Intel Atom Processor Platform

As you may have noticed, IMPULSE has recently been promoting the Intel Atom platform. In October we launched a newsletter covering the latest products with the Intel D510 Dual Core Atom microprocessor.


But what makes Intel Atom so special? 

The atom is a low powered microprocessor designed by Intel for the cost and power sensitive embedded market. The 45nm chips are the smallest of the current Intel microprocessor range yet feature all of the common instruction sets required in the embedded market including MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, x86 and x64.

The current Atom processors are categorised into two code-names, Diamondville and Pineview. Diamondville contain the single core N200, 200 and dual core 300 series microprocessors and Pineview contain the single core N400, D400 and dual core D500 series microprocessors. Each Atom microprocessor uses very little power with a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 2.5W to 13W.

Along with the small package size and low power consumption, Intel supports the Atom series with a long life roadmap making them the ideal solution for embedded projects. Impulse’s product range feature two main Atom processors, the Atom N270 and the Atom D510.

The 32bit N270 was launched in 2008 and was intended for the embedded market. It has a clock speed of 1.6GHz, 533MHz FSB, 512KB L2 Cache and has a TDP of 2.5W.

The D510 microprocessor was launched a year later in 2009 and features integrated graphics support and 64bit processing. The D510 is dual core and has a clock speed of 1.66GHz, 1MB L2 Cache and can support up to 4GB of DDR2 memory.


Benefits of the Intel Atom


The Intel Atom platform offers several benefits over previous mobile and embedded microprocessors.

Efficient integration – The new Intel Atom microprocessor integrates the graphics, display, and memory controller with the microprocessor. This integration results in platform BOM savings, improved performance, package area and power reduction.

Low thermal design power - Low thermal design power enables smaller, sleeker systems due to the lower cooling requirements. This also leads to lower energy consumption and provides beneficial operational savings.

Longer lifetime – Intel's 7-year extended lifecycle support for embedded microprocessors and chipsets protects your development investment.


Systems at Impulse

Impulse has a variety of Intel Atom based platforms available. Recently we launched several new products to the market.

The GENE-LN05 is a 3.5” SubCompact board from AAEON that includes 7 x USB2.0, 6 x COM, 1 x parallel and 1 x 8-bit digital I/O. It also has ample storage solutions available with 2 x SATA2 and 1 x CompactFlash socket.

IEI Technology recently bought out the IBX-300B, a low powered digital security and surveillance system. It is also integrated with the Intel Atom D510 microprocessor and supports up to 8 composite video channels (NTSC/PAL/SECAM) via two DB9 sockets.


Custom Windows Embedded Operating Systems
IMPULSE has a team of Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists available to develop a tailored and optimised Windows Embedded Operating System for your Intel Atom based platform. For more information on custom Windows Embedded Imaging then feel free to contact us.

If you have a project that requires a low cost, low powered solution with extended lifetime availability then the Intel Atom platform maybe to best solution. IMPULSE’s team of technical account managers have extensive experience with the Intel Atom platform and will be able to provide the ideal solution for your embedded requirements. For more information, please contact our sales team on +44(0)1782 337800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk

GENE-9655 Now Available At Impulse

We are pleased to announce the launch of the GENE-9655 2.5" Sub Compact Board from Aaeon Technology. The GENE-9655 is a powerful addition to our Single Board Computer range and had a plethora of key features including:

• Socket-P or Onboard Intel Core2 Duo/Celeron M (65mm) Processor up to 2.2GHz (533/667/800 MHz FSB)
• DDR2 SODIMM Memory up to 2GB (533/667 MHz)
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet
• 6 x USB2.0, 4 x COM and 8-bit Digital I/O
• 1 x Mini-PCI, 1 x Mini Card
• +12V Only Operation
• Onboard Trusted Platform Module (Option)

These key features make it a perfect solution for the Digital Signage, Panel PC, Kiosk and Surveillance applications.

