Product category:
Embedded Computing and Control
News Release from: VIA Technologies | Subject: Mini-ITX mainboards
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 03 October 2005
Platform to drive automotive telematics
VIA Technologies has helped Mini-box.com to launch the VoomPC family of compact, high performance yet affordable x86 car PC kits aimed at driving telematics mainstream.
VIA Technologies has helped Mini-box.com, a subsidiary of Ituner Networks Corp, to launch the VoomPC family of compact, high performance yet affordable x86 car PC kits aimed at driving telematics mainstream Based on low power VIA EPIA Mini-ITX mainboards, the x86 platform of choice for car PCs, the VoomPC is specifically designed for the ultra-power-sensitive conditions of in-vehicle applications
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 24 Aug 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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With prices ranging from $299 to $399, the VoomPC barebone platform is ideal for automotive enthusiasts and vehicle manufacturers alike to integrate a wide range of GPS navigation, communication, entertainment and information functionality into private cars or vehicle-dependent professional service vehicles such as law enforcement, rescue and commercial transport, where access to data on the road is essential.
All the critical power issues of car PC systems have been addressed.
The VoomPC integrates the intelligent Mini-box M1-ATX 12V power supply unit to prevent system damage from power surges and eliminate car battery drain by monitoring car battery levels, even when the car is turned off.
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Powered by the highly efficient 1.5GHz or fanless 1.0GHz VIA C7 processor, the VIA EPIA EX has an average operating power consumption of just 13.6W.
The energy efficient VIA C3 processor with its highly effective heat dissipation enables the VoomPC to consume between 15-30W - less than the dimmest car parking lights.
"Car PCs have long been fraught with a multitude of power challenges".
"The VoomPC platforms solve those issues in one complete, highly affordable package", said Richard Brown, Vice President of Corporate Marketing.
"Leveraging the ultra low power profile of the VIA C3 processor, the VoomPC is a great example of how our VIA EPIA platforms are facilitating fast-emerging applications such as car PCs and bringing them within reach of a much wider market".
The VoomPC also features advanced audio control, with "anti-thump" technology that keeps car amplifiers turned off while the PC starts, eliminating annoying speaker thumps and pops, while the VIA Vinyl Audio Six-TRAC audio codec enables stunning six-channel surround sound for a more authentic listening experience with greater depth.
Compatible with all standard Linux or Microsoft Windows operating systems and built within Mini-box's signature compact chassis of just 210 x 250 x 67mm, the VoomPC is equipped with rich peripheral connectivity, multimedia and telematics options afforded by the feature-packed VIA EPIA Mini-ITX mainboard, including USB2.0, Firewire, Ethernet, PCMCIA types I and II CardBus interface for GPRS/Wifi, S-Video, VGA and six-channel audio.
"With the VoomPC, I wanted to free telematics from proprietary applications by creating a versatile, accessible car PC platform based on the standard x86 architecture, and tackle the serious power issues that have prevented the x86 platform from being more widely adopted for in-car use", said Andrei Bulucea, President of Mini-box.com.
"Our intuitive M1-ATX power supply unit combined with VIA's low heat, power efficient technologies opens the road for OEMs and system integrators to provide best of breed applications regardless of operating system or customer environment".
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