Advantech Introduces Automation Computers with FRAM Chip

Oct. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- Ideal for use in machine and factory automation environments, Advantech’s Industrial Automation Group launches two new touch panel computers performing as thin-client devices, the TPC-31T, a 3.5” QVGA TFT LCD (26.5mm), and the TPC-61T, a slightly deeper 5.7” QVGA TFT LCD (44.4mm) displays. They both contain a Texas Instruments Cortex-A8 RISC processor and have one RS-485 serial port and one 10/100 Base-T Ethernet port; as well as having the operating system installed on a micro-SD card.
The TPC-61T provides an additional RS-232 port as well as both a host and client USB port that provides an ActiveSync function to a PC for software development debug purposes.

Unique to the industry, both models include a 1Mbit FRAM chip that allows customers to make changes directly to the system configuration through the devices integrated serial ports. The FRAM chip is of particular interest since the data can still be written and automatically saved without the device being on.

Both models are pre-installed with the Microsoft Windows CE operating system integrated on a micro SD card. An Advantech in-house Linux operating system is an optional choice to provide some variety to the operating system.  The use of the SD card, instead of a soldered EPROM, makes maintenance easier and reduces downtime since the SD card can be installed onsite instead of having to send the machine away for repairs.