The Reliable Software Developers’ Conference – UK, May 2014

Technology event organiser Energi Technical has announced that it will be launching "The Reliable Software Developers' Conference", scheduled for May 2014.

This one-day conference will provide an important forum for engineers and developers working in the development of safety critical systems and high availability systems. It is expected to attract software developers working in such industries as automotive, railway systems, aerospace, banking, medical and energy. www.rsd-conference.co.uk

"In recent years, software has become so complex that ensuring safety and reliability is now a major challenge," said Richard Blackburn, Event Organiser. "Many systems now have millions of lines of code and will handle enormous amounts of data. Further to this, modern computer based systems will make millions of decisions every second and also have to be immune to interference and unpredictable events. This event will look at the MISRA coding standards, debug tools and software testing tools that are available to assist software programmers and engineers seeking to develop reliable and safety critical
systems."

The Reliable Software Developers' Conference will be co-located with the 2014 UK Device Developers' Conference. Both will be a one-day conference to be run in Bristol, Cambridge, Northern England and Scotland on May 20th, May 20rd, June 3rd and June 5th.

Delegates attending either event will have the opportunity to sit in on technical presentations and ½ day technical workshops and a attend a vendor exhibition of tools and technology for the development of real-time and embedded systems. www.device-developer-conference.co.uk

"Advanced Debug Tools, Code Test, Version Control, Verification Tools and Software Standards have been a growing feature of recent conferences, so it made sense to create a dedicated event," said Richard. "There will be a lot expertise available to delegates, and the chance to meet a broad range of vendors of test technologies and tools, all under one roof."

Developed in collaboration with MISRA (Coding Standards), the Reliable Software Developers' Conference will feature a number of presentations in the morning, followed by a half-day technical workshop in the afternoon. The presentations will be free and open to delegates of both Conferences, but the half-day workshops will be subject to a charge of £75. Delegates will learn about developments in coding standards, test and verification tools and best practices and it will also be an opportunity to meet with many industry experts.

Refer to：http://embedded-computing.com/news/the-uk-may-2014/

Acrosser wish you Happy Holidays and a very prospective 2014 coming soon!

As we near the end of 2013, Acrosser would like to send you our warmest New Year’s wishes! We wish you and your family health, comfort, and prosperity this holiday season.

We also thank you for keeping up with our latest products, sending us inquiries, and choosing our products for your integrated solution! In 2014, we hope you will continue to choose Acrosser. We look forward to assisting you and your company in becoming the leader in your vertical market, and building a win-win relationship together.

And don’t forget about our star product, AES-HM76Z1FL, and its upcoming Product Testing Event in January! Remember to mark your calendar, since Acrosser is lending the product for free only to selected participants! Please stay tuned for more event information in early January!

With your continuous dedication and our commitment to quality, Acrosser is always motivated to make your embedded idea a reality!

Product Information:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Embedded-Computer/Fanless-Embedded-Systems/AES-HM76Z1FL/Intel-Core-i3／i7-AES-HM76Z1FL.html

Contact us：
http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

Comprehensive customization for network appliances: meet our rackmount and micro box!

acrosser Technology, a world-leading network communication designer and manufacturer, introduces two network appliances that deliver great performance and protection while simplifying your network. Each product has its own target market and appeals to a unique audience.

Acrosser’s ANR-IB75N1/A/B serves as an integrated Unified Threat Management (UTM) device that covers all of your networking security needs. Featuring a 3rd generation Intel Core i processor, increased processing throughput is easily made. For integration with information security systems, the device also features functions such as anti-virus, anti-spam, fire wall, intrusion detection, VPN and web filtering, in order to provide complete solutions to meet the demands of various applications.

Key features of the ANR-IB75N1/A/B include:
‧Support for LGA1155 Intel® Core ™ i7/i5/i3 processor / Pentium CPU
‧Intel B75 Chipset
‧2 x DDRIII DIMM, up to 16GB memory.
‧2 x Intel 82576EB Fiber ports
‧8 x Intel 82574L 10/100/1000Mbps ports
‧Two pairs LAN ports support bypass feature (LAN 1/2 + LAN 3/4)
‧LAN bypass can be controlled by BIOS and Jumper
‧CF socket, 2 x 2.5” HDD, 1 x SATA III, 1 x SATA II
‧Console, VGA (pinhead), 2 x USB 3.0 (2 x external)
‧Support boot from LAN, console redirection
‧Equipped with 80 Plus Bronze PSU to decrease CO2 dissipation and protect our environment
‧LCM module to provide user-friendly interface
‧Standard 1U rackmount size

As for our micro box, the AND-D525N2 provides more possibilities for different applications due to its small form factor (234mm*165mm*44mm). Aside from its space-saving design, the other 3 major features of the AND-D525N2 are its high performance, low power consumption and competitive price. Please send us your inquiry via our website (http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html), or simply contact your nearest local sales location for further information.
Key features of the AND-D525N2 include:
‧Intel Atom D525 1.86GHz
‧Intel ICH8M Chipset
‧x DDR3 SO-DIMM up to 4GB
‧1 x 2.5 inch HDD Bay, 1 x CF socket
‧4 x GbE LAN, Realtek 8111E
‧2 x USB2.0
‧2 x SATA II
‧1 x Console
‧1 x MiniPCIe socket

Besides In addition to these two models, Acrosser also provides a wide selection of network security hardware. With more than 26 years of rich industry experience, Acrosser has the ODM/OEM ability to carry out customized solutions, shortening customers’ time-to-market and creating numerous profits.

