Industrial PCs or single board computers (SBCs) often run only one or two applications. Normally, these combined applications or programs are less than 200 MB in size. On a normal hard disk drive this would require less than 2,5 GB of space if the operating system is WinXP.
In many cases, however, says Peet Smit of Centurion Micro Electronics, the system experiences shock and vibration or the physical size constraints make it difficult to fit a normal, or even a laptop-type hard disk drive. In these cases, using a CompactFlash instead of a hard disk drive seems to be the solution. Most SBCs have CompactFlash sockets on them, allowing the system to boot from these flash devices. The problem is, however, that WinXP together with the application requires a 3 GB CompactFlash, which is quite expensive.
Prices have fallen a lot over the years but for a 3 GB 'Industrial Grade' CompactFlash one is still looking at around R2600, says Smit. This is where XPembedded comes to the rescue. It is a highly configurable operating system which gives all the functionality of standard XP in an image size as low as 100 MB (typically around 250 MB). This means, says Smit, that the operating system and the application can easily fit on an affordable 512 MB CompactFlash card. Further, he adds, XPembedded offers other benefits compared to normal XP: it boots a little bit faster and also costs around 20% less.
Intelligent video processing Rugged Interconnect Technologies
Computer/Embedded Technology
The CHARM150AGX is based on a NVIDIA AGX Orin embedded processor, which incorporates a multicore ARM processor and powerful AI/ML accelerator.
Read more...Nordic expands nRF Cloud with firmware vulnerability scanning RF Design
Computer/Embedded Technology
nRF Cloud identifies vulnerabilities in firmware and shows exactly which deployed devices are affected, empowering device manufacturers to address EU Cyber Resilience Act requirements.
Read more...Arrival of the Epic-PTH9 Vepac Electronics
Computer/Embedded Technology
AAEON introduces the EPIC-PTH9, a compact 4-inch industrial single-board computer powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (formerly Panther Lake) processors.
Read more...An industry-first Android 16 smart module solution RF Design
Computer/Embedded Technology Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The MeiG Smart SLM580 4G Smart Module features native support for Android 16 and covers core frequency bands in major countries and regions worldwide.
Read more...MIKROE celebrates 2000th Click board
Computer/Embedded Technology
MIKROE has launched its 2000th Click board, the RTC 27 Click, designed for low-power real-time clock and calendar functionality, time tracking, alarm event generation, watchdog timing, and timestamp capture.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version