Again aimed at power plant automation, facility monitoring systems, and intelligent transportation systems, the new rBOX103 is similar to earlier Axiomtek DIN-rail PCs, including the rBOX100 and rBOX101 (oddly, there's not yet any rBOX102). All models in the 100 series include extended-temperature grade Intel Atom Z510PT (1.1GHz) or Z520PT (1.33GHz) processors, along with the accompanying SCH US15WPT I/O controller.



Axiomtek rBOX103

Where the rBOX101 added extra serial ports to the rBOX100's original two, the rBOX103 instead provides two isolated CAN 2.0 A/B ports. As before, the PC also includes both a gigabit Ethernet port and a 10/100 Ethernet port, both with magnetic isolation, according to Axiomtek.

The rBOX103 also has a top-mounted VGA port, as pictured below right. Also on top of the PC is a terminal block that provides for redundant power inputs and accepts voltages ranging from 12 to 48VDC, according to Axiomtek.

Rear (left) and top views of the rBOX103

According to Axiomtek, the rBOX103 has a single 200-pin SODIMM slot, accepting up to 2GB of DDR3 memory. A CompactFlash slot, meanwhile, is provided to accept a card loaded with a suitable operating system (Windows 7, Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, or Linux).

Axiomtek adds that the rBOX103 has dual watchdog timers, resists shocks of up to 25G (11ms duration) while in operation, and is IP30-rated for ingress protection. The PC's 5.3 x 4.3 x 3.2-inch chassis is built of aluminum extrusion and heavy-duty steel, and weighs 3 pounds (1 kg), the company says.

The rBOX103 is optionally available with a USB-type Mini PCI slot, for Wi-Fi or 3G cellular connectivity, according to Axiomtek. A SIM slot is also included, the company says.

Finally, the system ships with an AXView software package, enabling system administrators to set up, manage, and monitor remote computers. Based on SNMP protocols, AXView includes management utilities, agent services, and libraries, says Axiomtek.

AXView architecture

Specifications listed for the rBOX103 include:

• Processor -- Intel Atom Z510PT (1.1GHz) or Z520PT (1.33GHz)
• Chipset -- Intel US15WPT
• Memory -- up to 2GB DDR2 via 1 x 200-pin SODIMM
• Expansion:
  • CompactFlash slot
  • Mini PCI slot (optional)
• Networking -- isolated gigabit Ethernet; isolated Fast Ethernet (10/100Mbps)
• Other I/O:
  • 2 x USB
  • 2 x RS-232/422/485 with magnetic isolation protection
  • 1 x VGA
  • 2 x CAN 2.0 A/B
• Other features -- watchdog timer; DIN-rail mount; AXView monitoring software
• Power:
  • DC power input with terminal block
  • 2 x power paths
  • 12-48VDC input
  • Consumption with no USB load, ranging from .99A @ 12V, 11.88 W to 0.36A @ 48V, 17.48 W
• Operating temperature -- -40 to 158 deg. F (-40 to 70 deg. C)
• Vibration resistance -- 5 g @ 10 ~ 150 Hz, amplitude 0.35 mm (IEC60068-2-6 Fc)
• Shock (half-sine shock pulse) resistance -- 25 g @ 11 ms (IEC60068-2-27)
• EMS compliance -- EN61000 (multiple standards)
• Weight -- 3 pounds (1.38kg)
• Dimensions -- 5.31 x 4.33 x 3.18 inches (135 x 110 x 81mm)

Further information

According to Axiomtek, the rBOX 103 will be available around the end of Jan. 2012, though pricing was not cited. More information may be found on the rBOX103 product page.

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