Embedded Solutions

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The UBox Family of Rugged Computer Systems
UBox is a very compact and versatile family of computer systems
for any type of control, diagnosis, measurement, visualization
and interactive functions in harsh environments. Not only the
electronics inside but also the housing, the power supply and the
display are designed to operate under extended temperature,
shock and vibration conditions.
Instead of consisting of a range of different catalog products, the
UBox family is by choice a very flexible concept for an individually
boxed computing solution. It consists of:
■ A standard conductive cooled box,
which is the back side of the final system
■ A standard ESM – Embedded System Module
■ A customized FPGA on the ESM
■ A customized carrier board for the ESM
■ A customized front panel,
for example a graphics display
■ A customized connector area
■ Customized mounting possibilities on the housing
Embedded Computer UBox Base – x86/PowerPC
UBox Base is a robust computer for deeply embedded applications.
Its computing core is either a fully PC-compliant x86 platform (for
example with a low-power Pentium ® III) that runs under Windows or
Linux and makes for an ideal industrial PC, for example for infotainment.
Or it comes on a PowerPC platform (for example with MPC
8245/400 MHz) that runs under Linux and real-time operating
systems, for example for machine control and supervision. UBox
Base comes with the latest state-of-the-art (PC) computer technology
like Ethernet, UARTs, USBs etc. In addition UBox Base offers the
highest flexibility in terms of further I/O configuration by having all
these functions – such as CAN, graphics, additional UARTs, digital
I/O etc. – customized and implemented in FPGA.
Housing
■ Aluminum/zinc-plated steel plate, EMC enclosure
■ 202 x 315 x 49.8 mm
PSU
■ 85-264 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 25 W
■ Over-voltage protection
■ 25 to +60°C operation temperature
Electronics
■ EM01 with PowerPC MPC 5200 / 384MHz
■ EM03 with PowerPC MPC 8560 / 800MHz
■ EM04N with PowerPC MPC 8245 / 400MHz
■ EM05 with TM5900 / 800MHz
■ EM07 with ULV/ULP Celeron ® /Pentium ® III up to 933MHz
■ EM08 with PowerPC MPC 8540 / 800MHz
■ Up to 1GB SDRAM
■ CompactFlash or NAND Flash
■ Standard serial connections depending on type of ESM
■ Further COMs, Ethernet, USB, floppy, CAN, IDE,
graphics, audio, keyboard/mouse, digital I/O etc.
customizable via FPGA
Thanks to the comparably low power consumption, particularly of
the PowerPC, but also the Pentium ® -based ESM – Embedded System
Modules, the complete system comes without any fan to achieve
better reliability and higher MTBF values. Consequently, the complete
area of the processor is connected via a massive heat block
with the carrier plate for all electronic components – which at the
same time forms the back side of the housing and thus transfers the
heat from inside the system to the outside air.
The operating temperature range of the UBox depends on the
power dissipation of the ESM module choosen. Based, for example,
on a PowerPC MPC 5200 core, the complete UBox runs within -25
to +60°C (limited by the PSU). The UBox itself is closed, whilst airflow
outside the system is in general requested.
To withstand shock and vibration demands, the electronics is tightly
screwed to the massive metal carrier plate.
The front panel of the housing can be equipped with customized
fastening facilities according to the requirements of the application.
A dedicated customizable space is reserved for all kinds of input and
output connectors that may be required differently by each application.
The standard mass storage configuration is CompactFlash or
Disk-On-Chip up to several Gigabytes.