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Rugged MEN Panel Display Outed for Human Interface Applications

Nov 22, 2010 09:48 GMT  ·  By
DC2 touch panel system from MEN Micro
   DC2 touch panel system from MEN Micro

After reading about AIS' HMI (human interface) solution earlier, it's now time to take a look at a similar product, this time coming from MEN Micro, namely the DC2, a new rugged panel display that combines capacitive touch technology for easier human interface with a fanless, maintenance-free design. As MEN Micro informs us, their new rugged computing solution has been designed mostly for use in transportation, mobile and industrial automation applications, and for for this reason, the panel-mounted DC2 features a 10.4-inch 4:3 LCD TFT display with a 1024 x 768 resolution as standard, with larger screen sizes up to 19" as well as higher resolutions and aspect ratios available, depending on user requirements. Furthermore, the system comes equipped with an Intel Atom 1.3 GHz XL Z520PT processor as well as 1 GB of DDR2 SDRAM and a 2 GB microSD card, while actually supporting additional Intel processor configurations, as the manufacturer informs us. Standard I/O is comprised of two Fast Ethernet and two USB ports as well as four binary inputs via the 10-pin power supply connector, while the Ethernet interfaces have switch functionality to provide Ethernet connection to subsequent intelligent displays. Additionally, a temperature sensor monitors and controls the display, while the unit's control electronics, attached directly to the back of the display, allow for the customized screen sizes, alternative processors and various aspect ratios. It's also important to mention that the flexible design of the DC2 enables more configuration options including the use of M12 connectors as well as connecting additional interfaces, a GPS adapter or HD audio. A MiniPCI Express card slot with an external antenna can be used for wireless functions, such as WLAN, WIFI, GSM/GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HDSPA and LTE. Pricing for the DC2 is $2,200, which means that companies should seriously asses their financial possibilities before deciding to go ahead and order one of these rugged, HMI-oriented solutions.