Pico-ITX board.

Impulse Embedded has announced availability of the AAEON PICO-ARU4, a compact Pico-ITX board powered by the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra Series 2 processors. Designed for applications where performance and efficiency must be delivered in the smallest footprint, the PICO-ARU4 offers a powerful yet flexible solution for embedded and industrial deployments.

“The PICO-ARU4 demonstrates how compact boards can now deliver workstation-level performance,” said Stuart Martin, Business Development Manager at Impulse Embedded. “By combining AAEON’s latest design with our in-house engineering support, we can help customers deploy powerful, reliable systems for demanding industrial applications.”

At just 100mm x 72mm, the PICO-ARU4 integrates advanced computing performance with versatile connectivity and expansion. It features up to 32GB LPDDR5 onboard memory, dual display outputs (HDMI and eDP), and integrated Intel graphics, making it suited to workloads such as machine vision, AI inference, edge analytics, and automation control.

The board also provides extensive I/O and networking options, including dual LAN ports (2.5GbE & 1GbE), USB3.2 Gen2, internal GPIO and serial ports, as well as multiple M.2 expansion slots for storage or wireless connectivity. These features make the PICO-ARU4 a robust choice for industrial applications with diverse interface requirements.

Impulse Embedded is offering the PICO-ARU4 in several variants to meet different project needs:

• Ultra 5 with 16GB LPDDR5 for compact, efficient deployments.
• Ultra 5 with 32GB LPDDR5 for multitasking and data-intensive use cases.
• Ultra 7 version for maximum performance in advanced AI and analytics.

Beyond supply, Impulse Embedded provides end-to-end technical support and system integration, ensuring each board is configured, tested, and ready for deployment. Customers can benefit from decades of expertise in embedded and industrial computing, with support ranging from I/O expansion and storage configuration to bespoke enclosure design.

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@ImpulseEmbedded @AAEON @proactivefleet #Automation #IIoT

Operator workstations expanded.

Pepperl+Fuchs is expanding its portfolio of VisuNet FLX series operator and monitoring workstations with a version for outdoor use and use in an extended temperature range from -20 °C to +50 °C. This offers a flexible solution for demanding environments and applications with a rugged aluminum housing for outdoor use and an integrated RFID reader. The new aluminum housing not only ensures an optimal heat sink, but also offers exceptional resistance to more demanding outdoor conditions. The low weight ensures easy installation via a wide range of mounting options.

The VisuNet FLX series has an optically bonded display to ensure perfect readability in direct sunlight. In addition, various shading elements can be selected as required. The integration of an optional RFID reader simplifies user authentication and contributes to security in industrial environments.

The VisuNet FLX HMI platform offers an impressive variety of configuration options. The series is available as a complete HMI system with aluminum or stainless steel housing, as a panel mounting, or as a box PC, each with display sizes of 15.6, 19, or 21.5 inches (39.6 cm, 48.3 cm, or 54.6 cm). Depending on the requirements, the computing unit can be configured as a remote monitor, a powerful PC with i5 processing unit and up to 16 GB RAM, or as a direct monitor.

The remote monitors are equipped with the latest VisuNet RM Shell 6 firmware generation for thin client solutions and are based on Windows® 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021. It enables access to the virtualized process control system and the manufacturing execution system (MES). The firmware supports all common remote protocols, including Microsoft RDP and VNC, and web browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. With the additional VisuNet Control Center software, all RM Shell-based thin client devices can be centrally managed, updated, and controlled. This saves time-consuming running and travel routes to the individual devices.

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@PepperlFuchsUSA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Workstation memory enhancement.

Innodisk has announced the debut of their new industrial-grade DDR5 memory in workstations, which are powerful computers intended for specialized technical and scientific use cases. This new technology gives early adopters the chance to demonstrate the real-world speed, and performance gains that were promised during the hype surrounding the announcement of DDR5 in 2021.

Now, as Innodisk begins mass production, the new technologies that DDR5 introduced, such as double bank groups, same bank refresh, on-die ECC, and dual subchannels are being utilized in workstations that push the limits of speed, capacity, and reliability in professional environments.

