Micro PC targets automotive market

A Dolch Computer Systems (UK) product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 29, 2004

Dolch Computer Systems has now brought its VersaPAC micro PC up to full production output.

Dolch Computer Systems has now brought its VersaPAC micro PC up to full production output.

VersaPAC is designed specifically for onboard military and civilian vehicle applications, as well as a whole host of industrial applications.

It is one of the smallest PCs of its type available, combining low weight with high functionality.

Its rugged IP54-rated enclosure withstands very high dynamic shock and vibration levels, and its state-of-the-art power saving components consume only 30W.

The VersaPAC, which has Windows 2000 pre-installed, controls all standard PC functions as well as offering expanded functionality such as GPS, GPRS and TV/radio - based on service availability.

An innovative passive cooling system is employed (for which a patent application has been submitted) rather than a conventional fan.

This helps to keep the VersaPAC compact, extremely quiet (less than 25dB) and highly reliable (the only moving parts are in the 2.5in EIDE 20Gbyte hard disc drive).

The temperature control system also ensures that the VersaPAC will operate in any ambient temperature from 0 to +50C (-40 to + 60C as an option), and the device can be stored in temperatures ranging from -40 to +70C.

As an indication of how tough the VersaPAC is, it will withstand being dropped from a height of 1m onto concrete.

With a weight of less than 3kg and dimensions of only 280 x 160 x 66mm the computer is ideal for installing within vehicles where there are space and/or weight constraints.

In addition, a CAN-V2.0 interface is included so that the VersaPAC can communicate directly with other in-vehicle systems.

Alternatively, the CANbus can be used to connect remote I/O modules.

Users can also install one Type III or two Type II PCMCIA cards and there is a further Type III CompactFlash slot for a memory card or miniature hard drive.

The port replicator at the rear of the computer provides access for up to four RS232 serial ports, mouse, keyboard, a USB port (another is accessible from the front of the VersaPAC), a parallel port and a VGA monitor output.

In addition, it features an Intel P-III 700MHz CPU.

Audio ports (line in, line out and microphone) are also provided.

A further communications option comes in the form of a FireWire (IEEE1394) port accessible from the front of the unit.

If more I/O is required, there is the VersaPAC Plus that offers eight digital inputs, eight digital outputs, and eight 0-10V analogue inputs.

This version also benefits from three counter inputs, an input for reading speedometer data, and an ISO7816-compatible smart card reader.

"Potential customers are already showing a lot of interest", says Dr Boris Linschitz, Managing Director, Dolch UK, "especially as we also have the Dolch Dolphin interactive touch display, which perfectly complements the VersaPAC".

The Dolphin is an 8.4in LCD that was launched late last year and immediately aroused a lot of interest among potential users in a variety of markets.

Built to the typically high rugged specifications demanded by Dolch, the Dolphin weighs in at little more than 1kg, yet, like the VersaPAC, it can survive a drop from a height of 1m onto concrete.

Capable of operating in a temperature range of between -10 to +50C and in relative humidity of between 10 and 95%, the Dolphin makes up an ideal package for a wide variety of mobile, manufacturing and field testing applications.

As part of its 2004 marketing programme, Dolch has embarked on a concentrated push into the transportation market.

The fact that the VersaPAC is fully E-marked as well as I-marked is highly significant.

This makes it an acceptable product throughout the transportation sector.

The result is that Dolch is not only able to offer it to R and D and field testing experts in the automotive market - typically, cars, lorries and buses, but also with construction equipment, cranes and container handling, fork lift trucks, agricultural and forestry equipment.

"In fact", says Dr Linschitz, "we see it also benefiting transport, warehouse and road maintenance management systems, as well as having applications in emergency vehicles and command systems using satellite tracking and mobile phone technology".

"The potential is huge, and not only for land-based transport, either.

The marine market is another area where onboard applications exist for the VersaPAC".

"We are already looking at that and assessing its future value".