| Rack-mount automation computer runs Windows from flash |
May 16, 2008
 Sealevel Systems has announced three 1U rack-mount industrial computers, each designed to accept up to four data acquisition modules. The fanless Relio R4000 series systems run Windows XP Embedded from CompactFlash, operate to 50 deg. C, and come with AMD or Intel processors.
Measuring 19 x 10.5 x 1.75 inches, the R4000 fits into a standard 1U equipment rack. It accepts up to 1GB of DDR RAM, and comes with a choice of three processors:- AMD Geode LX800, clocked at 500MHz (Relio R4300)
- Intel Celeron M 373 ULV, clocked at 1.0GHz (Relio 4500)
- Intel Pentium M 738, clocked at 1.4GHz (Relio R4600)
Sealevel's Relio R4000 series
(Click to enlarge)
The R4000's front panel, as seen above, features four nine-pin serial ports, VGA video output, dual 10/100 LAN ports, two USB ports, and a PS/2 connector for a keyboard and mouse. It also has a CompactFlash slot, with a screw-on cover that protects a card from accidental removal.
As suggested above, the R4000 is intended to run Windows XP Embedded from CompactFlash. However, Sealevel advises, there is room inside the device for a 2.5-inch hard disk drive, which can be loaded with Windows XP Professional. The computer can also accept a slimline CD/DVD reader, which fits into one of two bays located at the right of the front panel.
 The primary purpose of these bays, though, is to accept one of more than half a dozen different SeaI/O data acquisition modules, for applications such as data-logging, automation, and SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition). The SeaI/O 410-INT shown at right, for example, provides a RS-485 Modbus RTU (remote terminal unit) interface, with 16 optically isolated inputs and 16 Reed relay outputs.
The R4000 has room for two SeaI/O modules on its front panel, and two more on its rear panel, shown below. Note that our pictures show all four of the system's bays fully occupied; if not in use, these would be covered by metal blanking plates.
The R4000's rear panel has two more bays for I/O modules
(Click to enlarge)
Features and specifications listed by Sealevel for the R4000 computers include:- Processor:
- AMD Geode LX800, clocked at 500MHz (Relio R4300)
- Intel Celeron M 373 ULV, clocked at 1.0GHz (Relio 4500)
- Intel Pentium M 738, clocked at 1.4GHz (Relio R4600)
- Memory -- up to 1GB of DDR DRAM
- Storage -- CompactFlash or 2.5-inch hard disk drive
- Display -- VGA output up to 1600 x 1200 pixels
- Networking -- 2 x 10/100 Ethernet
- Other I/O:
- 2 x USB
- VGA port
- 4 x serial
- 1 x PS/2 for keyboard/mouse
- 4 x SeaI/O interface
- Expansion -- CompactFlash slot
- Dimensions -- 19 x 10.5 x 1.75 inches
- Operating temperature range -- 0 to 50 deg. C
- Input power -- 100VAC to 240VAC, via AC cord to internal power supply
According to Sealevel, the Relio R4000 computers are available now, priced starting at approximately $1000 for the R4300, $1,400 for the R4500, and $1,800 for the R4600.
SeaI/O modules range in price from $310 for the 410-INT mentioned earlier to $470 for the 470-INT. The latter includes eight differential or 16 single-ended 12-bit inputs, two 12-bit D/A output channels, eight optically isolated inputs, and eight open collector outputs.
In addition to being compatible with Windows XP Embedded and Windows XP, Relio's R4000 series also runs Linux.
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