Employing a 520MHz Marvell PXA270 CPU and Windows CE 5.0, the AIWP-8441 (right) doesn't exactly offer cutting-edge hardware or software. But, AIS says, the device's proven operating system "has many advantages including hard real-time capability, small core size, fast boot speed, interrupt handling at a deeper level, achievable deterministic control and low cost."

According to AIS, the DIN-rail-mountable device can run a variety of control software that includes Visual Basic, Visual C#, Embedded Visual C++, and more. Supporting the Modbus/RTU, Modbus/TCP, and Modbus/ASCII protocols, the AIWP-8441 includes an FTP server and VCEP remote control software, allowing it to be updated and managed remotely, the company adds.

The Marvell processor is backed by 128MB of RAM and 48MB of flash storage, 14MB of which is available for user data, says AIS. Additionally, there's a microSD slot, and a 1GB card is said to be bundled with the device.

Redundancy features on the AIWP-8441 include dual Ethernet ports, dual watchdog timers, static RAM backed up by dual batteries, and redundant power inputs, according to AIS. The device has a VGA port delivering 800 x 600 pixel resolution, a USB port, and four serial ports, the company adds.

AIS says the AIWP-8441 also has four slots designed to accept parallel (I-8K) or serial (I-87K) I/O modules. (Further details of such modules, which are used to add a variety of communication interfaces, may be found here.)

Features and specifications listed by AIS for the AIWP-8441 include:

• Processor -- Marvell PXA270 clocked at 520MHz
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 48MB of flash storage
• Expansion:
  • microSD slot (1GB card bundled)
  • 4 x slots for I-8K and I-87K modules
• Networking -- 2 x 10/100 Ethernet
• Other I/O:
  • VGA
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • 4 x serial (2 x RS232; 1 x RS485; 1 x RS232/RS485)
• Operating range -- -13 to 167 deg. F (-25 to 75 deg. C)
• Power requirements -- n/s
• Dimensions -- 9.05 x 5.19 x 3.85 inches (230 x 132 x 98mm)

Further information

AIS did not release pricing for the AIWP-8441, but it is likely to be low-cost: Earlier this year, the company released an HMI (human machine interface) device that included the same CPU and memory ingredients, plus a 5.7-inch touchscreen display, for only $400.

More information on the AIWP-8441 may be found on the AIS website, here.

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