In-vehicle PC gains Pentium M CPU, runs Linux

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Nov. 10, 2004

[Updated Nov. 11, 2004] -- Kontron is offering a new Pentium M CPU module for its ruggedized in-vehicle computer. The fanless 1.4GHz Pentium M module offers a much more powerful CPU for the CV Server, previously limited to 400MHz and 700MHz Pentium III CPU modules. The CV Server supports Linux.

Vehicle-specific features

According to Kontron, the CV server has e1 approval and has demonstrated MIL-STD-810F resistance to operating shocks and crash hazards, as well vibration resistance (MIL-STD-810F) and electromagnetic compatibility in accordance with the military Highway Truck Standard.

The device accepts a wide range of DC power inputs, from 11V to 32V, and includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a 10-minute capacity. The device can separate itself from its power input line during over- and under-voltages (which is a common occurrence in vehicular applications), Kontron says. Typical power consumption for the base system is 20 watts.

The CV Server can also power and provide UPS buffering for USB devices and external devices, such as wireless modems and displays like Kontron's 7-inch touchscreen CV Display (pictured at right), which supports 800 x 480 resolution.

The CV Server is supplied with a 2.5-inch (laptop-sized) 20GB automotive hard disk with an operating temperature range of -4° to 158° Fahrenheit (-20° to 70° C). An optional EIDE Flash disk operates from -40° to 185° Fahrenheit (-40° to 85° C).

Besides extended temperature storage devices, the CV Server includes additional features intended to ensure reliable operation from -4° to 140° F (-20° to 60° C). These include oscillators, coils, capacitors, and "a baseboard with its own heating," Kontron says.

The CV Server mounts the fanless 1.4GHz Pentium M processor module directly on a highly temperature-conducting aluminum housing, to ensure heat dissipation. The heavily finned housing, with its large surface area, also provides dust protection in accordance with IP50, Kontron says.

General features

As noted, a number of interchangeable processor modules are available for the CV Server. The 1.4GHz Pentium M modules also includes an Intel 855 graphics controller that steals 32MB of system memory for graphics use. It supports up to 1GB of DDR-SDRAM.

The Pentim M CPU module includes an 855 graphics chip

The CV Server offers a full complement of PC I/O interfaces. However, in order to make the interfaces "suitable for automobiles," Kontron has amalgamated them into just a few EMC-shielded, form-coded, snap-into-place ports.

The CV Server bundles I/O into just a few interfaces
The CV Server offers four serial ports -- one with its own, dedicated connector -- six USB ports (2 x USB 1.1, 4 x USB 2.0), and one LAN (10/100 Ethernet) interface. It includes a combined audio/power port, and a VGA port. The CV Server is optionally available with a single mini-PCI card slot.

Kontron CV Server, top and bottom views
Availability

Kontron says car-specific PCs are recommended whenever complex programs or multiple applications are implemented on a single computing device. The CV Server targets OEMs, and interested customers should contact Kontron for pricing. Additional details are available online.

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