IMPULSE can supply the GENE-9655 and all our Single Board Computers fully populated with Processor, Memory and Hard Drive.  For more information on the GENE-9655 or any of our Embedded Single Board Computers, please contact our sales team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

New Generation of EKI-1220 Series Modbus Data Gateways Avaliable At Impulse

Advantech has recently released the advanced Serial Device Server EKI-1220 series Modbus Gateway. Featuring speedy 1, 2 or 4 RS-232/422/485 serial ports with the addition of 2 x 10/100 RJ45 Ethernet ports. EKI-1221, EKI-1222 and EKI-1224 Modbus data gateways support Modbus TRU/ASCII master and slave modes simultaneously, with high speed data transfer rates and dual LAN redundancy, providing the most modern and reliable Modbus data gateways available.

Advanced Modbus Gateway Functionality
Past generation Modbus gateways have low baud rates and only support Modbus RTU/ASCII slave modes. Advantech’s EKI-1220 series Modbus Gateways provide a high speed 921kbaud rate and are designed to fulfil any master/slave relationships. The advanced EKI-1220 series Modbus Gateways support 16 TCP masters, 16 TCP slaves. Each serial port supports up to 31 RTU/ASCII slave devices. For example, the EKI-1224 has 4 serial ports enabling support up to 124 devices.

Simultaneous Dual LAN Redundancy
Dual Ethernet ports allow the EKI-1220 series to establish two separate physical Ethernet connections. This enables redundancy back up if one connection is broken or lost. This method of redundancy within a network can guarantee that devices will always be connected and that information will never be lost.

Industrial Design for Demanding Applications
The EKI 1200 series also has built-in dual power inputs (DC 12~48V) with 1 power fail relay output to detect power operation status and ensure reliable operation. Like other members of the EKI industrial Ethernet family, the EKI-1200 series is built in a compact and thin DIN-rail mount form factor with an IP30 metal housing, 3000V DC surge protection for the power line plus 4000 V DC ESD protection on the Ethernet ports. Operating temperatures scale from 0 to 60c. Under any rigorous environment conditions, the EKI-1221, EKI-1222 and EKI-1224 provide non-stop operations with advanced features and user-friendly designs.

The EKI-1221, EKI-1222 and EKI-1224 are now available for ordering. Do not hesitate to contact Impulse for more information on +44(0)1782 337 800.

Dataforth Launch new 6.2mm Compact Signal Converters

Dataforth have recently launched 7 new DSCP Compact Signal Converters and are now available at Impulse. The DSCP Signal Converters are housed in a 6.2mm case and offer outstanding specifications such as:

• Better than +/- 0.1% Accuracy
• 14-Bit Resolution
• 1500VAC 3-Way Isolation (50 or 60Hz I min)
• Output Overcurrent Protection
• Dip-Switch Configuration
• 3 Power Supply Options
• Cage Clamp Connectors
• Expandable Power-Bus Connector on DIN Rail Guide
• CE Compliant
• Manufactured per RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC

The DSCP Isolated Signal Converters include the DSCP55 Pt100, Ni100/loop-powered converter, the DSCP61 Pt100-to-DC current/voltage converter; the DSCP62 thermocouple-to-DC current/voltage converter with relay output; the DSCP63 DC voltage/current converter; the DSCP64 DC voltage/current converter with transducer power supply; the DSCP65 DC low voltage converter and the DSCP70 power supply connection module for DIN raid power bus.

Full technical specification can be downloaded here. Please do not hesitate to contact our Technical Staff for your Signal Conditioning, Data Acquisition and Data Communication requirements on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively at sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

AAEON Launch AEC-6620

AAEON has recently launched the AEC-6620 compact fanless embedded controller. Typical features include an Intel Atom N270 processor and supports up to 2GB of DDR2 SODIMM Memory.

I/O consists of 4 USB2.0 and 1 programmable RS-232/422/485 serial port and 10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet Sockets.

Key features include:

• Fanless Ultra Compact Build
• Intel Atom N270 Processor (1.6GHz)
• Dual Gigabit Ethernet
• Single DC Power Input
• USB2.0 x 4, COM x 1
• ATX/ACPI Power Function

The AEC-6620 supports Windows XP for Embedded Systems, Windows XPE, Windows 7 and Linux.