Innodisk is already leading the industry in the implementation of DDR5 memory in workstation computers. One of their clients, who has already put DDR5 to the test in a meaningful way, is a global company that designs and manufactures workstations for engineering, product design, architecture, data science, and VFX. They decided to use Innodisk’s 4800MT/s 32GB DDR5 UDIMM for their workstation computers. These workstations provide the ideal match for early DDR5 adoption as they offer server-grade performance, with high-end processors, and lots of memory, in a standard PC form factor for CPU and RAM-intensive applications like graphics, 3D design, and video editing.

The client, whose end customers cover multiple industries including science and medical, film, mission critical applications, as well as manufacturing and design, was able to benefit from DDR5’s increased bandwidth, better power efficiency, and higher memory efficiency, while also future proofing the workstations they built with the latest and greatest standard in DRAM technology. The aforementioned improvements over DDR4 will allow customers to work faster, and more efficiently, while not having to worry about data loss, due to the extra layer of protection through IC level checking that DDR5’s on-die ECC provides.

@Innodisk_Corp @mepaxIntPR #Automation 

Workstation for oil and gas applications!

Eaton has launched a next generation Azonix Barracuda 15” HMI workstation in the MTL product line for the oil and gas industry that enables users to reduce operational costs while increasing productivity and rig safety.  Designed in response to demands for increased processing power and a more rugged HMI for operation in hotter environments, the robust and reliable Azonix Barracuda 15 is expected to set a new high standard for monitoring and controlling processes in oil and gas applications worldwide.

This workstation for Zone 2 hazardous areas features an Intel i7 2.5GHz processor and up to 8GB of DRAM to deliver increased processing power compared to alternative technologies.  This increase in computing power provides the bandwidth to run the most demanding DCS or SCADA software packages, therefore avoiding configuration challenges.  The workstation is available with wireless and Bluetooth options which offer high speed communications for fast rig-up rig-down applications, therefore increasing productivity. 

The Azonix Barracuda 15 is quick and easy to install and connect. Fitted with identical mounting options and the same connector interfaces as its predecessor, the new workstation is a simple drop-in replacement, which lowers installation costs and downtime, thus increasing rig uptime and process efficiency.

The workstation is exceptionally user-friendly.  It incorporates a state-of-the-art touch panel which allows for either a resistive or projected capacitive touchscreen. These sensors support glove touch capability for use in harsh and cold environments. Thanks to the new LED backlit 1024 by 768 display screen, the workstation is visible in virtually all working conditions.

Azonix Barracuda 15 workstation has a wider operating temperature range than alternative systems, providing reliable operation between -40ºC and 60ºC.  It uses industrial grade parts and a cast aluminium housing for extreme environmental conditions, which makes it robust, therefore increasing reliability and improved asset uptime.    

The workstation is lightweight and has a small footprint enabling the user the flexibility to install it conveniently in challenging rig environments.  In addition, the systems do not require external panel housing, saving users approximately $1000-$3000 per installation, and multiple mounting options accommodate installation across various rig configurations. 

Designed for use in tough and hazardous environments worldwide, the Azonix Barracuda 15 workstation is fully certified for the most demanding conditions found in up- and downstream oil and gas applications.  It has hazardous area approvals, including AEx, ATEX Zone 2, and is IECEx class 1 Zone 2 rated, providing increased rig safety.  In addition, customers can use one configuration globally which reduces their cost of sustaining multiple hardware and software assets.

“Cost of rig downtime is exceptionally high and is estimated at up to $500,000 per day, so it is clear to see that increasing reliability and uptime goes a long way towards increasing productivity and profitability,” says Kevin Gillespie, MTL marketing communications manager, Eaton’s Crouse-Hinds division. “With over 25 years of experience in developing HMIs for the oil and gas industry, we have extensive knowledge of the challenges faced by our customers, and Azonix Barracuda 15 has been designed to fulfil all their requirements, enabling users to reduce operational costs while increasing rig safety.”