(Click here for larger image)The ThinkIO-Duo is powered by a 1.2 GHz Intel Core Duo U2500 processor. It is available with either 512 MB or 1 GB of RAM, and from 512 MB to 2 GB of internal flash-based nonvolatile storage, and a front panel-accessible CompactFlash slot accommodates additional storage. Interfaces include three Ethernet, two USB 2.0, and one RS232 port, and a DVI-I port enables connection to a display.
For modular connection to various industrial data acquisition and control interfaces, Kontron recommends mounting its ThinkIO computers directly onto the I/O-System 750 DIN rail mounting system from
Wago (shown below).
Wago's I/O-System 750
(Click image for larger view)The Wago I/O-System enables "snap-in" installation of a range of digital and analog interface modules, as well as controllers for industrial fieldbuses such as Profibus, CANopen, and LONworks. In addition to these traditional industrial fieldbuses, Kontron notes that with suitable software its ThinkIO industrial PCs can also implement an Ethernet-based "software field bus."
The ThinkIO-Duo is supported with both Windows XP Embedded and Linux. Kontron also offers the option of CoDeSys "soft PLC" (programmable logic controller) software from
Smart Software Solutions, a "hardware-independent implementation of IEC 61131-3," a standard that defines programming languages for industrial automation PLCs.
Price and availability were not revealed. As of publication time, the ThinIO-Duo did not appear on Kontron's website.
Related stories:
