Working with Winmate – Past, present and future

Founded in 1996, Winmate Communication Inc has since become a leading industrial LCD display and panel PC solutions provider in the industrial and embedded marketplace.  In 2005, after substantial market research in to the growing all-in-one packaged LCD market, Impulse put pen to paper and signed a distribution agreement to supply their comprehensive product range in the UK.  Now, as a Premium Partner of Winmate, Impulse is one of the top 10 worldwide distributors for Winmate products.

What makes Winmate so special?

The first thing that we noticed about Winmate was their vast yet innovative product range, catering for many different industrial applications including automation, kiosks, retail and digital signage. The diversity of their display products, such as multiple size and touch screen options, ensures that Winmate products are one of the first to be recommended to Impulse customers.

The quality of products and the technical back-up services from Winmate are second to none. The build quality and long-term supply roadmaps of their displays is exceptional which is of vital importance in the industrial market. These crucial factors played a big part in the decision to make Winmate an Impulse Premium Partner in 2007.

Winmate facilities

In 2011 the Impulse senior management took a trip to Taiwan and visited the Winmate facilities. They enjoyed a tour of the factory which acted as a unique and valuable insight into their investment in the quality and build processes of the production line for the Winmate products.

“My first impression of the Winmate facilities was that it appeared very organised and streamlined. Their state of the art production line included SMT and DIP lines, and excellent pre- and post-build testing facilities. Their EMC and environmental test chambers ensure product reliability, and along with their clean rooms to minimise particle interference between the glass and touch screen, Winmate are clearly industry leaders and at the cutting edge of LCD touch screen technology and production.”

Craig Stone
General Manager

Impulse and Winmate – working together for the future

It is clear that Winmate, like Impulse, is constantly looking to develop their product mix and to move forward in the industrial display and panel PC market. Their increasing support within the new, yet growing mobile computing sector ensures to cement their status as a key partner with Impulse.

From all at Impulse, we look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with Winmate in all aspects of the Industrial Computing market in the UK for many years to come.

Touch Screen Technology

Does your application require a touch screen display? Unsure what type of touch screen technology to use? Impulse has created a series of resources to help explain the pros, cons and application use for each of the common touch screen technologies.

An overview of touch screen technology

View our touch screen comparison table

There are five mainstream technologies of touch screen utilised in our industrial LCD displays and Panel PCs. The most common and widely used is Resistive followed by Capacitive, Surface Acoustic Wave, Infrared and the latest Projected Capacitive (PCT).

Each type of touch screen technology has its own distinctive characteristics, some providing advantages and some limitations.

Please see below for a summary of the five key types of touch screen technology available from Impulse. Click the heading of each section to view more detailed explanations of the touch screen technology.

Resistive touch screens

Resistive touch screens offer the lowest cost type of touch screen on the market. Resistive touch screens can accept an input from almost any object, be it a bare finger, a gloved hand or even a pen.

Being so versatile, resistive based touch screens also have some disadvantages. Due to the way resistive touch screens are constructed, they are easier to scratch compared with their glass based counterparts. In addition, resistive touch screens are also affected by extreme temperatures although the latest 8-wire resistive options eliminate this problem.

Learn more about Resistive touch screens

Capacitive touch screens

Capacitive touch screens are commonly found on modern day smart phones and tablet computers. Capacitive touch screens are commonly constructed from glass and are much more resistant against scratches, abrasion and extreme temperatures. Again, capacitive touch screens have their own limitations too. Due to the way the touch sensors work, capacitive touch screens only detect touch from an organic input, such as a bare finger.

Learn more about Capacitive touch screens

SAW touch screens

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology uses ultrasonic waves that pass over the touch screen panel. When the panel is touched, a portion of the wave is absorbed. This change in the ultrasonic waves registers the position of the touch event and sends this information to the controller for processing.

Learn more about Surface Acoustic Wave touch screens

Infrared touch screens

An infrared touch screen uses an array of X-Y infrared LED and photodetector pairs around the edges of the screen to detect a disruption in the pattern of LED beams.

The LED beams cross each other in vertical and horizontal patterns. When a user touches the screen, the sensors detect an interruption in the X-Y infrared pulses enabling the controller to calculate the touch location.

Learn more about Infrared touch screens

Projected Capacitive touch screens

Traditional touch screen interfaces, such as resistive, capacitive and surface acoustic wave are surface activated. Surface activated means the user’s input needs to make physical contact with the touch interface for it to work.

Projected capacitive (PCT) touch screens do not require physical contact to operate. PCT touch screens are made up of a thin film, covered in a grid of micro-fine sensing wires.
A low voltage current is applied to the sensing wires, creating a uniform electro static field.

Learn more about Projected Capacitive touch screens 

Panel PC Solutions at Impulse

Did you know that Impulse is a leading UK distributor and Integrator of Panel PC solutions? Since 1993, Impulse has been offering a wide range of Panel PC solutions such as Industrial Open Frame, IP65 Panel Mount and Full IP67.

Our Panel PCs have a wide range of processing capabilities with processors such as the Intel Core i7, Core2 Duo, Atom and RICS based SOC. We can off you a tailor made solution for your industrial computing requirements.

