Discover our system integration facility

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Did you know that Impulse has a system integration facility based in Stoke-on-Trent? Our engineers take full advantage of the state-of-the-art facility when designing, building and customising industrial computer systems for our customers.

Many of our customers take advantage of our flexible build and delivery scheduling service. They rely on Impulse to ensure they receive the right hardware at the right time. With our build and delivery scheduling service we can ensure we have sufficient hardware in stock ready for testing, building and dispatching, on time and on budget.

Why do customers choose us for their industrial computing needs? Here are five reasons why:

1. Purpose built production facility based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
2. Experienced team of highly qualified engineers
3. Flexible system build and delivery scheduling service
4. Strict quality assurance and revision control policies
5. Custom Windows Embedded OS design service

Click here to find out more about our system integration facility

For more information about our system integration facility and how it can benefit you, contact our technical account team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively email sales@impuse-corp.co.uk.

The ARK-1120 – high performance yet compact embedded system

The ARK-1120 from Advantech

This week we launched our latest embedded PC, the ARK-1120 by Advantech. The ARK-1120 is an ultra compact embedded system powered by the popular Intel Atom N455 and includes the Intel ICH8-M chipset providing a powerful combination features and performance.

The first thing we noticed about the ARK-1120 was how small and light it was. The ARK-1120 measures in at just W133mm x H43mm x D94mm and weighs only 0.7kg. The chassis is constructed out of a rugged yet lightweight aluminium alloy featuring a series of solid fins designed to help disperse heat generated by the processor and board components. The ‘fin’ design gives the benefits of a true fan-less system without the need to rely on noisy and unreliable chassis fans. The chassis features VESA mounting holes on the underside allowing you to mount it on the back of a monitor or on a wall via a mating VESA bracket.

Although the ARK-1120 is very compact it still includes an impressive range of I/O features. As standard it has four USB2.0 ports and two RS-232 serial ports. Inside the system it features a SATA port, a CompactFlash Type I/II socket and a half size Mini PCIe socket. The Mini PCIe socket is quite a useful feature to have as it allows you to expand the system’s capabilities by including a WiFi or HSDPA/3G modem card.

The Intel Atom N455 processor is part of the embedded CPU range from Intel. Integrated into the processor for better reliability is a GPU and memory controller. The GPU is based on the Intel GMA3150 and performs at a 200MHz clock speed ensuring fast graphic performance. It features DirectX 9c and OpenGL 1.5 support and is capable of hardware accelerated MPEG-2 video playback. The integrated memory controller supports up to 2GB of DDR3 SODIMM memory and up to 384MB of this memory can be shared with the GPU through Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT). In total the Atom N455 consumes only 6.5W making it an ideal solution for high performance yet low power embedded systems.

You can view the press release here. A full specification list and datasheet can be found on the product page. For more information on the ARK-1120 you can get in contact with us on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

Impulse launch new Industrial Ethernet Switch range

Impulse is pleased to launch the new EKI Series Industrial Ethernet Switches from Advantech. These new Industrial Ethernet Switches are designed to meet the demanding requirements of the industrial environment and come with communication standards such as Fast and Gigabit Ethernet. These Industrial Ethernet Switches are avaliable with copper and fibre optic connections.

Our new Industrial Ethernet Switch range includes:

• Managed Ethernet Switches
• Unmanaged Ethernet Switches
• IP67 Ethernet Switches
• PoE Switches

To learn more about our Advantech Ethernet Switches then contact our Technical Account team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

Leading UK Advantech Distributor

Did you know that Impulse is a leading UK Advantech distributor? Founded in 1983, Advantech has provided leadership for innovative ePlatform products and services for over 25 years. Advantech offer comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer-centric design services and global distribution support.

Impulse has been a leading UK Advantech distributor since 2003 and has provided customers with a comprehensive range of Advantech Single Board Computers, Panel PCs, Industrial Ethernet Switches and Distributed Analog and Digital I/O adapters.

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Impulse announces partnership with DFI inc

Impulse is pleased to announce that we are now an official UK distributor for DFI. DFI are a leading Taiwanese manufacturer and developer of high performance embedded computing technology. Since 1981 DFI has been leading the industry with cutting-edge boards and systems designed for embedded applications.

Impulse was keen to work with DFI as they ensure strict revision control and long life availability on their industrial computer products. DFI use the latest technology platforms and manufacturing techniques to produce cost-effective products for use in medical diagnostic & imaging, ATM/POS, industrial control, kiosk, security & surveillance, digital signage, gaming, and many other embedded applications.

Key benefits offered by DFI

Strict revision control
DFI is committed to strict revision control and ensures consistency by using the same components across its entire product line. DFI ensure that all customers are notified in advance if any revisions are required. When a change to a critical component is required, DFI perform extensive testing with their testing facilities to ensure every aspect of the component is tested before launch.


Long product lifecycle supply
DFI guarantees that their products will be available for a minimum of 3-5 years and do this by maintaining stock of critical components. This minimizes the risk of discontinued items and will issue end of life notices as soon as components become unavailable.