For all networking appliances product, please visit:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Networking-Appliance.html

Product Information – ANR-IB75N1/A/B:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Networking-Appliance/Rackmount/ANR-IB75N1／A／B/Networking-Appliance-ANR-IB75N1／A／B.html

Product Information – AND-D525N2:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Networking-Appliance/MicroBox/AND-D525N2/ATOM-D525-AND-D525N2.html

Contact us：
http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET GROWING IN CHINA

December 5, 2013 – The Chinese market for industrial Ethernet & Fieldbus Technologies grew by 18 million nodes in 2012. More than 3 million nodes used Ethernet and the remainder used Fieldbus technology.
Although Fieldbus has a large base of new connected nodes in China, the usage of Fieldbus is not as common as in developed countries such as Germany or the United States. This is mainly because Chinese customers are encountering networking technology much later than those developing countries.
However, the growing speed of Ethernet is quite considerable in China and we think it is a great opportunity for Chinese customers to upgrade their automation system under current market condition. Customers will just jump from old Fieldbus Technologies direct to Ethernet now and actually many of them are doing right now. The Chinese market is currently engaged in extensive upgrading and new infrastructure construction, and that will require a great deal of Ethernet applications.
In China, international brands are quite influential. This is also true for industrial networking protocols because most of them having their supporting companies. For example, the most popular Fieldbus protocols in China are PROFIBUS and CC-Link, which are developed and promoted by Siemens and Mitsubishi separately, which command large market share in China.
On the other hand, some open protocols also have a large number of nodes connected, and the most representative ones are CANOpen, Modbus and HART. However, all three protocols don’t deliver strong functionality, and they are more likely to be used in low-end applications for easy connections.
With the upgrading of old facilities and the construction of new plants in China, customers also are being compelled to upgrade their systems using Ethernet. However, this move will not only be implemented by the customers, but also by the industrial automation vendors as well.
Most protocols have Ethernet variants. Because of this, many Fieldbus users will turn to the Ethernet of the application, for example, PROFIBUS to PROFINET, CC-Link to CC-Link IE. And the new automation products will also support those new Ethernet connections.

refer to:http://www.automation.com/portals/industrial-networks-field-buses/industrial-ethernet-growing-in-china

High Computing Performance for All Applications- F.I.T. Technology

The demand for computing performance in the IPC market continues to become stronger as the IT field advances. Acrosser’s new AES-HM76Z1FL has been designed to meet these demands.

The F.I.T. Technology used to build this new product reflects its 3 major features: fanless design, Intel core i processor and ultra thin frame. The fanless design not only reduces the risk of exposure to air dust, but also prevents fan-malfunction. With a height of less than 0.8 inches, AES-HM76Z1FL’s slim design makes itself FIT into every application.

As its structure and output interface show, AES-HM76Z1FL provides a wide range of choices, from HDMI, VGA, USB, and audio to GPIO output interfaces that suit almost all industries. For wireless communication needs, the AES-HM76Z1FL has a mini-PCle expansion slot which provides support on both 3.5G and WiFi.

Another fascinating feature of the AES-HM76Z1FL is its ease of installation for expansions. By disassembling the bottom cover, expansions such as CF cards, memory upgrades and mini-PCIe can be easily complete without moving the heat sink. Moreover, Acrosser adopts 4 types of CPU (Intel Core i7/i3, Intel Celeron 1047UE/927UE) for AES-HM76Z1FL, allowing it to satisfy the scalable market demands of different applications.

In conclusion, the AES-HM76Z1FL is truly a well-rounded product designed for diverse applications. To promote our star product AES-HM76Z1FL, Acrosser will launch a product testing campaign starting in January, 2014. Acrosser will provide selected applications with the new AES-HM76Z1FL for one month, and it’s free! For more detailed information, please stay tuned for our press release, or leave us an inquiry on our website at www.acrosser.com!

Product Information:
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Embedded-Computer/Fanless-Embedded-Systems/AES-HM76Z1FL/Intel-Core-i3／i7-AES-HM76Z1FL.html

Contact us：
http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

CAN AUTOMATION VENDORS SERVE TWO MASTERS?