Click here for more information

As you may be aware, four weeks ago the IMPULSE team moved to a new office in Stoke-on-Trent. Since then, we have been working all hours decorating the offices, warehouse and engineering department.

One of the main projects for the Marketing Team was to design and produce the outside signage. After several days of concepts, designs and prototyping we finally produced some signs to be proud of.

Here is a few pictures of the new signs.

IMPULSE Launch New Partners Page

Over the past couple of days, IMPULSE have been working hard to develop a new “Partners” section of the website that lists all of the partners key to the success of IMPULSE over the past 17 years.

Each partner has a dedicated page with an overview of the company and the product range they develop. The pages also include any events held or awards that IMPULSE have won over the years.

Click here to visit the partners page

For more information regarding our product range and services, please contact IMPULSE of +44 (0)1782 337 800 or visit the IMPULSE website.

IMPULSE is moving office

After 13 years of trading at our Huntington office, we have finally outgrown it. IMPULSE has invested in a brand new office at the heart of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire.

Our last day at the Huntington office is Friday 18th June 2010. From Monday 21st June 2010 we will be at our new office in Stoke.

Impulse Corporation Limited

15 Galveston Grove

Oldfield Business Park

Fenton

Stoke-on-Trent

ST4 3PE

View a map of our new location

If you’re concerned about sending post to the wrong address, don’t worry! All post sent to the Huntington address will be forwarded to our Stoke office from the 21st of June. This is only for a few months so please update your records.

Phone Numbers

As we are moving to a new district, we won’t be able to keep our current number. Our new landline number is 01782 337800 and our fax is 01782 337801. These numbers will be effective from Monday 21st.

Email

Emails will stay the same across the company.

Open day

We will be hosting an Open Day at the new office once we have settled in. If you’re a customer, supplier or friend of ours and interested in the new place, feel free to get in contact us. We would be more than happy for you to drop by.

For more information, please visit our dedicated moving page for up-to-date information.

AAEON Launch eco-friendly system range

IMPULSE are pleased to announce the launch of AAEON’s “Green Embedded Systems” and “Green Communication Servers” as part of their eco-friendly product line. The first unit to arrive is the GES-1100F with several other systems due to launch later on in 2010. All of AAEON’s Green Embedded Systems are certified and fully compliant with ENERGY STAR regulations.

The GES-1100F hosts the Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz) processor and Intel 945GSE/ICH7M chipset. In addition, the system supports up to 2GB DDRII (400/533MHz) SODIMM memory. The GES-1100F input/output includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports, four COMs ports, six USB2.0 and 8-bit digital i/o. In addition to having ENERGY STAR certification, the GES-1100F is ROHS compliant.

Main Features:

• Fanless Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz Processor
• Intel 945GSE + ICH7M Chipset
• Supports 1 x 240-Pin NON-ECC DDRII 400/530 DIMM Memory up to 2GB
• Dual Display with DVI & VGA ports
• Dual Realtek PCI-Express 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet
• 2.5” SATA Hard Disk Drive bay
• 6 x USB 2.0, 4 x COM, 8-bit Digital i/o

IMPULSE are a leading UK distributor for AAEON products. You can read more on our AAEON partnership here. If you would like more information about the GES-1100F or any of our product range then please do not hesitate to contact us at sales@impulse-corp.co.uk or +44(0)1782 337 800.

Relio R9 Embedded Computer Platform - Product Update

IMPULSE PRODUCT UPDATE

Our Engineers wanted to let everyone know about the Relio R9 and why it is so unique. First a bit of background.....following on from our earlier news back in October 2009 regarding the release of the Relio R9 Embedded Computer from Sealevel Systems, we have updated our product information to provide more details on the Relio R9 including an Relio R9 Presentation.


To give you a quick overview here are some questions IMPULSE customers have been asking our Sales Team.

Q. Why is the R9 concept so unique?

A. The R9 concept is unique as you can Take Only What You Need - In a nutshell you can take only the features you need, and throw away the features you don’t, thus making a powerful specialised computing platform which is low cost, and low barrier to entry.

Our Engineers were keen to point out that there is a developers kit available which includes all the tools you’re likely to need – including a fully populated SBC which is so easy to work with using the developer’s platform.

