Blog Archives

RTD’s SPM6030 and SPM6020 dspModules feature the Texas Instruments TMS320C6202 DSP operating at 233 MHz. dspModules speed up math-intensive operations, permitting the CPU to handle application specific tasks. By utilizing the on-board Flash memory the dspModule can be used as a stand-alone CPU. This reduces overall system cost and power consumption when a CPU is not needed. Multi-channel buffer serial ports (McBSP) provide for extensive I/O bandwidth up to 100 Mb/s each. SyncBus provides synchronization between cards.

Selected dspModules allow for up to four expansion cards via a PlatformBus. The PlatformBus provides a dedicated 32-bit bus that connects directly to the DSP, simplifying development of custom analog front-end boards.

These dspModules are programmable in C/C++ via Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio and RTD’s dspFramework libraries to streamline software development.

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The continuing explosion in the use of display technology in a range of applications has resulted in the need to support a wide variety of video formats and interface standards. High end equipment, from industrial, military, mining, to visualization & gaming applications now routinely have multiple display devices – sometimes with different formats, resolutions, electrical interface, & performance characteristics.

The Scanverter series provides a number of rugged modules designed to convert between otherwise incompatible video formats and standards. Signals originating from any number of disparate sources including display generators, mission computers, FLIRs, radar, STANAG3350, & video cameras are scanconverted to produce sharp, rock-stable outputs to a different video display standard.

The Scanverters provide a rugged, versatile and dependable solution for video standards conversion for industrial and military applications.

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S310 DAQ provides all necessary functions for high precision measurement and control: 24 bit Analog Input channels (16 SE or 8 DI, -10 to +10V), 1.12 kS/s; Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) from 0.125 to 128; 16 bit Analog Output, 1.12kHz max update rate (8 channels, -10 to +10V and -5 to +5V); 48 DIO with high output capacity (20 mA per channel); DSP (TI DM6437 4800 MIPS) and user space of 64kB of memory; on board temperature and two high precision voltage references.

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Ltd S320 DAQ provides all necessary functions for fast high precision measurement and control: 16 bit Analog Input channels (2 SE or 1 DI, 8 ranges), 1.2 MS/s; Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) from 1 to 128; 16 bit Analog Output, 1.2 MS/s max update rate (2 channels, 4 ranges); 16 DIO with high output capacity (20 mA per channel); DSP (TI DM6437 4800 MIPS) and user space of 112kB of memory with real time averaging and data processing; on board temperature and two high precision voltage references.

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Rugged PC/104 and EBX Enclosure * VersaTainer (VT104)

The VersaTainer (VT104) is a rugged PC/104 and EBX enclosure systems constructed of .125° aluminum and designed for hostile and mobile environments. It features a dual system of shock and vibration isolation which comprises of internal rubber corner rails absorb high-frequency vibrations, while the entire enclosure is mounted on the host platform with a thick rubber pad which absorbs low-frequency G-forces. The rubber pad may be removed for optional mounting solutions such as hard mounting, flange endcap, or fluidic mount assembly.

The VersaTainer is capable of housing PC/104 and EBX payloads. For PC/104, the stack mounts axially along the entire length of the enclosure body. For EBX, An optional EBX mounting plate (VT-EBX) is available to mount the SBC to be horizontally with ample room for several PC/104 accessory cards to be installed. Accessory modules such as hard drives larger than 3.550" x 3.775" can be mounted to an optional septum plate that installs vertically into rails that run the length of the enclosure. For smaller items, an optional PC/104-size aluminum plate allows for direct mounting in the PC/104 stack.

The VersaTainer cross section measures 7.10" wide by 5.70" high (not including mounting pad) and is available in standard lengths from 4" to 12" and custom lengths up to 48". Each VersaTainer is available as a kit complete with endcaps and mounting accessories. Additional blank and pre-designed endcaps are available from stock. For customer designed faceplates, a downloadable DWG file is available at www.tri-m.com. The VersaTainer and its standard accessories are RoHS compliant.

Application areas
Instrumentation, data collectors, remote terminals, SCADA packages or other solutions to operate in hostile environments

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Rugged PC/104 & PC/104-Plus Enclosure - CanTainer (CT104)

The CT104 CanTainer is a rugged PC/104 enclosure systems constructed of .125° aluminum and designed for hostile and mobile environments. It features a dual system of shock and vibration isolation: The PC/104 modules are mounted axially in the enclosure with four internal rubber corner rails to absorb high-frequency vibrations, while the entire enclosure is mounted on the host platform with a thick rubber pad which absorbs low-frequency G-forces. The rubber pad may be removed for optional mounting solutions such as hard mounting, flange endcap, or fluidic mount assembly.
The CanTainer cross section measures 6.00" wide by 5.45" high (not including mounting pad) and is designed to mount PC/104 boards axially along the entire length of the enclosure body. The enclosure is available in standard lengths from 2" and 12" with custom lengths up to 48".
To mount boards or items such as hard drives that are larger than 3.550" x 3.775", there is an optional septum plate. These install vertically into rails that run the length of the enclosure. For smaller items, an optional PC/104-size aluminum plate allows for direct mounting in the PC/104 stack. Each CanTainer is available as a kit complete with endcaps and mounting accessories. Additional blank and pre-designed endcaps are available, or the customer may design their own cutouts using a downloadable DWG file.

Application areas:
Instrumentation, data collectors, remote terminals, SCADA packages or other solutions to operate in hostile environments

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PCM-3363 uses an Intel® Atom® N455/D525 processor, supporting soldered 1 GB DDRIII 800MHz SDRAM. The Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating including processor and ICH8M chipset is only 9 Watts for the N455, and 13 Watts for the D525, further enabling power reductions, smaller systems, and performance improvements.

Design and Verification for Rugged Applications
Advantech’s PCM-3363 adopts the IEC standard for Electro Static Discharge protection for the COM port transceiver with 15kV air gap protection/8kV contact protection for RS-232. PCM-3363 also uses Japanese polymer aluminum electrolytic capacitors with small ESR and better MTBF than electrolytic capacitors, and high Tg PCB (TG-170) that keeps the PCB more stable under high temperature operation. PCM-3363 passes a strict signal intensity verification process during the development stage to ensure high quality circuit design. PCM-3363 also utilizes Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) to find weak points, design issues or material limitations, to help improve electrical/ mechanical design margins and increase reliability. PCM-3363 uses soldered memory and locked connectors (direction changeable) in all I/O interface to strengthen shock and vibration resistance. Plus, the PCI-104 rugged stacking mechanical architecture makes it ideal for outdoor applications in military and transportation fields.

Lite-iManager Rugged Enhancement
In order to overcome challenges from harsh environments, PCM-3363 comes equipped with Advantech’s new Lite-iManager utility. There are two major functions: Extreme Cold Start and Voltage Dip Protection. Normally, operations under -40° C temperatures can lead to difficult bootup conditions; especially after long time storage. Lite-iManager performs a special function to make all components reach working temperature to guarantee 100% effective bootup. It also ensures that abnormal transient power fluctuations won’t cause a system to freeze, making PCM-3363 suitable for un-manned and outdoor applications which occasionally experience unstable mains power.

18/24-bit LVDS with CRT Support
PCM-3363 has an integrated graphics core with 224 MB shared memory. This feature makes PCM-3363 capable of handling complex and intense 2D/3D graphic processing, its CRT and LVDS dual display ports also makes it suitable for applications requiring multiple display configurations or digital panel display capabilities.

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