Service Dynamics
The primary objective of a service company should be to focus on the development a system solution that is uniquely suited to the idiosyncrasies of the client’s business without being tethered by particular product solution offerings. A big part of this is the ability to deploy technologies from appropriate sources using integration and engineering skills to achieve a superior result for the client. Service businesses need to have effective and refined project, personnel, and quality management systems. The growth and effectiveness of these businesses is directly related to adding and managing smart people and this is a unique business proficiency mastered by successful service organizations. Pure service businesses have an advantage of successfully maintaining alliances with a range of product vendors that cannot be logically achieved by product vendors who provide services. This separation positions a pure service business to use best of breed and get the most out of vendors. For comparison, consider you are a smartphone user and the only place to get apps was your phone hardware vendor.

Ideal Product Company Focus
I believe that product companies should always be striving to eliminate implementation and operations labor with improved and innovative automation technology. There is an inherent conflict by having a company that provides services and products.
refer to:http://www.automation.com/portals/factory-discrete-automation/can-automation-vendors-serve-two-masters-products-services

Acrosser unveils its ultra slim fanless embedded system with 3rd generation Intel core i processor

Acrosser Technology Co. Ltd, a world-leading industrial and embedded computer designer and manufacturer, announces the new AES-HM76Z1FL embedded system. AES-HM76Z1FL, Acrosser’s latest industrial endeavor, is surely a FIT under multiple circumstances. Innovation can be seen in the new ultra slim fanless design, and its Intel core i CPU can surely cater for those seeking for high performance. Therefore, these 3 stunning elements can be condensed as "F.I.T. Technology." (Fanless, Intel core i, ultra Thin)

The heat sink from the fanless design provides AES-HM76Z1FL with great thermal performance, as well as increases the efficiency of usable space. The fanless design provides dustproof protection, and saving the product itself from fan malfunction. AES-HM76Z1FL has thin client dimensions, with a height of only 20 millimeters (272 mm x183 mm x 20 mm). This differs from most embedded appliances, which have a height of more than 50 millimeters.

The AES-HM76Z1FL embedded system uses the latest technology in scalable Intel Celeron and 3rd generation Core i7/i3 processors with a HM76 chipset. It features graphics via VGA and HDMI, DDR3 SO-DIMM support, complete I/O such as 4 x COM ports, 3 x USB3.0 ports, 8 x GPI and 8 x GPO, and storage via SATA III and Compact Flash. The AES-HM76Z1FL also supports communication by 2 x RJ-45 gigabit Ethernet ports, 1 x SIM slot, and 1 x MinPCIe expansion socket for a 3.5G or WiFi module.

Different from most industrial products that focus on application in one specific industry, the AES-HM76Z1FL provides solutions for various applications through the complete I/O interfaces. Applications of the AES-HM76Z1FL include: embedded system solutions, control systems, digital signage, POS, Kiosk, ATM, banking, home automation, and so on. It can support industrial automation and commercial bases under multiple circumstances.

Key features:
‧Fanless and ultra slim design
‧Support Intel Ivy Bridge CPU with HM76 chipset
‧2 x DDR3 SO-DIMM, up to 16GB
‧Support SATA III and CF storage
‧HDMI/VGA/USB/Audio/GPIO output interface
‧Serial ports by RS-232 and RS-422/485
‧2 x GbE, 1 x SIM, and 1 x MiniPCIe(for3G/WiFi)

Product Information:

http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Embedded-Computer/Fanless-Embedded-Systems/AES-HM76Z1FL/Intel-Core-i3／i7-AES-HM76Z1FL.html

Contact us：

http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

Industrial automation systems are performing more tasks and doing so more quickly

Beyond this, the modular COM Express approach allows users the flexibility to deliver application-specific performance and power at an appropriate price level (Figure 1). For instance, a quad core i7-based processor module can be used on a specific carrier board for a high-value, high-criticality, high-performance application – while the same carrier board, with the same features and I/O functionality, can be deployed for a lower value, less critical, less demanding application with a lower-performance VIA Nano processor-based COM Express module; this results in lower development cost and faster time to market.

price/performance balance.
The advantage of this level of modularity extends well beyond the initial deployment, however. In the longer term, upgrading the level of performance is simply a matter of replacing the processor module – not the entire subassembly. This saves money, and minimizes unforeseen impact on the way in which the module as a whole interacts with its surroundings.

In the locomotive example mentioned, the COM Express processor module can be upgraded without affecting the connection to the engine I/O residing on the carrier board – reducing costly and time-consuming recertification and testing. The modularity of COM Express gives a whole new meaning to “technology insertion.”

refer to:http://industrial-embedded.com/articles/rugged-increasingly-connected-world/

Transitioning to DO-178C for UAV software development using model design

With the FAA and EASA adopting aviation standards such as DO-178C and ARP4754A, UAV software developers should familiarize themselves with these standards, particularly when transitioning to model-based design.
Few applications place more importance on verification, or prescribe more process guidance, than aviation. The FAA and its European equivalent, EASA, provide guidance using standards such as ARP4754 for aircraft systems and DO-178B for flight software. These standards are often used outside of civil aviation, in whole or in part, for applications including military aircraft and land vehicles. Adoption for UAV programs is rapidly growing because of the FAA’s recent decision to require UAS and OPA certification via FAA Order 8130.34A. UAV systems are heterogeneous, and not restricted just to flight software. Therefore, other standards are used such as DO-254 for hardware and DO-278 for ground and space software.