Q. How do I tailor the Relio R9 to meet my needs?

A. Once you have completed your development, and decided on your I/O count, Sealevel can produce a specialised version of the R9 which is tailored to your requirement in specification, size, shape, connector type, certifications and any other constraints you may find yourself with. NRE and MOQs are kept low to ensure your development stays in budget.

Q. Where can I find more information?
A. Speak to your IMPULSE technical account manager and they can guide you through the process and tell you all about the Relio R9 or visit the dedicated page on the IMPULSE website using the link below:

Relio R9 - Product specification and ordering options

Q. How do Sealevel Systems and IMPULSE work together?
A. IMPULSE are one of Sealevel Systems oldest partners in Europe and work closely together to understand our customer’s requirements. You can read more at our Sealevel Systems Partners Page.

Author: Craig Stone - IMPULSE Marketing Manager

IMPULSE Attending Microsoft HUB UK 2010

IMPULSE are excited to be attending the Microsoft® HUB UK 2010 Seminar held at the Microsoft Campus in Reading, UK on Thursday, May 6th.

HUB 2010 is organised to help partners learn how to fully utilise the Microsoft embedded operating systems in their services and products.

Key events include:

· Windows Embedded Standard 7: Product Overview & Demo – Paul Kielty-White & Robert Smith (Microsoft® Corporation)

· Servicing the OS: New options in Windows Embedded Standard 7 and how to best use them – Robert Smith (Microsoft® Corporation)

· Microsoft Keynote: Windows Embedded – The Next Generation – Steve Walsh (Microsoft® Corporation)

HUB 2010 will also be holding several hands-on labs to train partners in the latest release of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R3 and Windows Embedded Standard.

Attending the event will be:

· Chris Durose – IMPULSE Engineering Manager
· Craig Stone – IMPULSE Marketing Manager
· Mark Searle – IMPULSE Systems and Support Engineer.

Click here for the HUB UK 2010 Events Page.

IMPULSE are a Windows Embedded Partner. For more information on custom OS imaging, please contact IMPULSE on +44 (0)1782337 800 or visit our website.

New Marketing Manager For IMPULSE

IMPULSE CORPORATION LTD is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Craig Stone to the position of Marketing Manager.

Bringing extensive experience from his time in senior marketing and operations roles, Craig joins the team at IMPULSE as the business celebrates its most successful month on record with a 220% increase in sales compared with last year.

“Craig will bring a vast amount of marketing and managerial expertise to IMPULSE ensuring our continued growth within the industrial and embedded computing sector experienced over the past few years”, said Craig Wright, IMPULSE’s Operation Director. “I am confident he will be an integral part of the future success of IMPULSE and the new strategies we have put in place to ensure we remain the premier and innovative partner for our customers in the UK industrial PC market”.

In his new remit, Craig will take immediate responsibility for building and implementing strategies to drive customer acquisition, revenue growth and brand development for the UK market as well as taking control of all online and offline marketing activities. Craig will work closely with IMPULSE’s technical accounts managers to aid business development and will continue to build on the strategic partnerships IMPULSE currently have in place with their key partners and suppliers.

Craig Stone commented: - “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Marketing Manager for IMPULSE. These are exciting times for the business and a planned move to new premises this summer will provide increased capacity and help continue IMPULSE’s impressive growth. I look forward to working closely with the various teams at IMPULSE to increase market share and build partnerships with our suppliers that will enhance the services IMPULSE can provide to its customer base.”

Prior to joining IMPULSE, Craig worked in a number of senior management and project management roles, most recently as the Marketing & Operations Director at CSI Media, a leading UK Web Technology Company. In this role, Craig was responsible for managing the creation and marketing of a number of high-end and blue-chip websites in the travel, retail and finance sectors.

Craig graduated from Staffordshire University in 2003 with a 1st Class BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing Science. Taking up his new responsibilities from April 2010, Craig will report directly to the Managing Director & Operations Director.

