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