With model-based design, UAV engineers develop and simulate system models comprised of hardware and software using block diagrams and state charts, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. They then automatically generate, deploy, and verify code on their embedded systems. With textual computation languages and block diagram model tools, one can generate code in C, C++, Verilog, and VHDL languages, enabling implementation on MCU, DSP[], FPGA[], and ASIC hardware. This lets system, software, and hardware engineers collaborate using the same tools and environment to develop, implement, and verify systems. Given their auto-nomous nature, UAV systems heavily employ closed-loop controls, making system modeling and closed-loop simulation, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a natural fit.

refer to:
http://mil-embedded.com/articles/transitioning-do-178c-arp4754a-uav-using-model-based-design/

Asia claims almost half of Industrial automation system

A recent report by IHS has shown that in 2012, capital expenditure on industrial automation equipment in Asia reached a total of $76.6bn, representing 46% of global investments in the sector.
Despite this established and rising trend, selling industrial automation equipment in Asia remains a clear business opportunity and one where many European providers are lagging behind.
Despite the first half of 2012 seeing an Asian market slowdown, with only a 3.7% growth in overall revenue from industrial automation equipment, the second half of the year showed definite improvement. The positive trend has continued in 2013, with the industrial automation sector set to grow by 6.2%. In such a dynamic market, getting new business can be both a business and technical challenge.
One of the key areas of opportunity is the power industry, where the booming consumer and industrial power markets in developing economies such as China and India have created rocketing demand. In China the per capita energy use is still a long way behind most of Western Europe, meaning the potential for growth is still huge. Without question, Asia represents a perfect storm of opportunities for European automation suppliers.
In order to help businesses better understand how to take advantage of the current climate and increase their industrial automation sales in Asia, particularly China, the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is hosting a seminar entitled ‘Gateway to China’. The event will take place on 24th September at the Mitsubishi Electric Europe Tokyo Conference Suite in Hatfield.


For more information on the speakers and to book tickets for the event, visit the CLPA’s EventBrite page gateway-to-china.eventbrite.co.uk/.

refer to:http://www.connectingindustry.com/automation/asia-claims-almost-half-of-automation-sales.aspx

Industry organization members between professions

When asked if their company outsources professional/engineering services, 58.9% of the respondents said “yes,” while 35.1% of respondents said “no.” Six percent were unsure. An interesting data point is those who said “yes” reported an average salary of $109,740, which was $5,391 higher than those who said “no.”

When asked if their company had undergone a merger or acquisition in the past three years, a shocking 29.7% said “yes,” while 66.1% said “no” and 4.2% were unsure. Another interesting data point is those who said “yes” reported an average salary of $111,673, which was $6,107 higher than those who said “no.”

Once again this year, the results indicate that professionals who are members of industry organizations pulled in higher salaries, on average, than those who are not members. For example, almost half of all respondents (48.3%) are embedded computer members, and their average salary is $111,297. Compare that to respondents who do not belong to any organizations (34.1%), whose average salary is $97,704. It pays to join and get involved with well-known industry organizations.

Getting paid for overtime
There is a message here for employers. If you are paying less than the industry average, you could very likely lose your engineers. Based on data from industrial auto machines, a recruiting and contract staffing company based in Minnesota, there is a high demand for automation professionals, and high-quality candidates are hard to find. When companies do find good candidates, the candidates typically have multiple offers on the table. If your company employs high-quality professionals, pay them well, or you may lose them.

When we asked survey respondents if they were happy working in the automation profession, nearly 80% said “yes.” Only 2.2% said “no,” and 18.0% said “sometimes.” Those who said “yes” are making just slightly higher salaries than the average—$107,772. However, those who said “no” are making significantly less than the average—$90,875. Those who are happy “sometimes” came in just under the average at $104,356.

refer to: http://www.automation.com/factors-that-affect-your-salary-what-you-need-to-know

Power of watchdog timers

Watchdog Timers
SoCs can have timers which will bring a processor or any other controller out of a hung situation by making them transit to a safe state. It can implement a safety feature to execute a task periodically. Timers can specify a period in which a task needs to be executed. If that task does not get executed in the predefined duration, the system is assumed hung. Thus, the SoC can monitor the execution of the task and take appropriate safety measures.


