technology in context
have to dissipate as much heat. These new low-power processors have enabled even more small form factor designs. The low-power operation means that more processing power can be combined in a small area without having to deal with the constant problem of removing the heat. The processors don’t need a fan, which increases reliability; they support x86-compatible software, which speeds the development of application software; and they have long-term availability, which reduces the need to redesign the system often. Due to the use of industry standard software, wired and wireless communications capability, and solid state disk storage, there is a growing trend in the remote and off-grid use of PC/104based systems. These can be powered by either solar or turbine green energy sources with battery backup. More and more vendors are now offering extended temperature PC/104-based SBCs and I/O modules as standard products that operate from -40° to +85°C. This attracts more new applications that need wide temperature range tolerance (Figure 2).
applications from process control, medical devices, alternative clean energy and highway signs all the way to trains, planes and tanks. PC/104 technology answers the question of how a design engineer can make use of off-the-shelf computer modules to develop and deliver a cost-effective, rugged system in a short amount of time, while preserving the modest development investments for the long haul.
WinSystems Arlington, TX. (817) 274-7553. [www.winsystems.com].
Balancing Legacy and Life Expectancy
It is crucial that the life of the embedded computer board parallels the life of the machine it powers. Longevity is not only important for system OEM and end user satisfaction, but it is also necessary because of the time factor in the medical industry for seeking and gaining FDA and FAA approvals; in the Mil/Aero and transportation arenas for their procurement and maintenance cycles; and in the industrial market where customers expect seven to ten years of product availability. Long-term availability of embedded systems for realworld applications means that legacy issues cannot be ignored. Just because there is new technology available does not justify discarding something that is proven as reliable and that has been available for years. PC/104 products are supplied and used worldwide in diverse, demanding Untitled-2 1
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2/20/13 4:32 PM RTC MAGAZINE MARCH 2013