Chapter 2 Connecting Peripherals

2.1Primary (CN1) and Secondary (CN2) IDE Connec- tors

CN2

CN1

You can attach up to four IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drives to the PCA-6185’s built-in controller. The primary (CN1) and secondary (CN2) connectors can each accommodate two drives.

Wire number 1 on the cable is red or blue and the other wires are gray. Connect one end to connector CN1 or CN2 on the CPU card. Make sure that the red/blue wire corresponds to pin 1 on the connector (in the upper right hand corner). See Chapter 1 for help finding the connector.

Unlike floppy drives, IDE hard drives can connect in either position on the cable. If you install two drives to a single connector, you will need to set one as the master and the other as the slave. You do this by setting the jumpers on the drives. If you use just one drive per connector, you should set each drive as the master. See the documentation that came with your drive for more information.

Connect the first hard drive to the other end of the cable. Wire 1 on the cable should also connect to pin 1 on the hard drive connector, which is labeled on the drive circuit board. Check the documentation that came with the drive for more information.

Connect the second hard drive to the remaining connector (CN2 or CN1), in the same way as described above.

PCA-6185 User’s Manual

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Advantech PCA-6185 user manual Primary CN1 and Secondary CN2 IDE Connec- tors

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.