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Mobile computer system customization
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Introduction:
Usually, the standardization of standard PCs is good thing. However when you enter
the realms of embedded
computing, things get a little different.
For instance; which systembuilder has never encountered the
serial port dilemma where you face a standard DB9 serial port, but you only need a simple RxD/TxD signal pair
and some power source? Not to mention the trouble that many folks have with soldering these connectors.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a rugged connector with decent crimpcontacts and just the signals you need?
Or what to do when you need some simple buffered signal lines from the parallel port to control some LED indicators?
Plenty of signals available alright, probably more than you need, except that little pin called "5V"...
Possibilities:
We can use a wide variety of connection system to suit your requirements. The only limitation is
the rear-panel area. Within that area we can mount whatever connector you want (with some limitations).
For automotive cabling we recommend the gold-plated MicroFit 3.0 connectors from Molex, which are
available in 2-24pin configurations. We also like the reasonably rugged Mini D Ribbon (MDR) series
from 3M for more sophisticated connections and Molex Micro-D for space-constrained standard connections.
These Micro-D connectors take 60% less space than their standard Sub-D counterparts.
When there is the need for a large number of signals (probably with some multiplexers on the board),
then we can also revert to high-density connections like Molex LFH or 3M's Shrunk D Ribbon (SDR).
Available resources:
· 4 x USB 2.0 (480Mb),
· 1 x RS232C at LVTTL level +,
· 2 x RS232C* at LVTTL level,
· 1 x RS232C* without RI at LVTTL level,
· I2C bus at 5V,
· Parallel port,
· 10/100Mbps Ethernet,
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· Audio line out,
· TV-out,
· CAN at logic level (RX/TX),
· 6 x GPIO line,
· System wakeup control,
· FM antenna signal,
· Power: Vin, 5V, 5VSB, Vram.
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*) Serial ports from Oxford OXmPCI954 UART device. These can
also be programmed for RS422, RS485 and synchronous operation.
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Costs:
A simple customized board with rear-panel can be designed for as little as 1500 euro.
So it's worthwhile to consider this, even at relative low quantities.
Example:
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Double (stacked) I/O board to increase available board-edge to almost 19cm and to
create space for the many opto-couplers.
Connections:
· 5 x universal logic input,
· 4 x universal logic output,
· iButton + LED,
· RS232 + indicators,
· RS422,
· Keyboard scanner,
· I2C cardreader.
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Beyond basics:
It does not have to stop with the above specifications. When needed we can additional functionality by means of a
proprietary PCI card. Planned cards are a quad UART (for a total of 8 serial ports for customer application)
and a quad-input 100/120 fps video capture card. Of course, customization costs tend to get quite a bit higher
with a custom PCI card configuration.
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