AFL-F08A – 8” Flat Bezel Panel PC

IMPULSE are pleased to announce the launch of the AFL-F08A – 8” Flat Bezel Panel PC from IEI Technology. The fanless Intel Atom based system features a unique, touch sensitive flat bezel screen that can support dual touch features.

The AFL-F08A hosts the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz, 512KB L2) processor and up to 2GB 533MHz DDR2 SODIMM memory. In addition, the AFL-F08A I/O includes Dual Gigabit LAN, 2 USB, 2 COMs and optional wireless LAN (Via Internal MiniPCIe Socket).

The AFL-F08A also has a built in 300K Pixel camera and Dual 1.5W speakers. The AFL-F08A supports Windows CE 6.0, Windows for Embedded Systems, Windows XP, Windows 7 and Linux. For more information of the AFL-F08A - 8” Flat Bezel Panel PC or any of our products, please contact IMPULSE on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or visit the IMPULSE website.

The ARK-3360L - Dual Core Intel Atom Fanless System

IMPULSE are pleased to announce the launch of the ARK-3360L system from Advantech. The Fanless Intel Atom system hosts either the N450 or the new Dual Core D510 processor. The ARK-3360L supports up to 2GB DDR2 667MHz SODIMM Memory and has Dual Gigabit LAN, 6 USB 2.0 and 4 COMs ports.

The ARK-3360L also has 1 x Mini PCIe expansion for additional communication modules such as Wireless LAN and HSDPA. It also supports CompactFlash II storage. In addition, you can add an additional drive bay for a 2.5” SATA hard drive.

The ARK-3360L Supports Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows for Embedded Systems and Fedora Core 9.0. Impulse can assist you with any OS imaging requirements. For more information regarding the ARK-3360L - Fanless Dual Core Intel Atom System or any of our products, please contact IMPULSE on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or visit the IMPULSE website.

Sealevel ACC-188 Synchronous Serial Radio Adaptors avaliable from IMPULSE

IMPULSE now offer Synchronous Serial Radio Adaptors from Sealevel Systems. The ACC-188 Synchronous Serial Radio Adaptor is now available and follows the MIL-STD-188-184 interoperability and performance standard for the Data Control Waveform.

The ACC-188 offers compatibility with a wide range of tactical radio types, including SINCGARS, EPLRS, MBMMR, MBITR and JTRS. In essence, the ACC-188 provides a high speed interoperable data solution that encompasses a Synchronous Radio Adapter Cable, which is ideal for universal connection between tactical radios and computers.

The ACC-188 is available with a PCMCIA or USB interface and is accompanied by the government-developed PDA-184 software from the Defence Industry Security Association (DISA). This easy to install software provides a simple graphical user interface that allows users to transmit and receive a large variety of data types at higher speeds.

For more information regarding the ACC-188 Synchronous Serial Radio Adaptor or any of our products, please contact IMPULSE on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or visit the IMPULSE website.

Touchscreen Technologies

(A PDF version of this article can be downloaded here)

When it comes to touchscreen technology, the four most prevalent types are Capacitive, Infrared, Resistive, SAW (surface acoustic wave) and Guided Wave with Resistive and Capacitive being the most widely used types for Industrial Applications. All of these technologies have their own distinct characteristics, both advantageous and with limitations. Our industrial LCD flat panel displays offer the following optional touchscreens to suit your specific application.

Capacitive

Capacitive touchscreen technology is recommended for use in KIOSK applications that require a “finger touch”. It will not operate with either a gloved hand or with a mechanical stylus. It is made of glass, which makes it extremely durable and scratch resistant.

This glass overlay has a coating that stores the charge deposited over its surface electrically. Capacitive touchscreens operate using oscillator circuits that are located in each corner of the glass overlay and measure the capacitance or the area to be “touched”.

Depending on where the person touches the overlay, the oscillators will vary in frequency. Then a touchscreen controller measures the frequency variations to ascertain the coordinates of the person’s touch.

When used with flat panel displays, capacitive offers drift-free stable performance that is not susceptible to deterioration over time. A capacitive touchscreen is impervious to grease, dirt and water, which makes it ideal for frequent use.

