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        Ruggedized, low-power controller runs Windows

        Eric Brown | Date: Mar 21, 2008 | Comments: 1


        Adlink Technology has expanded its line of embedded controllers with a ruggedized model that supports Windows CE and XP Embedded. The temperature-resistant GEME-12000 ("general embedded machine engine") is designed for applications like machine tooling and digital video capture that operate continously in harsh,...

        remote environments.

        Unlike some previous Pentium-based GEME controllers, the compact (7.2 x 5.5 x 2.9 inches) GEME-12000 is equipped with an AMD Geode LX800 processor, helping it to achieve a lower 1.5A @12V power supply requirement, says Adlink. The system can boot from CompactFlash or an optional 2.5-inch (laptop-sized) hard drive, and there are PMC (PCI mezzanine card) and PC/104 interfaces for adding motion, I/O, and communications modules.


        Adlink GEME-12000

        The GEME-1200 has an SODIMM socket accommodating up to 512MB of DDR400 memory. Using DVMT (Intel dynamic video memory technology), up to 64MB of main system memory can be dynamically allocated to the integrated graphics processor, which supports analog VGA displays up to 1920x1440 at 32-bit color depth and 85Hz refresh rates, Adlink says.

        I/O includes a pair of USB 2.0 ports and two Ethernet ports (one gigabit). There are also two serial ports, a parallel port, AC97 audio ports, and optional LCDS and TV-Out.

        The fanless, completely sealed design is said to prevent dust contamination and provide an extended working temperature range of -4 to 140 degrees F. A Winbond W83627HF chipset monitors CPU temperature, and Adlink also touts the system's "excellent" vibration resistance of up to 3G.

        The following lists the specs for the GEME-12000:
        • Processor -- AMD Geode LX800 (up to 500MHz); AMD CS5536 chipset; 128KB L2 cache
        • Memory -- up to 512MB DDR400
        • Display -- 1920 x 1440 VGA resolution (32-bit color, 85Hz refresh); up to 64MB dynamic video memory
        • Storage -- CompactFlash socket; optional 2.5-inch IDE HDD
        • Expansion -- 1 x PMC 32-bit, 33MHz socket; 1 x PC/104 interface
        • Networking -- 1 x 10/100 (Intel 82551ER); 1 x 10/100/1000 (Intel 82541PI)
        • USB -- 2 x USB 2.0
        • Serial -- 1 x RS232; 1 x RS232/422/485
        • Other I/O -- parallel; PS/2 keyboard and mouse
        • Audio (AC97) -- mic in; line in; speaker out
        • Power -- 100 to 220 VAC; 1.5A @12V consumption
        • Dimensions -- 7.2 x 5.5 x 2.9 inch (183 x 140 x 74 mm)
        • Operating temperature -- -4 to 140 degrees F (-20 to 60 degrees C)
        • Random vibration resistance -- 5-100Hz, 0.00142g2/Hz; 100-500Hz, -6dB/Octave, 0.5Grms, 3axes, 30 minutes/axis
        • Hardware monitoring -- Winbond W83627HF (monitors CPU temperature)
        • Operating system -- Windows CE, Windows XPe, or Linux
        Yesterday, Adlink announced plans to acquire one of the oldest U.S. embedded board and system vendors, Ampro Computer. The Taiwanese industrial PC vendor will pay $20 million for privately held, 25-year-old Ampro, which is known for developing the PC/104 and PC/104-Plus standards.

        Availability

        The GEME-5000 is available now for $1,200, with additional discounts offered on volume orders. More information may be available here.


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