Find out more about our Panel PC solutions

Low cost HMI solutions at Impulse

Impulse is now offering an extensive range of low cost, low powered HMI products. Our latest HMI units offer you a cost effective solution for your industrial automation needs. We now have low cost HMI solutions starting at 5.6” up to 10.4” with a display resolution from 640 x 480 up to 1024 x 600.

Our latest Intel Atom HMI use the latest Intel Atom Z500 series processor. The low powered processors utilise the same instruction sets and architecture found in mainstream processors but with the added benefit of having a small footprint. The Z500 series feature such features as SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3 and Intel SpeedStep.

Impulse can pre-configure your HMI Panel PC to your exact specification including memory, storage and OS requirements. We can also assist in the supply chain management offering flexible call off scheduling of products direct from our stock.

As a Microsoft Windows Embedded Silver Partner, we offer development support for all Microsoft Embedded OS Solutions. Our qualified Microsoft Certified Technology Specialists can support you in the design and implementation of your own custom Windows Embedded OS images.

For more information on our low powered HMI solutions, you can contact our Technical Account team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk

What Are: Capacitive Touchscreens

A capacitive touch screen is a panel of glass coated with a special transparent conductor such as Indium Tin Oxide. A small voltage is applied to the layer resulting in an electrostatic charge. Because the human body an electrical conductor, touching the screen results in a distortion of the panel’s electrostatic charge.

When a finger touches the surface, a capacitance is formed at that location. Sensors located at each corner of the panel will measure the frequency variations to calculate the coordinates of the user’s touch. The coordinates are then fed back to the controller which translates this information in to something that allows software on an operating system to understand.

Capacitive touch screens have no moving parts and are impervious to grease, dirt and water making them an ideal interface for outdoor Kiosks.

Impulse has an extensive range of capacitive touch screen Panel PCs and Industrial Displays. For more information on our capacitive touschcreen range, contact our Technical Account Managers on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

Product overview - GOT-812 - 12.1" IP66 Rated Industrial Fanless Panel PC

Impulse are pleased to announce the launch of the GOT-812 from Axiomtek. The GOT-812 is specially designed for heavy-duty and outdoor applications. This is reflected by its stainless steel enclosure, which is designed to protect the entire system from outside elements such as water, powder and dust. Through testing and certification the GOT-812 has been awarded an IP66 rating, meaning the unit is protected from dust entering the system as well as high pressure water jets, thus allowing the unit to be washed. In addition to the IP66 rating, the GOT-812 has also been awarded the IEC60945 certification, meaning it is protected from salt mist and is marine grade approved.

Technical Specification:

• Intel Atom N270 processor with Intel 945GSE + ICH7M chipset
• Supports up to 2GB of DDR2 SODIMM memory
• 2 x USB2.0, 2 x COM, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet - Protected by IP66 M12 connectors
• Wide temperature operating range - -20ºC to +55ºC

The GOT-812 features a 12.1" TFT LCD display and is available with either standard (450 nits) or high brightness (1000 nits) backlighting and has a 5-wire resistive low reflection touchscreen interface. These display features make the GOT-812 an ideal solution for both indoor and outdoor applications regardless of the ambient lighting or weather.

Finally, the GOT-812 can sustain shock and vibration up to 3G with solid state storage and 2G with a standard 2.5" Hard Drive. The unit weighs in at only 4.5 kg and is just 59mm deep, so is easy to setup in mobile applications.

For more information on the GOT-812 or any of our rugged Touch Panel PCs call our sales team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

Panel PCs from Impulse

Need a Panel PC?
Take a look at the updated Panel PC range from Impulse Corporation Ltd.

Website Link: http://www.impulse-corp.co.uk/panel-pcs.htm

Impulse are a leading Panel PC supplier in the UK, offering a wide range of Panel PCs, from rugged industrial models for automation and process control applications through to ergonomic slimline designs ideal for digital signage and thin client applications.

Our Panel PC range is touchscreen capable and come in a variety of packaging options including open frame, panel-mount, Wall-mount and full IP65 waterproof designs.

We can configure our Panel PCs to your exact requirements and custom designs are welcome.

Visit the impulse website for more information.

Impulse launch new ACP-5182 Wallmount Panel PC

IMPULSE is pleased to announce the launch of the new ACP-5182 Wallmount Panel PC from AAEON Technology.

The ACP-5182 has a sleek front panel design with a rugged anti-scratch surface similar to modern touch phone specifications.  The innovative design has a flat edge to edge surface with no outer bezel ensuring the Panel PC is ideal for digital signage applications and public information systems.

The ACP-5182 hosts an Intel Atom Dual Core D510 processor and can support up to 2GB of DDR2 SODIMM memory. The 18.5” WXGA 1366 x 768 widescreen display can support dual input interaction with its projected capacitive multi-touch technology. For multi-touch functionality you will require Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system.

The ACP-5182 also comes with a wide range of input/output features including 2 x COM, 6 x USB2.0, 1 x Audio Line-out x 1 x external VGA port and 2 x 10/100/1000Base-TX RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet ports.  In addition, ACP-5182’s storage options include the use of a 2.5” SATA hard drive or a CompactFlash drive.