Resistive

Resistive touchscreen technology is recommended for use in POS (Point of Sale): Grocery Stores, Hotels, Restaurants and Retail Stores; Industrial Applications: MMI (Man Machine Interface), Machine and Process Control; Portable Devices; Personal Information Management Systems; Transportation Solutions; Medical Solutions: Equipment, Instrumentation and Patient Monitoring Systems.

It generally uses a display overlay composed of layers, each with a conductive coating on the interior surface. Special separator “dots” are distributed evenly across the active area and separate the conductive interior layers.

The pressure from using either a mechanical stylus or finger produces an internal electrical contact at the “action point” which supplies the controller with vertical and horizontal analogue voltages for data input.

To reduce parallax for older “curved” CRT applications only, resistive touchscreens are generally spherical to match the curvature of the CRT (true flat resistive touch overlays are available for TFT flat panels and/or CRTs). Our resistive touchscreens are anti-glare to reduce reflective shine intensity, which will slightly diffuse the light output throughout the screen.

Resistive technology offers tremendous versatility in that activation can be initiated by; a gloved hand, fingernail, mechanical stylus or an ungloved finger.

Resistive touchscreens can be gasket sealed for NEMA 4 and NEMA 4X environments. Limitations include: Low light output, diffused resolution images and a plastic surface which can be scratched if improperly touched.

SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave)

SAW touchscreen technology is suggested for use in ATMs, Amusement Parks, Banking and Financial Applications, Gaming Environments, Industrial Control Rooms, and KIOSK.

SAW touch cannot be used within NEMA environments, as the technology cannot be gasket sealed. It has excellent durability that allows it to continue working if scratched since the overlay for the touch sensor is a solid glass display.

The disadvantage to this glass overlay is that it is breakable and wont work in wash down conditions. The waves are spread across the screen by bouncing off reflector arrays along the edges of the overlay. The waves are detected by two “receivers”. The acoustic wave weakens when the user touches the glass with their finger, gloved hand or soft stylus.

The coordinates are then determined by the controller circuitry that measures the time at which the amplitude declines. It is the only technology that can produce a Z-coordinate axis response. SAW technology offers drift free stable performance that is always precise. SAW offers superior image clarity, resolution, and high light transmission.

Infrared

Infrared touchscreen technology is based on “legacy” technology and is becoming increasingly replaced by Resistive or Capacitive touch systems. Over the years, Infra-red bezels have been proved to be a very reliable technology for use in ATMs, Food Service and Preparation, KIOSK, Medical Instrumentation, Process Control Systems, and Transportation Tracking applications.

It does not incorporate any sort of “overlay” that could inhibit screen clarity or brightness, but instead, uses a special bezel of LEDs (light emitting diodes) along with diametrically opposing phototransistor detectors which surround the glass of the display surface.

The controller circuitry scans the screen with an invisible lattice of intra-red light beams just in front of the surface that directs a sequence of pulses to the LED’s.

It then detects information at the location where the LEDs have become interrupted by a stylus or finger. The infrared frame housing the transmitters can impose design constraints on operator interface products.

If you are unsure what Touchscreen technology you require for your project, please feel free to contat our Technical Sales team at +44(0)1782 337 800.

(A PDF version of this article can be downloaded here)

MMT225 – 22” High Brightness LCD Widescreen Medical Monitoring

IMPULSE is excited to announce that Axiomtek have released a new high brightness medical grade LCD monitor, the MMT225. Especially designed for medical environment, the MMT225 adopts IPX1 waterproof design which protects the entire system from outside liquid and dust.

This fanless unit is only 69mm in thickness and as a 22’’ TFT 300nits WSXGA LCD display (1680x1050) and user-friendly OSD to deliver excellent viewing quality and easy data entry. With its excellent ID and rugged design, the MMT225 is especially ideal for medical image processing and mobile nursing cart.

The MMT225 fully complies with UL60601-1/EN60601-1 medical and CE and FCC Class B certifications. The MMT225 is able to offer excellent fanless operation and longer life cycles under any severe condition. To protect the unit from outside damage, the MMT225 adopts a rugged IP65 front panel and IPX1 rated system design. By supporting a lock-type medical adaptor plug, this slim medical grade monitor fits all kinds of harsh environments.

