Device Profile: PSC 4620 ruggedized vehicle mount computer

By Doug
2004-05-18

Article Rating:

/ 0

Rate This Article:

Add This Article To:

The Falcon 4620 is a ruggedized vehicle-mount computer intended for use in harsh industrial and field environments, including temperatures as low as -30 degrees C. According to maker PSC Inc., the device is based on an 800 MHz Via C3 processor running Microsoft's Windows XP Embedded operating system, and it targets applications in retail, warehousing, and supply chain management.

The unit boasts a 12.1-inch TFT color touchscreen display with SVGA resolution, yet its compact design is similar in size to many 10-inch models, the company claims.

Standard memory is 128 MB RAM, with 512 MB available as an option. A 20 GB shock-mounted hard disk provides storage for the operating system and applications. For even harsher environments, a 2 GB Flash drive is available.

PSC says the device's "radio independent support" offers a choice among several 2.4Ghz 802.11b radios including Cisco Aironet, Lucent/Proxim Orinoco, and Symbol Spectrum24 HR. The unit has a built-in antenna or may connect to an external antenna. Input/output interface ports are provided for RS-232, Ethernet, USB, keyboard, and mouse.

The vehicle base unit (shown at right) includes a low-profile, fully adjustable mounting bracket. A keyboard bracket can be attached directly to the base bracket, conserving valuable space. The optional scanner attachment allows a PSC PowerScan RF laser to be mounted to either side of the vehicle computer without requiring an external power connection.

Environmentally, the 4620 operates over the range of -20 degrees C to +50 degrees C, with intermittent operation down to -30 degrees C. It has an IP65 sealing rating and meets Mil Specs for shock and vibration.

Key features and specifications include:

Processor -- 800 MHz Via C3
Memory -- 128 MB RAM standard, up to 512 MB available. 256 KB Flash for BIOS
Storage -- 20 GB shock mounted IDE drive standard. 2 GB Flash disk optional.
Display -- 12.1 inch diagonal color TFT, 800x600 resolution, resistive touchscreen, 32 MB video RAM.
Card slots -- 2 Type II or 1 Type III PCMCIA
Comm. Ports:
- 2 RS-232C serial, 12V DC on pin 9
- 1 10/100 Ethernet, RJ45
- 2 USB 1.1 A, supports USB floppy or CD boot
- PS/2 mouse/keyboard port
Wireless -- Requires certified Type II PC card format, 2.4Ghz spread spectrum 802.11b. Radios supported:
- Cisco Aironet 802.11b
- Lucent/Proxim Orinoco 802.11b
- Symbol Spectrum24 HR
Operating System -- Windows XP Embedded standard; XP Professional and Windows 2000 available as options.

Related stories:

	Discuss Device Profile: PSC 4620 ruggedized vehicle mount computer

	>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!



	>>> More Windows For Devices Articles Articles >>> More By Doug

Email Article To Friend ♦ Print Version Of Article ♦ PDF Version Of Article

Windows XP for Embedded Applications
This white paper describes the benefits of using Windows XP when developing embedded applications.

A Manager's Guide to Selecting a Mobile Device Operating System
This white paper offers a comparative review of Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Mobile.

Visual Basic 6.0 to .NET Migration
This paper focuses on the methodology and techniques which Infosys (Microsoft Technology Center) has developed for migrating VB 6.0 Applications to .NET. Our approach ensures a smooth, cost effective, and efficient migration.

Mobile Device Security: Securing the Handheld, Securing the Enterprise
This whitepaper identifies security threats to corporate data on mobile devices and details how mobile devices can become a "backdoor" to the enterprise.

Mobile Device Security: The Eight Areas of Risk
It's common knowledge that adding mobile devices to your network increases security risks. There are multiple facets to mobile security, all of which should be paid close attention to. This E-Guide presents a more in depth look into the eight key areas of securing wireless devices.

Quality Assurance and .NET
This paper discusses best practices for functional, regression and load testing of .NET applications.

SCADA Security in Integrated Networks
As businesses leverage their SCADA systems by integrating them into the business networks, they must also assure the security of the SCADA system.

The Advantages of Small Form Factor HMI
HMIs have mutated and changed with new requirements, and they have become more flexible and capable. And while they've been doing that, they've become smaller and more useful.

9 Critical Requirements for Web Application Security
Learn why your Web applications expose dangerous security breaches and what’s required to effectively protect your Web applications and the sensitive information behind them.

Got a HOT tip? please tell us!

Click here for a profile of each sponsor:

PLATINUM SPONSORS
<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=msembedded;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=msembedded;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>		<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=qt-software;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?"" style="border-width:0px;height:150px;width:30px;"><img src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/entzd.windowsfordevices/desktop;kw=qt-software;pos=top;dcopt=ist;zdid=a221772;tile=1;sz=150x30;ord=<script=JavaScript>document.write(Math.round(Math.random()10000000000));</script>?" style="border:0; height: 150; width:30;" /></a>