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May 06, 2008

Axiomtek has announced a fanless embedded computer based on one of its existing SBCs (single board computers). Targeting applications such as digital signage or industrial control, the shock-resistant eBox647-FL boots Linux from CompactFlash, according to the company.

(Click here for a larger view of the eBox647-FL)

The eBox647-FL is packaged in a 7.9 x 5.9 x 2-inch housing made of aluminum and extruded steel. With an integral heat sink, it operates fanlessly from 0 to 50 deg. C, and is said to resist shocks up to 2Grms (gravity root mean square), thanks to the use of CompactFlash storage instead of a hard disk drive.

The main board used in the system is Axiomtek's SBC84710 (shown below). It features a 1.5GHz Via C7 processor, with the CX700 companion chip and ITE8888G PCI to ISA bridge. A single SODIMM socket accepts up to 1GB of RAM.

The eBox647-FL uses this SBC84710 main board

There are several features of the SBC84710 that aren't accessible on the eBox647-FL, obviously because of constraints imposed by the case. These include two of its USB ports, its dual IDE interfaces, its PC/104 expansion interface, and its MiniPCI expansion slot.

Nonetheless, the eBox647-FL is more than adequately provided with interfaces. It offers three RS232 ports, one RS232/422/485 port, VGA and PS/2 connectors, and an RJ45 jack for 10/100 Ethernet.

The rear of the eBox647-FL
There are also three front-mounted audio connectors, a 25-pin parallel port, and a power input that accepts either 5VDC or 12VDC.

As mentioned, the device also includes a CompactFlash slot. Apparently, this and the SODIMM slot are accessible via a door at the bottom of its case.

Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the eBox-647FL include:

Processor -- 1.5GHz Via C7
Memory -- up to 1GHz of DDR2 RAM in single SODIMM slot
Storage -- via CompactFlash
Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
Other I/O:
- 1 x RS232/422/485
- 3 x RS232
- 2 x USB 2.0
- VGA
- 1 x PS/2 for keyboard/mouse
- Audio line in, line out, mic in (front-mounted)
- 1 x LPT (front-mounted)
Expansion -- Compact Flash Type II slot
Dimensions -- 7.9 x 5.9 x 2
Weight -- tbd
Vibration endurance -- 2Grms (5-500Hz, X, Y, Z directions)
Operating temperature -- 0 to 50 deg. C

Axiomtek did not release pricing information, but said the RoHS-compliant eBox647-FL will be available around the end of May. In addition to Linux, it runs Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE, according to the company.

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