Redundant critical on-chip modules like processor, ISO, DMA controller, internal clock generator, and communications peripherals can improve reliability should a primary hardware module become non-functional while the vehicle is running. Such a system can have in-built error detection mechanisms and on-the-fly switching to redundant hardware to mitigate threats to passenger safety.
But this kind of redundant hardware architecture comes with the penalty of increased area and higher power management in silicon. Area penalties can be minimized by intelligent selection of which functions need to be duplicated in silicon. Power can be minimized by adopting power and clock gating in the redundant modules. Some  in-vehicle computers can be implemented in lock-step of each other, where primary and redundant modules process the same input. Mismatch in the output of the lock-step modules indicates a defect in either of the modules. The system can switch itself off or take appropriate safety measures to avoid any real-time failure. Redundant hardware should be placed quite far in silicon from the primary embedded systems to avoid tampering of both modules together.

refer to: http://www.edn.com/design/automotive/4421704/Safety---security-architecture-for-automotive-ICs

x86 for professional-grade performance

“For all the people building robots and drones and wanting to do hardware hacking, BeagleBone Black has all that expansion hardware on there,” Kridner adds. “For some of these platforms, if you wanted to do anything real-time, like precision timing for motor control, you would have to go out and buy an Arduino or some other sort of microcontroller system. Here, there are two 32-bit 200 embedded computer that have direct access to the pins. They are real-time and can let Linux do some of the things that it is great at like networking, high-level language support, GUI development, and the big number crunching, and let the embedded computer live on those 200 MHz microcontrollers. You come to it with whatever development baggage you already have; if you want to go into real engineering design and make an end product out of it, there is no barrier to doing that.”

As the industrial market continues filling out with developers of varying skill levels and intentions, the need for different classes of development boards has also emerged. Recently, industrial maker boards have been released, offering increased compute power and high-speed I/O interfaces. Though slightly more expensive than their ARM-based predecessors, they target more serious development and are capable of scaling into traditional embedded applications.

refer to:
http://embedded-computing.com/articles/diy-pushes-open-hardware-kindergarten-kickstarter/

IT Technology for industrial applications

With that said, the controls world is going to be moving with anautomation that has a definite consumer bias, with product development and release cycles of six months or less. In an industry where the average life expectancy of an automotive production line is eight years, it is impossible to expect the networking in an industrial setting to keep up with modern IT standards. Therefore, we turn our attention to the technologies that have existed the industrial, with the most open standards and the very best support. These are the protocols we wish to use and keep, and this article highlights and explains some of these technologies. This article does not focus on the technical implementations of each piece of technology. Rather, it is assumed the reader will be using packaged solutions such as a function block for a PLC.

refer to:
http://www.automation.com/leveraging-it-technology-for-industrial-controls-applications

The embedded system integrations

What’s more, the 4th solutions generation Intel Core processors are more energy efficient than their predecessors, enabling smaller form factors for constrained spaces and easier heat dissipation. The high performance and low power also make it possible to consolidate multiple automation workloads (such as supervisory control and image processing) on a single computing device solutions – a topic we will revisit shortly. Intel AVX 2.0 also extends integer vector processing from 128 bits to 256 bits, also doubling throughput for many fanless embedded systems workloads. Along the way we’ll present examples where members of the Intel Intelligent Systems Alliance are taking advantage of the new embedded systems.

refer to:

http://embedded-computing.com/articles/transform-factory-the-intel-core-processor/

WORKS in a power plant summary

Temperature, contaminates and other factors have no impact on the unit's calibration. Once calibrated, the electric control valve actuator can operate for months, even years, without adjustment. Work in harsh environments and get little or no recognition. But their impact on power plant efficiency can be significant. Valves and actuators are critical in almost every aspect of single board computer. They are used in a wide range of applications, including pollution control, feed water, cooling water, chemical treatment, bottom ash and steam turbine control embedded systems. They are exposed to a variety of chemicals, abrasive materials and very high temperatures. They are critical in optimizing efficiency, and they are often the final control element in the operation of a power plant. Electric Actuators and Rotork has a line of all-electric, compact modulating actuators known as the Continuous Duty Modulating Failsafe Electric Actuator. The technology  Rotork CVA is suited for almost all linear, quarter-turn control valve applications requiring precise position control and continuous modulation. "There are applications where they need to move continuously," Said Pete Kundin, general manager of Rotork's Eastern U.S. Business Unit.

refer to: http://www.power-eng.com/articles/print/volume-117/issue-8/features/opportunities-to-improve-efficiency.html

Merging report for 2 leading automation firms

JR Automation Technologies in Holland, MI, and AWL-Techniek, based in the Netherlands, announce a embedded computer strategic partnership.

JR Automation, in business since 1980, is a rapidly expanding automation company with experience in creating a wide range of innovative solutions, from stand-alone operator assist stations to highly automated assembly lines. Similarly, AWL is a leader in production welding systems and experienced in the automotive and general industries with proficiency in laser welding.  With JR and AWL’s standing as leading global system integrators, this strategic partnership will facilitate an environment rich with knowledge, ability, and possibility for our customers.

refer to: http://www.automation.com/jr-automation-and-awl-techniek-join-forces

Huge Price Slash for Embedded mainboard

Acrosser Technology Co. Ltd, global professional industrial and Embedded Computer provider, announces the new Atom series solutions which include AMB-D255T1 Mini-ITX industrial mainboard and AMB-N280S1 fanless 3.5-inch single board computer. AMB-D255T1 is equipped with an Intel D2550 Atom processor. AMB-N280S1 is equipped with an Intel N2800 Atom. Both have a 5~7 year product warranty.