The high brightness display also incorporates multi-signal inputs of VGA, S-video, video, DVI, audio-in and three USB ports (1 slave, 2 host) to connect with a wide range of medical equipment. Its optional 1.3 mega pixels camera and built-in microphone/2W stereo speakers enables remote communication. In addition, Bluetooth is an available option for wireless connection with medical peripheral devices.

To improve patient treatment accuracy, the optional RFID (radio frequency identification) offers an efficient way to validate patient identification and give proper treatment. Other features include NTSC and PAL signals support, an optional compact 24X CD-ROM for data storage, and flexible mounting options of VESA FPMPMI, wall mount and desktop stand.

IMPULSE are a leading UK distributor and integrator of industrial computing products including single board computers, touchscreen panel PCs and monitors, data communication products and rackmount and embedded computing platforms. Established in 1993, we specialise in the automotive, medical, military and process control markets offering key products and solutions to a wide range of organisations.

Atom Based Low Cost Embedded Computing with the AEC-6420

IMPULSE is excited to confirm that AAEON Technology, our premier Industrial PC Partner has released a new low cost embedded PC, the AEC-6420. This model is part of the BOXER Lite series in the AAEON embedded controller product line and is characterized by its compact size and competitive pricing in the market.

The AEC-6420 is an extension of the existing AEC-6410 model and its debut completes the BOXER Lite product line. The unit features the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor which offers low power consumption and a condensed footprint and also support for SODIMM DDRII 400/533 system memory of up to 2GB. The AEC-6420 can be operated with a low operating voltage reducing power consumption requirements often essential in the embedded market.

“Although the AEC-6420 is an economical version of our BOXER line, this model is equipped with flexible I/O interfaces and allows for ample data storage. It deploys two COM ports, four USB 2.0 ports, and one parallel port to provide plenty of options for any robust and critical application. Furthermore, there are two Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports for better network connections and communications. Additional features include mainstream operating system support, such as Windows XP Pro, Windows XP Embedded and Fedora offering easy OS compatibility with existing systems.“ said Linux Wang, the Product Manager of Panel Automation & Appliance Division, AAEON.

In addition to its generous I/O count, the AEC-6420 also comes with a SATA/IDE interface, an internal CompactFlash socket for flexible storage expansion, and optional SATA HDD kit for additional storage. This model is ideal for Machine Control, Factory Automation, Building Automation, and other industrial applications.

Full software and driver support is assured for Windows XP Pro, XP Embedded and Linux. IMPULSE is a leading certified Microsoft Embedded Partner and is ready to assist you directly with any BSP and imaging support that is required.

For more detailed product information, please visit www.impulse-corp.co.uk or contact our technical sales team for further assistance.

New Low Cost , High Performance Embedded PC

IMPULSE is pleased to announce the launch of a new low power fanless embedded PC from our premier IPC partner Aaeon, the AEC-6811. This new model from the firmly established and innovative BOXER range provides an extremely cost effective embedded platform whilst maintaining a high level of specification essential for vehicle, mobile and industrial applications.

The AEC-6811 features the leading AMD Geode LX800 500MHz low power processor and accompanies it with DDR400 RAM SODIMM (up to 512MB) system memory support. In addition, the AEC-6811 includes one SATA/IDE Hard Disk Drive and one Type II CompactFlash slot for flexible storage options. It also accommodates four COM ports and four USB2.0 ports along with two 10/100Base-TX Ethernet ports for network connectivity. The user-friendly network function makes the AEC-6811 ideal for mobile and networking applications. This mini size embedded PC also provides one MiniPCI expansion making it ideal for industrial PC applications.

“The AEC-6811 is the new generation of our embedded controller Boxer series – AEC-68xx. It enhances its performance and lowers the cost to meet the requirements of entry-level applications. The AEC-6811 inherits the BOXER’s design concepts and patented heat spreading system. Deploying a fanless and rugged aluminium alloy chassis outfit, the AEC-6811 achieves the target price and higher processing performance. Since the wide power range is another essential requirement of vehicle applications, we not only offer the 9V DC to 30V DC power input, but also the AC power input as well. The power management is AAEON’s expertise to provide a stable and reliable solutions” said Linux Wang, Product Manager of Aaeon’s Panel Application & Automation Division.

