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.

Intel Atom Low Power Computing now in EPIC Form Factor

AAEON Technology, our premier industrial PC partner, is pleased to announce a brand new EPIC form factor board, the EPIC-9457. This new single board computer is designed to fit into diverse applications with demanding space limitations offering high performance and reliability.

The EPIC-9457 accommodates the revolutionary onboard Intel Atom N270 low power 1.6GHz Processor and additionally features support for DDR2 400/533 system memory of up to 2GB as well as adopting the latest Intel 945GSE + ICH7M chipset.

The EPIC-9457 deploys the Intel 82574L Ethernet chip and features two onboard RJ-45 LAN ports that support up to 1 Gigabit Ethernet for fast networking connectivity. The board also adopts the Intel 945GSE display chipset to support CRT/LCD simultaneous/dual view displays with VGA resolution support up to 2048 x 1536 and 24-bit dual channel LVDS LCD panel support up to 1600 x 1200. IMPULSE can assist you with pairing up the EPIC-9457 to a wide range of TFT and LVDS displays both with BIOS and cabling supply and support.

In addition to its latest PC/104-Express expansion socket, the EPIC-9457 also features one EIDE interface, two SATA ports, one Type II CompactFlash for SSD storage. It also comes with six USB2.0 ports, four COM ports and 8-bit Digital I/O for flexible expansion to other field devices making the EPIC-9457 the ideal choice for your low power, high performance embedded computing platform.

Call our experienced technical sales team for more information and pricing on the new innovative EPIC-9457 single board computer.

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.

RISC Embedded Computer Offers Unmatched I/O & Windows CE 6.0

IMPULSE is delighted to announce the release of the Relio R9 Embedded Computer from Sealevel Systems which delivers RISC computing power in a compact, rugged package.

Packed with a wealth of I/O features and using the latest embedded software environment, the system is based on the Atmel AT91SAM9263 processor boasting a 32-bit ARM instruction set for maximum performance. The Relio R9 is the perfect platform for embedded applications requiring small size, wide operating temperature range, and flexible I/O connectivity.

Available with up to 256MB RAM and 256MB Flash memory, the unmatched I/O features of the Relio R9 extend the possible uses beyond traditional ARM-based applications. Standard I/O includes Ethernet, serial, USB, CAN Bus, digital and analogue interface. For local or remote I/O expansion, the Relio R9 connects to Sealevel Sea I/O modules via the dedicated RS-485 expansion port and communicates via RS-485 Modbus RTU.

To provide the fastest time to market, the Windows CE 6.0 BSP binary and low-level drivers for system I/O are included. Additionally, the Relio R9 software package is equipped with the Sealevel Talos I/O Framework, which offers a high-level object-oriented .NET Compact Framework (CF) device interface. This interface provides an I/O point abstraction layer with built-in support for the specific needs of analogue and digital I/O such as gain control and debouncing.

The Relio R9 is housed in a rugged, small enclosure suitable for mounting almost anywhere and is rated for a full -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range. The Relio R9 is priced from just £599.00 (+VAT) and a QuickStart Development Kit is available. For applications with specialized hardware requirements, system designers can us the Relio R9 as a platform for application development while a customized target system is designed for specific application requirements.

Call our experienced Technical Sales Team for more information and pricing on the new Relio R9 Embedded Computer platform from Sealevel Systems.

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.

Rabbit Expands MiniCore Family of Ultra-Compact Networking Modules

Rabbit, a Digi International brand, today announced the expansion of its MiniCore series of easy to use ultra compact, low profile, low-cost networking modules. Available in pin-compatible wired and Wi-Fi versions, the family now includes the Ethernet RCM5760 and Wi-Fi RCM5650W. The new modules offer increased memory for data intensive applications such as building automation and security applications where it is necessary to store large amounts of data. The products also allow a customer to wirelessly update firmware from anywhere an Internet connection is available to reduce maintenance costs.

"We have sold thousands of MiniCore kits since we introduced the products last year,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Digi International. “Our first generation of popular MiniCore products is optimized for real-time control, communications and networking applications such as energy management and instrumentation applications. The second generation expands upon the applications that the MiniCore can be used by adding additional memory for more data intensive projects.”

The MiniCore family provides a rich embedded feature set on an ultra-compact mini PCI Express form factor. Its small size makes it easy for customers to place wired or wireless network connectivity anywhere on a mother board. The family includes the pin compatible and interchangeable wired RCM5700, Wi-Fi RCM5600W, wired RCM5760 and Wi-Fi RCM5650W. Systems developers can easily interchange MiniCore family products to tailor connectivity for any given application.

Rabbit MiniCore products feature 10/100Base-T Ethernet and secure wireless 802.11b/g with WPA2 and 802.11i compliance for the highest levels of security. It also features up to 640KB SRAM data storage, 1MB flash memory for program storage and 2MB serial flash for mass storage. Depending on the version, MiniCore modules include up to 32 GPIO, six serial ports, a serial-to-Ethernet bridge, an embedded Web server for greater application control monitoring and wireless remote firmware update functionality.

Please feel free to call our experienced technical sales team for more information and pricing on the new MiniCore modules from Rabbit Semiconductor.

EPIC-5537 – Wide Temperature LX800 Robust EPIC Platform

IMPULSE is delighted to announce a new EPIC single board computer from AAEON Technology that offers the option of wide temperature support – the EPIC-5537. Operating temperature support of -20°C to +70°C is available on the EPIC-5537W1 version which mirrors the standard version on I/O. This is the first EPIC board with a wide temperature design in mind which not only satisfies the increasing embedded market demands for robust environments, but also completes the AAEON wide temperature board product line.

“The EPIC-5537 deploys the onboard AMD Geode LX800 processor and incorporates the CS5536 chipset along with 256MB of onboard DDR memory at 333MHz (with the option to increase its RAM to 512MB memory). The Intel 82551ER Ethernet chipset is utilized for the standard 0°C to 60°C board offering or the Intel 82551IT is used for the wide temperature EPIC-5537W1 version. Both boards support two 10/100Base-TX Ethernet connections to provide faster network communications. More stringent applications require onboard CPU support and wide range operating temperature as found on the EPIC-5537W1”, said Tony Huang, Product Manager of AAEON’s Embedded Computing Division.

The EPIC-5537 supports CRT/LCD simultaneous/dual view displays. The display controller deploys AMD LX series + TI SN75LVDS83 with shared system memory up to 254MB. The LCD interface features up to 24-bit single channel LVDS/TTL LCD for high quality display functionality. The EPIC-5537 also offers flexible I/O interfaces including two COM ports, four USB2.0 ports, a Keyboard/Mouse port and 8-bit programmable digital I/O. The onboard audio function uses the AC97 2.0 Codec for 2 channel audio and features Line-in, Line-out, Mic-in and CD-in essential for multimedia or other interactive applications.

Please feel free to call our experienced technical sales team for more information and pricing on the new wide temperature EPIC-5537 from AAEON.

IMPULSE can assist you with your fully configured board requirements including embedded operating system images and BSP’s for Windows XPe, CE.NET and Windows Embedded Standard.

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About Impulse

IMPULSE is a leading UK distributor and systems integrator of industrial computing products including single board computers, touchscreen industrial panel PC’s and LCD monitors, data communication and acquisition products as well as rackmount, microbox and embedded computer platforms to exact customer specifications utilising our in-house integration and design facilities.

Since 1993, IMPULSE as supported a wide range of markets and applications in the automotive, medical, military and process control industries offering key products, solutions and design support to customer requirements.