14 DAY TRIAL // System integrators are always on the lookout for new ways of more easily putting together devices capable of advanced fleet and logistics management applications, such as fuel management, advanced routing, asset monitoring, active scheduling and the latest safety, emergency and rescue features. VIA has just launched a device that claims to make this task all the more easier, namely a Pico-ITXe expansion module dubbed VIA EPIA-P710-D. The product is designed to work in conjunction with the VIA EPIA-P710 board.
"The VIA EPIA-P710-D can be used to create a range of incredibly versatile and full featured in-vehicle devices that can communicate and increasingly make intelligent management decisions," Daniel Wu, vice president, VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc., said. "The Pico-ITXe standard also offers a uniquely modular approach to platform design, facilitating faster time-to-market and design cycles."
The VIA EPIA-P710 board is the first to take advantage of both the SUMIT connector specifications and the pico-ITXe standard. It is powered by a VIA Eden processor, with a frequency of 1.0GHz, and the VIA VX800 media system processor. This board is, by itself, aimed at a range of segment-specific, I/O-centric applications, but its versatility is enhanced by the VIA EPIA-P710-D module.
This device adds three Mini PCI Express slots for implementing a range of Wi-Fi, 3G/3.5G, GPS, GPRS and GSM modules. In addition, the front side I/O features an SD card reader and an SIM slot, two USB 2.0 ports, audio jacks and LEDs for indicating the power and HDD activity. Furthermore, internal storage needs are enabled by IDE and SATA ports and the rear I/O is designed with access to technologies such as COM, UART, VGA and GPIO.
VIA describes the module as "designed to accurately suit any device that is fitted directly to the dashboard, occupying one DIN unit." More information on both the VIA EPIA-P710 and the VIA EPIA-P710-D expansion modules may be found here.