AMB-D255T1 features powerful graphic performance via VGA and HDMI output, one DDR3 SO-DIMM socket, mSATA socket with USB signals and SIM slot, and a +12V DC jack for easy power input. AMB-D255T1 also provides complete I/O such as 4 x COM ports, 6 x USB2.0 ports, 1 x GbE RJ-45 port, 1 x SATA port with power connector.

AMB-N280S1 has a variety of I/O ports, such as 5 x serial ports (one is RS-232/422/485 selectable), 4 x USB2.0, 2 x GbE RJ-45 ports, and one Mini-PCIe expansion. It also offers 1 x SATA interface and power connector for customers desiring large storage capacity. AMB-N280S1 has one HDMI port and one VGA output and can support two maximum resolution displays of 1920 x 1200. It also offers a 18-bit LVDS interface for small size LCD panels.

Acrosser is providing a special price for these two boards to make them available for customers sooner. Please contact your local sales for more information.

Product information：
AMB-D255T1
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Single-Board-Computer/Mini-ITX-&-others/AMB-D255T1 (Mini-ITX-)/Intel-Atom-D2550-AMB-D255T1-(Mini-ITX)-.html

AMB-N280S1
http://www.acrosser.com/Products/Single-Board-Computer/3．5’’-SBC/AMB-N280S1/Single-Board-Computer-AMB-N280S1.html

Contact：
http://www.acrosser.com/inquiry.html

Embedded computer rocks!

Curtiss-Wright’s mission computer subsystem continues to power smart flight training

Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions (www.cwcontrols.com) recently received a follow-on contract from embedded computer to provide a fully integrated open architecture-based mission computer subsystem for use in its PC-21 NextGen Trainer aircraft. Over the lifetime of this PC-21 program, this contract is valued at more embedded computer than $11 million. Under the contract, Curtiss-Wright will provide Pilatus with its rugged
MPMC-9350 processing subsystem. Shipments under the new contract began in October 2012, and are scheduled to continue through August 2014.

refer to: http://vita-technologies.com/articles/embedded-trends-high-flying-design-wins/

Search fo ideal embedded technology

Chopper stabilization is an ideal embedded technology for latching sensors in BLDC motors

Truth: Although chopper stabilization can offer high sensitivity and more magnetic stability, it has several drawbacks including slower response time, accuracy error (due to sampling), and electrical noise generation.

Hall effect sensors are operated by a magnetic field from a permanent magnet or an electromagnet responding to North and South Poles. These magnetic sensors measure the change in magnetic field and communicate the position of the motor shaft to a logic unit, which uses this information to determine when the current should be applied to the motor coils to make the magnets rotate at the correct orientation.

refer to: http://industrial-embedded.com/articles/busting-three-myths-chopper-stabilization/

Muliple appiclations on embedded tactics

With Linux has further opened up the possibilities with safety-critical operations and multimedia communications. Hardware companies have followed suit with more IVI functions built onto a single piece of silicon, improving security and performance.

The available power of multicore[] SoC hardware hosting a Linux operating system is fueling rapid expansion in vehicle software in the area of telematics. In Europe, for example, by 2015, all new cars must be equipped with the eCall system, to automatically alert emergency services in the event of a collision. Services such as insurance tracking, stolen vehicle notification, real-time cloud data (traffic, weather, road conditions ahead), car-to-car communication, driverless car, diagnostics, and servicing are also made available via embedded in-car Internet services. To operate in this space, IVI hardware needs to have multicore processor support, GPU/high-performance graphics with multiple video outputs, Internet connectivity, and compatibility with existing in-car networks such as CAN, MOST, and AVB. Several components are already on the market, and the future potential is exciting.

Consolidating multiple functions into a single Linux-based Electronic Control Unit (ECU) allows for a reduction in component count, thereby reducing overall vehicle costs. Maintenance becomes easier. And the wire harness costs are reduced as the total ECU count drops. As Linux becomes more widespread in vehicles, additional technologies will consolidate – for example, instrument clusters and AUTOSAR-based ECUs may coexist with infotainment stacks. It’s also important to realize that the complexity of software and the amount of software code used will only increase as these new technologies become standard. Already more than 100 million lines of code are used in the infotainment system of the S-Class Mercedes-Benz and according to Linuxinsider.com, and that number is projected to triple by 2015.

 

refer to: http://embedded-computing.com/articles/automotive-source-drives-innovation/#at_pco=cfd-1.0





ACROSSER has provided innovative embedded computer solutions and quality products to over thousands customers on helping them reduce the time-to-market to gain the higher competence and to win the market.

Network capacity and performance

 IT managers are under increasing pressure to boost network capacity and performance to cope with the data deluge. Networking systems are under a similar form of stress with their performance degrading as new capabilities are added in software. The solution to both needs is next-generation System-on-Chip (SoC) communications processors that combine multiple cores with multiple hardware acceleration engines.