Manufacturing capability
DFI have a large in-house manufacturing facility that ensures that they offer stability and quality control. DFI have a wide range of manufacturing methods such as: Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), In-line Circuit Testing Machine (ICT) and Manual Insertion (MI). This allows DFI is able to fulfil the demands of off-the-shelf products, custom design service and EMS in various industries.


Quality control
DFI follows the ISO 14001 & ISO 9001 Quality Management System with QC080000 to ensure that customers receive only the highest quality product. This process includes product evaluation starting at functional/environmental/shipping tests to lifecycle analysis and quality reliability tests that consist of high frequency design analysis and thermal/humidity/vibration/drop tests.

Impulse is a leading UK DFI Distributor. For more information on our DFI product range then contact our Technical Sales team on +44(0)1782 337 800 or email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

Impulse launch GENE-LN05 Rev B

Impulse is pleased to launch the GENE-LN05 Rev B from Aaeon Technology. The GENE-LN05 Rev B is a high performance Single Board Computer featuring the Intel Atom D525/N455 processor and Intel ICH8M chipset.

The GENE-LN05 Rev B can also support DDR3 SODIMM memory making it an ideal solution for resource intensive applications.

GENE-LN05 Rev B specification and features

• 2 x 10/100/1000Base-TX RJ45 Ethernet
• 7 x USB2.0
• 6 x COM
• 1 x Parallel
• 1 x 8-bit Programmable digital I/O
• 1 x VGA
• 1 x 18/24-bit single channel LVDS
• 1 x 4/5/8-wire touchscreen controller
• 2 x SATAII
• 1 x CompactFlash
• 1 x Mini Card
• 1 x LPC Bus

Impulse is a leading UK distributor of Aaeon products and can configure your hardware to meet your exact requirements. Impulse is a Microsoft Windows Embedded Silver Partner and can create a tailor made embedded operating system built to your exact specification to suit your application.

For more information on the GENE-LN05 Rev B and our custom Embedded Windows Image solutions then contact our Technical Account team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

See our official GENE-LN05 Rev B news article

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

Impulse launches new Intel Atom D525 Fanless PC

Impulse is pleased to announce the launch of the TANK-101B Fanless Embedded PC from IEI Technology. The TANK-101B features the Intel Atom D525 processor and utilises the Intel ICH8M system chipset. The unit also includes 1GB built-in DDR3 memory with optional expansion up to 2GB. The design of the TANK-101B allows the processor to be passively cooled and handle temperatures from -20C to +70C.

The TANK-101B I/O includes 4 x USB2.0, 3 x RS-232, 1 x isolated RS-232/422/485 and 2 x isolated CAN-bus. Storage includes 1 x 2.5” SATA hard drive bay and a CompactFlash socket. Networking consists of 2 x Gigabit Ethernet and optional 802.11 b/g/n WiFi.

The TANK-101B system includes IEI’s unique One Key Recovery software solution. The software eliminates the frustration of system recovery after an unexpected system failure. One Key Recovery easily creates a full system backup on demand and allows recovery by restoring to a previously made backup with a single click.

For more information on the TANK-101B Fanless Embedded Controller, please do not hesitate to contact our technical sales team on +44 (0)1782 337 800, or alternatively email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.

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

Sealevel 8004e and 8012 available at Impulse

Impulse is pleased to announce the availability of the 8004e and 8012 digital I/O interface PCI Express cards from Sealevel Systems. The two digital I/O interface cards offer isolated input that protects the pc and other sensitive equipment from voltage spikes and ground loop currents that are commonly found in an industrial environment.  The outputs provide high quality, long life, low current (10 Watt maximum) and dry contact switch closures. Reed relays are well suited for low current applications. The relays are normally open, and will close when energized.

8004e features

• 16 optically isolated inputs
• 16 Reed relay outputs (SPST)
• Highly reliable 10VA DIP Reed relays
• 3 – 13 VDC input range
• 300V isolation
• Socketed dip resistor allows user configurable input range up to + 24V

8012 features

• 8 optically isolated inputs
• 8 Reed relay outputs (SPST)
• Highly reliable 10VA DIP Reed relays
• 3 – 13 VDC input range
• Socketed dip resistor allows user configurable input range up to + 24V
• MD1 low profile and Universal Bus (3.3V and 5V) compatible

Both boards are designed to be used with a variety of Operating Systems including Windows, Linux and DOS. The SeaI/O API Application Programming Interface included on the CD shipped with the digital I/O boards provides a variety of useful high-level function calls implemented as a Windows dynamic link library (.DLL) and as a Linux static library (.a). In addition to the API, SeaI/O includes a device driver, sample code and utilities to simplify software development.

Impulse is the exclusive UK distributor for Sealevel products. For more information on the 8004e, 2012 or any of the Sealevel digital I/O boards then contact our Technical Account team on +44 (0)1782 337 800 or email sales@impulse-corp.co.uk.