With its Microspace MPC21 series, Digital-Logic is offering compact computer systems for decentralised control applications. The Micro-PCs are based on the company's 3,5" single board computer (SBC) MSB800 with all of its interfaces.
The MSB800 board contains an AMD Geode LX800 processor with passive cooling. The processor runs at 500 MHz and provides performance equivalent to that of an 800-MHz chip. The main memory of the SBC can be equipped with DDR RAM from 256 MB up to 1 GB. The SBC provides all common PC interfaces, two 100/10Base-T-Ethernet LAN ports, four USB 2.0 interfaces and VGA. In addition, there is one stereo I/O and one P-ATA hard disk interface. For display, the system uses the video controller which is integrated within the LX800 processor, which has a 16 MB (UMA) video memory and supports VGA resolutions. The video input, which interfaces via a coax connection, supports resolutions of up to 704 x 288 pixels with eight frames per second.
All models have extra interfaces compared to the MSB800. Specifically: the MPC21 has two COM ports (1x external, 1x internal), one LPT interface and a PCI/104 slot available, while its video input allows for a camera connection; the MPC21A system features four COM ports, one LPT interface, four relay outputs, and four optically isolated inputs. As an option, COM3/4 can be fitted with a galvanised, isolated RS422/485 interface. The MiniPCI socket also serves for the integration of WLAN or fieldbusses; the MPC21B has two COM ports, one LPT interface and two CAN ports with galvanic isolation. In this model the MiniPCI socket allows the integration of WLAN.
All computers are able to boot from CompactFlash, LAN, USB or the optionally integrated 2,5" 40 GB hard drive.
Housed in robust metal cases, the computer systems measure only 165 x 110 x 46 mm and require no cooling fan, relying solely on passive cooling techniques. This makes them a viable solution for reliable operation in industrial and commercial applications.
Typical applications are cost-effective information terminals, communication over COM1 and LPT, measuring instruments and video implementation. The MPC21A is suitable for machine control, building automation, point of sale systems and control computers.
The computers run with all PC compatible operating systems, such as Windows XP, QNX, Linux, etc, and work with any application software written for PCs. Power is supplied directly with 12/24 V or with a 110/220 V power supply. Designed for low power consumption (typically 10 W), the systems operate within the temperature range of -25°C to +70°C.
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