multiple HDMI digital signage solution

March 2013 Industrial Computer Hardware

Advantech has introduced the AIMB-201DS, a new industrial-grade Mini-ITX motherboard powered by third generation Intel Core i processors with Intel HD graphics and DX1 support. The board supports three independent HDMI displays with CEC function to provide multi-display and audio outputs simultaneously. AIMB-201DS is a slim design and can be integrated in ultra low profile thermal solutions such as Advantech’s slim box system. Moreover, it comes integrated with SUSIAccess remote management and Acronis recovery softwares. AIMB-201DS is an ideal platform for the signage market and can deliver advanced graphics performance for many signage applications such as FIDS (flight information display system), menu board systems in restaurants and transportation and public service applications.

Three independent HDMI displays and excellent graphics performance

AIMB-201DS mini-ITX motherboard has three HDMI independent displays with CEC (consumer electronics). CEC controls brightness, sound, and on/off status. It allows HDMI devices to control each other and lets the user operate multiple devices with one remote control handset. By using AIMB-201DS with three HDMI independent displays and audio output in the airport for example, it could independently display the flight schedule, passenger guides, and tourism information simultaneously. The board also has I/O connectivity with up to one LAN, one serial port, one USB 3.0 port and two USB 2.0 ports.

Smart thermal solutions

The system uses a heat pipe thermal solution for its slim box system. The heat pipe covers the CPU and PCH and manages the temperature of the system. Customers can also choose an AIMB mobile cooler to use with AIMB-201DS as well. Both thermal solutions were designed with a smart fan function. The smart fan function can protect the system from overheating and minimise fan noise. It starts running when temperatures reach preset values and stops when temperatures drop below safety values. However, in many cases when an OS has crashed, such applications (running outside the OS) lose their thermal protection. In contrast with traditional smart fan solutions, Advantech’s iManager 2.0 runs on the controller chip embedded directly on AIMB-201DS and can work independently to keep the smart fan functional to provide the best thermal protection for the system.

Advanced intelligent management – iManager inside

iManager 2.0 provides a multi-level WDT (watch dog timer ) to provide ultimate hardware protection by monitoring and minimising code execution errors and resetting the system if any occur. iManager 2.0’s WDT will automatically restart an application, soft-start the OS, or completely reboot the system by sending an IRQ & SCI/SMI reboot signal to the platform. AIMB-201DS’ advanced WDT provides advanced multi-level protection able to respond to many different types of events. With iManger’s WDT inside, AIMB-201DS allows customers to perform soft-starts and auto-reboots for their signage applications if necessary.

Advantech also provides drivers and APIs including GPIO, SMBus, watchdog timer, hardware monitoring, panel backlight on/off, and brightness control functions. Supported operating systems include Windows 8, Windows 8 Embedded, Windows 7, Windows 7 Embedded, Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded and Linux – hardware drivers for all these OS are readily available.

For more information contact Fons de Leeuw, Profitek, 086 165 4321, [email protected], www.profiteksa.com





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

BVS camera and ident sensor
Industrial Computer Hardware
The Balluff BVS Smart Camera and Ident Sensor delivers high-performance machine vision for industrial automation. It provides precise object detection, barcode reading and quality inspection in real time.

Read more...
Rugged embedded hardware solutions
Rugged Interconnect Technologies Industrial Computer Hardware
Rugged Interconnect Technologies is a leading-edge, rugged embedded hardware solutions provider to South African industries that include industrial, mining, automotive and military markets.

Read more...
Panel PCs for the industrial environment
Industrial Computer Hardware
Ganar Group’s Touchberry PI panel PC is based on the GNU/Linux (Raspbian/Ubuntu) OS and is installed on an SD card. Using the Ethernet port, you can remotely control all parameters, data and inputs/outputs of your control system.

Read more...
Industrial wireless AP/bridge/client
RJ Connect Industrial Computer Hardware
The AWK-3262A Series 3-in-1 industrial wireless AP/bridge/client is designed to meet the growing need for faster data transmission speeds through IEEE 802.11ax technology for aggregated data rates of up to 1.775 Gbps.

Read more...
Improving mining efficiency with wireless telemetry
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Industrial Computer Hardware
Wireless telemetry systems are a critical tool in the mining industry as they facilitate automation, data collection, communication and remote monitoring and control in challenging environments. Ian Loudon, international marketing manager at wireless telemetry specialist, Omniflex explains how wireless telemetry systems can automate water pump monitoring and control in the mining sector.

Read more...
Panel PCs for the production floor
Vepac Electronics Industrial Computer Hardware
The TP-5945 is an ideal computing solution for various operations on the production floor. The clean and modern look, coupled with PCAP technology for accurate and responsive touch functionality, enhances the precision and practicality of industrial operations.

Read more...
Rugged waterproof box computers
Vepac Electronics Industrial Computer Hardware
Teguar waterproof box computers are constructed with rugged aluminium or stainless steel housing. The aluminium housing acts as a heatsink for efficient, fanless cooling. These computers can be used in a wide variety of applications that require a rugged and compact computer.

Read more...
Multifunctional displays from ifm
ifm - South Africa Industrial Computer Hardware
A measured value high up in the cloud increases the global visibility of information, but not always the local visibility. For this purpose, ifm’s new multifunction display with a universal measurement input is the right choice in almost all applications.

Read more...
Seamless automation system upgrade
ABB South Africa Industrial Computer Hardware
ABB has launched the ABB Ability Symphony Plus SDe Series, a portfolio of hardware products that help modernise existing process control system installations with minimal risk and disruption to plant operations

Read more...
New-generation EtherCAT terminals
Beckhoff Automation Industrial Computer Hardware
With a new generation of EtherCAT analogue terminals in a compact high-density housing, Beckhoff is significantly enhancing the performance of the previous IP20 I/Os in this area.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved