Kontron Nano Client: Intel Atom Processor-Based Stand-Alone Touch Panel PC with All-Round IP66 Protection
05 March 2009
At the Embedded World in Nuremberg, Germany (hall 12, booth 404), Kontron will unveil its new Nano Client family of cost optimised and all-round IP66 protected fanless stand-alone touch panel PCs based on the Intel Atom processor for use as swivel arm mounted or free-standing HMIs (human machine interface) or OEM shop floor terminals in harsh environments.
Based on the energy-saving embedded 45nm Intel Atom Z5xx processor and Intel System Controller Hub US15W, the first fanless Kontron Nano Client implements a simplified cooling concept for a cost optimised design in a fully sealed stainless steel housing with convenient VESA mounting. Plant operators can quickly and easily mount the slimline (only 63mm or 2½in deep) and free-standing Kontron Nano Clients with either 10.4in or 15.0in TFT touch screen wherever they need them, even in the harshest environments where there is exposure to spray and aggressive air-borne particles.
The Kontron Nano Client is ideal for a wide range of rugged applications, for example, as swivel arm mounted HMIs for CNC (computer numerical control) machines and industrial scales or as thin client terminals for OEM applications such as order processing and quality control, warehouse and storage, and point-of-sale. OEMs in the food and beverage industry will also benefit from the fully-sealed, hygienic design of the Kontron Nano Client that enables easy cleaning with pressure washers.
Despite low energy requirements, the Kontron Nano Client offers impressive performance up to 1.6GHz and up to 1024MB of soldered RAM, which enables them to run sophisticated web-based visualisation for improved operational safety and enhanced overall usability. The Kontron Nano Client offers all communication capabilities required for HMI or shop floor applications with 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x USB 2.0, an optional CAN bus interface and RS232 port. An optional SD-card or Compact Flash for data storage complete the rugged system design that has no rotating parts for excellent vibration and shock resistance. A 24volt DC power supply rounds off the industrial grade feature set.
The new Kontron Nano Client family will be available in March. Certifications for NA will be finalised in Q2 with product availability for NA in Q3 2009. The Kontron Nano Clients support Windows CE.net, Windows XP Embedded and Embedded Linux as standard, along with numerous protocols including http, XML and Remote Desktop Protocol.
