SBS debuts low-power, single-board computer with scalable processing

By Control Engineering Staff September 30, 2002

Albuquerque, NM— SBS Technologies Inc. introduced Sept. 25 its EC6 single-board computer with scalable processing power and low power consumption. EC6 features a Pentium-compatible Geode GX1 processor, compact design, integrated power supply filter, fanless cooling and PC/104+ extension slots for modular expansion.

SBS adds that EC6’s minimal power requirements eliminate the need for expensive power supplies, making it a cost-efficient embedded PC platform for applications, such as process and control automation, data acquisition and processing, machine control, test systems, public transportation, digital printers, information systems and mobile devices.

‘SBS is an established expert in building embedded PC solutions, having successfully deployed our PCcompact, CompactPCI, and VMEbus products in a wide range of industrial applications,’ says Clarence Peckham, president of SBS’ commercial and government groups. ‘EC6 has been developed to meet our customers’ evolving needs for a versatile, cost-efficient, compact single-board computer that combines an enhanced feature set, minimal power requirements and fanless operation.’

To maximize its versatility, EC6 also offers flexible DRAM configurations up to 512 MB, and an array of peripherals. Besides its dual 10/100 fast Ethernet interfaces, EC6 has a CANbus interface for low-cost I/O; two USB ports; LPT1; and four serial I/O (RS232/422/485) interfaces with FIFOs. The board also has an interface for a hard drive or a FlashDrive. EC6’s other peripherals include a CompactFlash slot; on-board VGA interface; and LCD interface. Its PC/104+ interface enables custom extensions, such as Interbus-S, Profibus and Device-Net.

Also, several supply voltage options are available for EC6’s on-board power supply, including 5 V dc, 10-30 V dc, or 48 V dc on request, which is required for some telecommunication applications. In its standard 0 to +50 °C temperature version and its optional extended -40 to +70 °C temperature version, EC6 uses passive cooling for fanless operation.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com