The data deluge, with its massive growth in both mobile and enterprise network traffic, is driving substantial changes in the architectures of base stations, routers, gateways, and other networking systems. To maintain high performance as traffic volume and velocity continue to grow, next-generation communications processors combine multicore processors with specialized hardware acceleration engines in SoC ICs.

refer:http://embedded-computing.com/articles/next-generation-architectures-tomorrows-communications-networks/

About Real-time and general-purpose operating issue

 Virtualization for embedded systems has many implementations in which two or more operating systems coexist to gain the benefits of each. One approach puts Microsoft Windows and a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) together.

 

Much is being said about virtualization these days in the softwareworld. Simply stated, virtualization is about getting multiple OSs to run on the same computing platform at the same time. Virtualization has been cited as a key technology for getting the most performance out of the newest multicore processors. But just as not all computing applications are the same, not all virtualization approaches are appropriate for all applications.
Embedded systems have a key requirement that doesn’t normally apply to office and server computers: the need for deterministic response to real-time events. To support the requirement for determinism, embedded applications typically use RTOSs. Embedded applications also employ general-purpose OSs to handle operator interfaces, databases, and general-purpose computing tasks.
In the past, because OSs couldn’t successfully co-reside on computing platforms, system developers employed multiple processing platforms using one or more to support real-time functions and others to handle general-purpose processing. System designers that can combine both types of processing on the same platform can save costs by eliminating redundant computing hardware. The advent of multicore processors supports this premise because it is possible to dedicate processor cores to different computing environments; however, the software issues posed by consolidating such environments require special consideration. Combining real-time and general-purpose operating environments on the same platform (Figure 1) places some stringent requirements on how virtualization is implemented.
1.Paravirtualization
2.Server virtualization
3.Hardware-aided embedded virtualization     
4.Leveraging Intel Architecture
5.Embedded virtualization saves costs

refer: http://embedded-computing.com/articles/real-time-general-purpose-unite-via-virtualization/

Communication strategie in embedded technology

 

Although embedded devices destined for industrial applications have a wide range of design requirements due to the diverse environments in which they are deployed, almost all systems need some form of wired or wireless communications capabilities. Stand-alone industrial embedded devices are relatively rare, as users now demand remote access for data collection, management, maintenance, troubleshooting, software updates, and system security. For example, businesses need to monitor and collect real-time operational or throughput statistics from individual devices to evaluate the performance of manufacturing systems and methods.
Complex embedded systems can automatically run maintenance and diagnostic routines to evaluate reductions in performance and remotely schedule hardware updates. Many remote systems also require some type of security or surveillance features to detect and possibly prevent physical or virtual attacks. The challenge for embedded designers is to find the right communications technologythat delivers reliable, high-performance connectivity in an industrial environment with possible noise, extended temperatures, shock/vibration, and interference.
In this issue of Industrial Embedded Systems, we asked contributors to take a look at the principal issues and trends affecting contemporary embedded design for industrial applications and found that connectivity was a major topic in most of the articles and interviews. For example, in the Computing section, Mike Holt of Semitech Semiconductor illustrates techniques to optimize power line communications for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications such as automatic meter reading or control and management of streetlights, vending machines, or solar panels. In the same section, Lantronix VP of engineering Daryl Miller offers suggestions for making smart grids smarter by integrating M2M communications features into legacy equipment to enable remote access, control, and troubleshooting capabilities. Andreas Johannsen of Vincotech describes another important design requirement for industrial equipment, especially systems that operate 24 hours a day: power efficiency. Andreas shows how electronic commutated motor drives contained in an integrated power module can be up to 90 percent more efficient than conventional motor drives in industrial applications.
In the Networking/Sensing section, connectivity is a central theme in discussions on applications ranging from building automation to smart parking technology. In a Q&A session, HomePlug Powerline Alliance President Rob Ranck explains the current state of broadband networking over existing AC wiring within the home and outlines new standards that support smart gridapplications, electric vehicle charging stations, and HD streaming for movies or gaming. In a technical article targeting Building Automation Systems (BAS), Louis-Nicolas Hamer, VP at SCL Elements, describes the industry’s slow progress due to poor interoperability among multiple automation protocols and highlights a new all-in-one embedded gateway controller that can solve this BAS divergence. Citing unprecedented grown in the M2M industry, Mike Ueland, VP and general manager at Telit Wireless Solutions North America, shows how companies are deploying remote monitoring to increase efficiency and cut costs in managing industrial assets and systems. And finally, in a completely different connectivity application, Alicia Asín of Libelium offers a unique solution for automobile parking management that could potentially eliminate billions of hours of lost productivity along with billions of gallons of wasted fuel due to motorists cruising around searching for parking spaces.
REFER:
http://industrial-embedded.com/articles/communication-reshape-embedded-technology/

Low power consumption and small footprint as former Atom series

 

AMB-N280S1, which carries Intel dual- core 1.8 GHz Atom Processor N2800. Acrosser takes advantage of Atom Cedar Trail N2000 series processor in design, such as low power consumption and small footprint as former Atom series.

