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        Embedded server has PC/104 SBC inside

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Nov 16, 2009 | Comments: 1


        Diamond Systems announced an "embedded application server" based on a previously released PC/104 SBC (single board computer). The Octavio-HLV runs Windows CE 6.0 on an 800MHz Vortex86DX processor, includes cableless construction, and sports soldered-on memory, the company says.

        Diamond's ingenious Octavio products, which also include the Linux-only Octavio-ATHM, leverage the company's previously released PC/104 SBCs and enclosure systems, creating compact "embedded application servers" that are touted as being operable "from the Arctic to the Sahara, and even in outer space." Operating range for the fanless devices is -40 to 185 deg. F (-40 to 85 deg. C), there are no cables to come loose, and the systems' 256MB of memory is soldered down, according to the company.

        As Diamond explains, the Octavio-HLV is based on the company's Helios SBC (above right), which employs the 800MHz Vortex86DX that was announced last year. Unlike DMP's later Vortex86MX, the Vortex86DX does not include graphics, but Diamond has apparently added VGA capabilities by using XGI's Volari Z9s graphics chipset.


        A block diagram for the Diamond Helios SBC
        (Click to enlarge)

        To create the Octavio systems, Diamond places the Helios inside its Pandora, a metal enclosure that comes with a panel I/O board similar to the one shown at right. The Pandora case is offered in four lengths, described by the company as follows:

        • A 1.7 inch (43.18mm) case accommodates the SBC, the panel I/O board, and an optional notebook hard drive
        • A 3.0 inch (76.2mm) case accommodates the SBC, panel I/O board, up to two additional PC/104 boards, and the optional notebook hard drive
        • A 5.0 inch (127mm) case accommodates the SBC, panel I/O board, up to five additional PC/104 boards, and the optional hard drive
        • A 7.0 inch (178mm) case accommodates the SBC, panel I/O board, up to seven additional PC/104 boards, and optional hard drive
        Even in the 1.7-inch version, the Octavio-HLV is available with an optional built-in data acquisition subsystem, providing 16 16-bit A/D channels with up to 100KHz data conversion rate, 512- or 2048-sample FIFO (depending on model), and autocallibration for maximum accuracy, according to Diamond. The DAQ subsystem is additionally said to provide: 4 12-bit analog outputs; 16, 24, or 40 digital I/O lines (depending on model); and counter/timer functions for sample rate control or general purpose timing.


        Diamond Systems' Octavio HLV

        The Octavio-HLV (above) includes RJ45 connectors for 10/100 Ethernet, VGA output (up to 1280 x 1024 pixels), four USB 2.0 ports, four serial ports (2 RS232, 2 RS232/485), and dual PS/2 ports. The device also offers expansion connectors, power switches, and exposed screwheads that would allow for easy disassembly, Diamond says.

        The computer has 256MB of soldered-down memory and, while it can support notebook hard disk drives, is also offered with 128MB and 1GB IDE flash drives. Linux 2.6 is standard, but a preinstalled, bootable Windows CE 6.0 image is optionally available. Windows CE support includes an installable BSP (board support package), device drivers, step-by-step instructions, and a 180-day evaluation version of Visual Studio 2005, according to Diamond.

        Features and specifications cited by Diamond for the Octavio-HLV include the following:

        • Processor:
          • 800MHz DMP Vorte86DX
        • Memory -- 256MB of soldered DRAM
        • Storage:
          • 128MB or 1GB IDE flash drive
        • Expansion -- PC/104; optional data acquisition subsystem
        • Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
        • Other I/O:
          • 1 x VGA
          • 2 x PS/2
          • 4 x USB 2.0
          • 4 x serial (2 x RS232; 2 x RS232/485)
        • Power requirements:
          • 5VDC; 5 watt maximum
        • Operating temperature -- -40 to 185 deg. F (-40 to 85 deg. C)
        • Dimensions:
          • Footprint -- 5/75 x 5.5 inches (145 x 138mm)
          • Height -- 1.7, 3, 5 or 7 inches
        • Weight:
          • 28.6 ounces (810.8g)
        Further information

        According to Diamond Systems, pricing for the Octavio systems, which appear to be available now, is lower than $550 apiece in volume. Quantity one pricing starts at $605 for the Octavio-HLV, the company says.

        More information on the Octavio devices may be found on the Diamond Systems website, here. A product page for the underlying Helios SBC, meanwhile, may be found here.

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