The fanless AEC-6811’s expandable functions, compact size, and highly efficient heat dispersing design are an ideal match for rugged applications in factory control, machine automation, test instrumentation, safety surveillance, and intelligent transportation.

Full software and driver support is assured for Windows CE, Windows XP Pro, XP Embedded and Linux. IMPULSE is a certified Microsoft Embedded Partner and is ready to assist you directly with any BSP and imaging support that is required.

Windows Embedded at Impulse

Impulse Corporation now offers support for your Microsoft’s Legacy Operating System solutions. Our engineers can either support you in creating a standard Operating System Image, or create one for you to your exact specifications. We can also include your software and basic settings to reduce your deployment time when you receive the system.

Microsoft DOS for Embedded Systems

Impulse can still maintain your legacy MS DOS applications avoiding needless and costly redevelopment. MS-DOS is a cost effective solution for simple legacy applications. Available as a ROM or disk-based Operating System, MS-DOS has minimal resource requirement and is ideal for small, mobile applications and those that do not need a user interface.

Microsoft Windows 2000 for Embedded Systems

Windows 2000 for embedded systems allows you to maintain your existing Windows 2000 Professional applications without having to make any modifications to your existing software platform.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems

As you will now all be aware, as of the end of 2009 Windows XP Professional OEM will no longer be available through your usual channels. However Impulse can still support your XP Professional Systems. Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems is not a componentised version of the Windows XP operating systems and as such Impulse can support your existing XP Professional installations. Finished images including you applications software and settings can be created and installed on to your systems considerably reducing you deployment time.

Windows Embedded at Impulse

Impulse Corporation offers support for all Microsoft’s Embedded Operating system solutions. Our engineers can either support you in creating your own Embedded Operating System or create an image to your specifications. We can also include your software and basic settings to reduce deployment time when you receive the system.

Windows Embedded Standard

(Next generation of Windows XP Embedded)

Windows Embedded Standard is a fully componentised version of Windows. Windows Embedded Standard allows development of advanced commercial and consumer devices to run thousands of existing Windows applications and drivers. Windows Embedded Standard includes Silverlight, .NET Framework 3.5, Internet Explorer 7, Windows Media Player 11, RDP 6.1 and Network Access Protection.

With Standard, we can optimize the size of the OS footprint on your device because we can select only the drivers, services, and applications you need. By using only the components you need, we can reduce your product development time, optimize operating system size and scale as low as 40MB in size with a bootable kernel. Windows Embedded Standard is also used in devices such as Thin Clients and kiosks.

Windows Embedded CE

Windows Embedded CE 6.0 allows development of small-footprint devices with a componentised, real-time operating system. The componentised features in Windows Embedded CE are optimised for small devices with limited memory and processing resources, for mobile devices that require power management capabilities, next-generation devices that require rich networking and communications standards, or for real-time devices that require deterministic responses to interrupts.

Examples of Windows CE-based devices include portable navigation and communications devices. Impulse can help you with the development of you project and can supply BSP’s from our suppliers to ease your CE development.

Windows Embedded POSReady

(Next generation of Windows Embedded Point of Service)

Windows Embedded “POSReady” is a flexible operating system optimized for the retail industry with built-in networking capabilities and standards-based plug-and-play support. It lets you connect a variety of retail and hospitality device peripherals onto a single POS system. Windows Embedded POSReady is used in a wide range of POS devices including self-checkout systems, customer-facing information kiosks, cash registers, fuel pumps, and digital signage.

Windows Embedded Standard 2011

Windows Embedded Standard 2011 is a reliable Embedded O/S due for release in the second quarter of 2010 which will allow for a secure and stable O/S based on Windows 7. Using Windows Embedded Standard 2011 allows OEMs to concentrate on differentiating their product offering based on hardware/software/applications rather than investing in platform development.

Impulse will be offering Windows Embedded Standard 2011 as soon as it is available so keep this in mind for your future requirements.