Applied Data Systems (ADS) Introduces the Thin Master™ StrongARM™-Based Platform: Ideal Design for Fleet Management / Telematics Applications
The robust IO enhancements on the Thin Master specific to fleet and telematics operations include dual CAN (Control Area Network capability), seven serial ports (including RS232, RS422, and/or RS485), full power management, a USB host, Ethernet 10BT, Compact Flash and PCMCIA interfaces, and a ruggedized vehicle power supply with full load dump.
"Our customer applications range from farm equipment to 18-wheeler fleets to golf carts to telematics, and our targeted platform provides for the comprehensive and ruggedized needs of this demanding industry," said Bob Olsen, CEO of Applied Data Systems.
The dual-CAN Bus is now built-in to the Thin Master. CAN is widely used in vehicle systems to collect and communicate operating data from on-board systems. Having this option built-in to ADS' platforms means that there is no extra hardware requirement or add-on boards needed for this level of communication.
ADS systems have been certified for extended temperature range as part of a partnership with the University of Maryland CALCE (Computer Aided Life Cycle Engineering) program. ADS not only validates its computers for these temperature extremes but also has the engineering expertise for fleet-critical requirements, such as EMI, severe shock and vibration, high humidity, or environmental abrasives such as road salt, sand, dirt and other ionic and organic contaminants.
ADSmartIO™ on the Thin Master is ideal to monitor or control a wide range of system requirements, such as open/close door activity, temperature recordings inside refrigerated trucks, and heating elements for the LCD. Having seven serial ports is important because it facilitates easy communication with other technologies, such as GPS or radio communication.
Power management is used to preserve the vehicle battery shelf life. In "sleep mode," the power is conserved when fleet vehicles idle (over holidays for example). While x86 computers consume large amounts of power, sleep mode runs on a few milliamps.
ADS also offers a variety of vehicle power supplies as part of the package. These are highly specialized forms of power supplies to accommodate both the low voltage as the car ‘cranks' and the voltage spikes that occur if a vehicle battery is temporarily disconnected from its charging circuit.
Dimensions of the Thin Master are 6" x 8.5." A variety of OS options may be provided, including WindowsCE, Linux, and WindRiver's VxWorks. The Thin Master is immediately available. More information is also available at www.applied-telematics.net
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Applied Data Systems, 9140 A Guilford Road, Columbia, MD 21046. Tel: 301-490-4007; Fax: 301-490-4582.