Chapter 1 Hardware Configuration

1.1 Introduction

The PCA-6185 Series all-in-one industrial grade single CPU card uses Intel's high performance Pentium® 4 processor, together with the Server- Works' GC-SL chipset. The card features two separate 64-bit PCI-X bus, one for internal deviced and one for external add-on cards. The dual PCI- X bus ensures the operation of internal devices not to be influenced by external add-on cards.

The PCA-6185 supports Pentium 4 or Celeron CPU with 533 and 400 MHz front side bus. Based on the NetBurst™ microarchitecture, the CPU is equipped with 512, 256 or 128 KB on-CPU full-speed cache memory, providing higher performance than ever before. The 3 DIMM memory sockets support up to 4 GB DDR200/266 registered SDRAM, fullfiling the demand on computing performance of most applications. The PCA-6185 Series features powerful on-board I/O functions such as single or dual gigabit Ethernet ports and dual channel Ultra 320 SCSI interface. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require both high performance and full functionality.

It has two EIDE interfaces (for up to four devices) and a floppy disk drive interface (for up to two devices). Other features include two RS-232 serial ports (16C550 UARTs with 16-byte FIFO or compatible), one enhanced parallel port (supports SPP/EPP/ECP) and four USB (Universal Serial Bus) 1.1 ports. The PCI enhanced IDE controller supports ATA 33/ 66/100 and PIO Mode 4 operation. This provides data transfer rates of up to 100 MB/sec. System BIOS supports boot-up from an IDE CD-ROM, SCSI CD-ROM, LS-120, IDE HDD, SCSI HDD, ZIP-100, USB, LAN, and FDD.

A backup of CMOS data is stored in the Flash memory, which protects data even after a battery failure. Also included is a 63-level watchdog timer, which resets the CPU or generates an interrupt if a program cannot be executed normally. This enables reliable operation in unattended envi- ronments.

The remote management interface enables the PCA-6185 to be managed through Ethernet when it is connected to the SNMP-1000 Remote HTTP/ SNMP System Manager.

Note:

Some of the features mentioned above are not available with all models. For

 

more information about the specifications of a particular model, see Section

 

1.3 Specifications.

PCA-6185 User’s Manual

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Advantech PCA-6185 user manual Introduction
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PCA-6185 specifications

The Advantech PCA-6185 is a high-performance, industrial-grade single-board computer designed for a variety of applications, particularly in automated, industrial, and embedded systems. It leverages the powerful Intel architecture to deliver robust computing power, making it an ideal choice for those needing reliability and performance in mission-critical environments.

One of the main features of the PCA-6185 is its support for the Intel Core i7/i5/i3 and Celeron processors, providing significant processing capabilities while ensuring energy efficiency. This range of processor options delivers the flexibility needed to tailor the board to specific application requirements, allowing users to balance performance with thermal constraints effectively.

In terms of memory, the PCA-6185 supports dual-channel DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, accommodating up to 32GB of RAM. This generous memory capacity improves multitasking capabilities and allows for demanding applications to run smoothly. Additionally, the onboard Intel HD Graphics engine enhances video processing performance, supporting 4K resolution outputs for advanced graphical applications.

The I/O capabilities of the PCA-6185 are extensive, with multiple options for connectivity and expansion. It features a variety of ports, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Serial ports, and Ethernet interfaces, enabling seamless integration with other devices and networks. The board offers PCIe expansion slots for added flexibility, allowing developers to customize their systems with specialized hardware.

Durability and reliability are significant considerations for any industrial application, and the PCA-6185 excels in this area as well. Designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, it has a wide operating temperature range, making it suitable for deployment in demanding settings. Its fanless design also contributes to longevity by reducing wear and tear on moving components.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the board’s support for various operating systems, including Windows and Linux. This compatibility ensures that developers can choose their preferred environment, enhancing software integration and development speed.

In summary, the Advantech PCA-6185 is a versatile and powerful single-board computer that adeptly meets the needs of industrial and embedded applications. With its robust Intel processing capabilities, substantial memory support, and extensive I/O options, it provides a reliable foundation for complex tasks in challenging environments. Its durability and flexibility make it a top choice for engineers and developers looking to create efficient and long-lasting computing solutions.
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