AMB-N280S1 can support both two displays to maximum resolution 1920 x 1200. It also offers the 18-bit LVDS interface for small size LCD panel.

AMB-N280S1 Features
‧ Intel Atom N2800 1.86GHz
‧ 1 x DDR3 SO-DIMM up to 4GB
‧ 1 x VGA
‧ 1 x HDMI
‧ 1 x 18-bit LVDS
‧ 4 x USB2.0
‧ 6 x COM (5 x RS-232, 1 x RS-232/485)

The world's biggest exhibition Embedded world Exhibition

The embedded world Exhibition&Conference is the world's biggest exhibition of its kind and the meeting-place of the international embedded community. Embedded technologies are in action everywhere - whether in the car, data and telecommunication systems, industrial and consumer electronics, military systems or aerospace. 872 exhibitors showed 22,262 qualified visitors the full range of products for embedded technologies in 2012: hardware, software, tools, services and lots more.

Embedded world, the biggest and most important event of its kind, opens the series of high-tech exhibitions and knowledge-packed events at the Nürnberg venue from 26–28 February 2013. This event sets standards and records every year – now for the eleventh time in 2013. Exhibitors from all over the world present the entire spectrum of embedded systems: hardware, software, tools and services. “The embedded world Exhibition&Conference is growing continuously and rapidly in the same way that the embedded sector is gaining in importance – the embedded community can look forward to a record event,” says Alexander Mattausch, Exhibition Manager of embedded world. The specialists can also look forward once again to figures such as Prof. Nicholas McGuire or Dr. David Kalinsky, who have given the embedded world Conference a face, weight, spirit and know-how at a high professional standard for years. The electronic displays Conference is every bit as good. Stuart McClure, President and CEO of Cylance, opens embedded world on the first day with his keynote on “Safety and Security”.
Acrosser ------> Booth Hall 2 2-519

refer:
http://www.embedded-world.de/en/press/

COM Express Basic Type 6 Module with Fan heatsink

ACM-B6360 carries on board Intel 3rd gnenration Core i7-3615QE FCBGA1023 processor which supports three independent display with multiple output : 24-bit LVDS, VGA, HDMI and one DDI interface.
ACM-B6360 is base on COM Express Type 6 pin-out design and supports two DDR3-1333 SO-DIMM socket with ECC and four native USB 3.0 ports.

Key features:
1. COM Express Basic Type 6 Module with Fan heatsink
2. Onboard Intel 3rd Generation Core i7-3615QE BGA processor.
3. Two DDR3 SO-DIMM sockets with ECC supportted, up to 16G
4. Supports 3 independent display output
5. 1 x PCI-E x16 Gen.3, 7x PCI-E x1 interfaces
6. 2 x SATAIII ports, 2 x SATAII ports
7. 4 x USB 3.0 ports, 4 x USB 2.0 ports
8. 1 x GbE, I2C, SMBus, LPC interface

Network Security Appliance with Intel’s 2nd Generation Core Processor

its high-end Network Security Platform AR-R6102 series. The AR-R6102 is built on Intel C206 Cougar Point platform. It delivers dependability and productivity by providing new levels of cost effective data protection, performance, expanded security, virtualization, and power management options. AR-R6102 supports scalable range of Intel® Xeon, Core i, Pentium and Celeron processors. Beside the 6 on board Giga bits Ethernet ports, it also provides two Network Interface Card (NIC) slots which are provides flexibility of accommodate up to two 4 ports Gb Ethernet, 4 ports Gb Fiber or 2 ports 10 Gb fiber NICs. The 2U version AR-R6102B has 5 more disk bay to support the RADI 0/1/5 function and provides the option of redundant power supplies. The ECC memory modules are supported for better reliability when Xeon processor is used.

 Main Features:

1.    Support Intel’s Core i & Xeon  Processors
2.    Support 4 x ECC/non-ECC DDR3 1066/1333 SO-DIMM slots , Max. 32GB Memory
3.    2 expansion slots for extra copper/fiber LAN modules
4.    Up to 6 disk bay for RAID 0/1/5
5.    Optional redundant power supply.

Networking with Intel ATOM dual-core D525 processor

The AR-R6006 carrys Intel ATOM dual-core D525 processor which supports Hyper Threading Technology and Intel 64 architecture with low power consumption. Enhanced low-power states allow designers to further minimize overall power consumption. They can deliver more efficient use of processor resources, higher processing throughput and improved performance on applications.

 

Key features:
‧ 1U Rack Mount chassis
‧ Low power Intel ATOM D525 Dual Core processor 1.8 GHz+ ICH8M
‧ Two DDR3 SO-DIMM support up to 4GB (unbuffered and non-ECC dimm)
‧ 6 x Intel 82574L GbE Ethernet with 2 pair LAN Bypass Function
‧ 1 x 2.5”/3.5” SATA HDD Bay, 1 x CF Type II socket
‧ 2 x USB 2.0 ports in front
‧ 1 x Mini-PCI slot, 1 x RJ45 for Console