Transport computers designed for use in complex environments have a long history of development. Since the early 2000s, manufacturers have been adapting computing devices to the needs of rail transport, considering the unique requirements of this sector: high temperatures, vibrations, electromagnetic interference and harsh operating conditions. Since then, transport PCs have come a long way in evolution, becoming more powerful, compact and reliable.
Today we will have a look at the new generation of transport computers from Advantech — ITA-580.
The new ITA-580 model was designed considering all the latest achievements in the field of IT technologies and is designed for operation in the harshest conditions.
The ITA-580 is based on the 11th generation Intel processors. In order to achieve the best efficiency, Advantech designed the embedded computer with one DDR4 SO-DIMM RAM slot with a maximum capacity of 32 GB. Some models come with built-in memory with error correction (ECC).
|
11th Intel |
Celeron 6600HE |
Xeon W-11865MLE |
i5-11500HE |
i7-11850HE |
|
Turbo boost (GHz) |
2.6 |
4.5 |
4.7 |
|
|
Cores/Threads |
2/2 |
8/16 |
6/12 |
8/16 |
|
TDP (W) |
35 |
25 |
45 |
|
With integrated Intel UHD Graphics and up to 45W processor power, the ITA-580 has a fanless cooling system with IP40 case protection, allowing it to be placed in dusty and humid rooms. Supports Windows 10, Windows 11 and Linux operating systems
For data storage, there is one mSATA drive and up to four 2.5 SSD drives with RAID 0/1/5/10 support.
ITA-580 has a wide range of interfaces and expansion slots:
- Display output: dual DisplayPort (4096 x 2304, 60 GHz)
- Network ports: Three Ethernet network ports supporting transfer rates up to 2.5 Gbps, connected via M12 X-Coded connectors. LAN ports 2 and 3 can support LAN bypass mode
- USB ports: Four USB 3.2 (Type-A) ports and one USB 2.0 port, M12 A-coded (F) connector
- Serial ports: two RS-232/422/485 COM ports
- Expansion slots:
- Two M.2 Key B+M key 3042/3052 slots
- One M.2 Key A+E format 2230 slot
- Four micro SIM slots
- Audio: DB9 audio connector (Mic In and Line Out)
- DIO: one PCIex16 slot via MCIO connector, with 2 kV isolation, and two Mini PCIe slots (Full Size)
- Power: the power connector of the adapter uses an M12 K-coded output. The input voltage range is from 24 to 110 V DC
- Mounting: wall or tabletop
- Operating temperature: from -40°C to +70°C
- Dimensions: 260 mm (W) x 88 mm (D) x 197.2 mm (H)
The main difference between transport solutions and industrial embedded platforms is the presence of international protection standards and certificates:
EN 50155
This standard specifies requirements for electronic equipment installed on board railway rolling stock. EN 50155 covers aspects such as operating conditions, temperature ranges, vibration resistance, protection against dust and moisture, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The key aspects of the standard are:
- Operating temperature range: Equipment must operate over a wide temperature range, often from -25°C to +70°C, although for particularly harsh operating conditions the range may be extended to -40°C to +85°C.
- Shock and vibration resistance: Electronic devices must be able to withstand significant mechanical stress, such as vibrations and shocks caused by moving trains.
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC): Equipment must comply with strict EMC standards, minimizing the influence of external electromagnetic fields and preventing interference with other devices.
- Dust and moisture protection: To prevent water and dust from entering the housing, equipment must have an appropriate degree of protection (IP code).
EN 50121-3-2
EN 50121-3-2 specifies requirements for electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility of devices installed in railway transport. It aims to ensure compatibility between different devices and systems operating on the railway in order to avoid mutual interference.
EN 50121-4
EN 45545-2
EN 45545-2 standard deals with fire safety of materials used in equipment installed in railway transport. This standard sets standards for fire resistance and smoke emission of materials from which equipment is made in order to reduce the risk of ignition and fire spread inside the vehicle.
IEC 61373
The international standard IEC 61373 describes methods for testing electronic components and systems installed in railway vehicles for exposure to mechanical factors such as vibration and shock.
UL, CB, CCC, BSMI: Certification standards confirming the equipment's compliance with various national and international safety requirements.
ITA-580 meets all of the above protection standards, which gives it the right to be called a transport solution for railway operations.
