(Click here for a larger view of Imarda's Vector 300GWP)

Like earlier Vector 300 products, the Vector 300GWP, pictured above, targets fleet management, logistics, vehicle scheduling/dispatch, and safety compliance applications, according to Imarda. Features shared with earlier models include a GPS receiver based on the SiRF starIII, along with Bluetooth and a GSM/GPRS cellular modem. Intended to be fitted in a truck cab, the devices accept input power from 12VDC to 24VDC, and come with an optional internal battery backup.

The headless Vector 300 devices run Windows CE 5.0 and the .NET Compact Framework. They are powered by a Marvell PXA270 processor, 64MB or 128MB of RAM, and 32MB or 64MB of flash storage. Storage may be expanded via an SD slot.

The devices include a three-axis accelerometer and "programmable wakeup levels," so they can be set to wake up when a truck begins to move. In addition to dual serial ports, they include five digital inputs, four relay drive outputs, and an input designed to accept pulses from a vehicle's odometer.

The new Vector 300GWP model adds WiFi to the device's feature set. WiFi provides a low-cost method of exchanging non-time-critical data, such as log files, engine diagnostics, or software upgrades, according to the company.

Also new to the Vector 300GWP is an interface to PLC4trucks, a powerline networking standard originally devised so that trailers could notify a truck's driver about ABS (antilock braking system) failures. PLC4trucks is leveraged by the Vector to keep a record of when a truck is connected or disconnected to a trailer.

Features and specifications listed by Imarda for the Vector 300GWP include:

• Processor -- Marvell PXA270, running at unspecified clock speed
  
• Memory -- 64MB or 128MB of RAM, and 32MB or 64MB of flash
  
• Networking:
  • WAN -- GSM/GPRS modem
    
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
    
  • PAN -- Bluetooth
    
  • PLC4trucks powerline networking
• Other I/O:
  • 2 x RS232
    
  • GPS
    
  • 1 x USB host
    
  • 1 x USB device
    
  • AC'97 audio
    
  • 3-axis accelerometer
    
  • 5 x digital inputs with wakeup capability
    
  • 4 x 250mA protected relay drive outputs
    
  • 1 x 0-36VDC analog input
    
  • Odometer/pulse count input
• Expansion:
  • SD slot
    
  • CAN interface
• Operating temperature -- -30 to 75 deg. C
  
• Dimensions -- 5.5 x 3.5 x 1.77 inches (140 x 89 x 45mm)

Pricing was not released, but the Vector 300GWP appears to be available now. More information may be available from the company's website, here.

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