For more information on the ACP-5182, any of our Panel PCs and our custom Windows Embedded development service, please contact our sales team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

RTC-1000 - New 10.2” IP65 Rugged Tablet PC for Harsh Applications

AAEON, the premier industrial PC partner of IMPULSE, has released the new RTC-1000 to enrich the existing AAEON Rugged Tablet Computer (RTC) series designed to deal with applications in harsh/severe environments.

The RTC-1000 features a 10.2” WSVGA (1024 x 600) sunlight readable 450nit LCD display with integrated optically bonded vandal-proof touchscreen and optional digitizer.

The RTC-1000 series supports two models, the RTC-1000A features the Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz processor and the RTC-1000D offers the Intel Core Duo U2500 1.2GHz or Celeron M 423 1.0GHz ULV processors. Both models are equipped with one 200-pin DDR2 SODIMM socket with support of up to 2GB memory. In addition, the RTC-1000A/RTC-1000D offers flexible I/O and storage options including two USB2.0 ports, one Mini USB port, one RS-232 port, a PCMCIA socket, two internal Mini Card slots, and a CompactFlash slot.

“The RTC-1000 is sealed to the IP65 specification. It is built from the ground up to withstand water, dust and vibration encountered in the harsh environments it is utilized in. This model deploys a 10.2” WSVGA 16:9 TFT LCD display with LED backlight that can be clearly viewed from wide angles along with a sunlight readable patented AOT (Advanced Optical Technology) touch screen. This advanced technology ensures display impact protection often required in rugged applications”, - Howard Hu, Product Manager of R & D Center, AAEON. “In addition, built-in handwriting recognition and numeric keypad and programmable function keys on the front panel are all user friendly features of the RTC-1000. Another unique design is the Finger Print Reader, which is ideal for personal security systems”

The built-in 9-cell smart Lithium-Ion high capacity battery provides up to 5-7 hours operating time between re-charging. The optional docking station and vehicle chargers can keep the system up and running for multiple operating shifts. For network communications, the RTC-1000A/RTC-1000D offers one 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet port and a Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11 b/g connection plus one Bluetooth 2.0 Class 1 module to provide fast and convenient connectivity. An optional 3.5G Modem Module is also available up on request.

The RTC-1000 series supports the latest Windows Embedded OS, Windows Embedded Standard 2009, IMPULSE can assist you with standard and custom imaging services for this new platform. It also offers high performance with low power consumption, perfect for applications in the Emergency Medical Service, Public Safety, Transportation, Marine and Aviation industries.

Please feel free to call our experienced technical sales team for more information and pricing on the new RTC-1000 Rugged Tablet PC from AAEON.

IP65 Water-Proof Panel Computing with Intel Atom N270 Support

AAEON, our premier Industrial PC partner, releases two new Multi-Purpose & Water-Proof Panel PC’s – the FOX-151 and FOX-81. These new models are designed to deal with the harsh and rugged environments that require fully sealed enclosures and optical bonded LCD panels. They inherit the design concepts of the existing FOX series and continue to provide the same powerful features to accommodate severe environmental applications.

The FOX-151 and FOX-81 both adopt the Intel Atom N270 fanless processor up to 1.6GHz and DDR2 SODIMM system memory of up to 2GB. The low power consumption of the Atom processor is one of the key features on both of these new models. In addition, they deploy flexible I/O connection, utilising IP67 rated, water-proof connectors for total protection. AAEON specifically utilizes the M12 screw type connectors to prepare the FOX-151 and FOX-81 for severe environments and harsh applications. Both models also support optional 10/100/1000Base-TX Ethernet functionality to provide faster network communication. Wireless LAN with dual internal antennas is also an optional feature.

“The FOX-151 and FOX-81 not only offers anti-freeze protection and water proof operation under inclement weather conditions, but also a vandal-proof display for public venue applications. The LCD Optical bonding on the FOX units allows for low reflection and high contrast ratio to increase sunlight readability. The design of the LCD bonding also offers vibration absorption advantages and anti-fogging, which are all advanced features of the FOX-151 and FOX-81” says Owen Huang, Product Manager of Panel Appliance and Automation Division at AAEON.

The FOX-151 and FOX-81 features 15” and 8.4” TFT-LCD bonding respectively. AAEON uses the day and night mode display for power saving purpose and all the characteristics of the FOX-151 and FOX-81 have user-friendly orientated designs. The LCD resolution of the FOX-151 is 1024 x 768 with 16.7M colours and 450nits luminance. The FOX-81 is 800 x 600 with 262K colours and typical 650nits (450nits luminance for different models). Both model’s backlight MTBF is 50,000 hours.

The FOX-151 and FOX-81 offer mainstream operating system support for Windows XP Pro and Windows XP Embedded. IMPULSE is ready to assist you directly with any BSP and embedded imaging support that is required.

Applications in harsh environments require low power consumption and high performance, which is ideal for the FOX-151 and FOX-81. Industries such as marine, aviation, and outdoor kiosks could benefit from the entire FOX product line.