Chapter 2 Connecting Peripherals

2.1 Introduction

You can access most of the connectors from the top of the board while it is installed in the chassis. If you have a number of cards installed or have a packed chassis, you may need to partially remove the card to make all the connections.

2.2 1st & 2nd (CN1, CN2) IDE Connectors

CN1

CN2

You can attach up to four IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drives to the PCA-6187’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 single board computer. 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 connec- tor.

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-6187User’s Manual

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Advantech PCA-6187 user manual Introduction, 1st & 2nd CN1, CN2 IDE Connectors

PCA-6187 specifications

The Advantech PCA-6187 is a high-performance industrial PC/104-Plus single-board computer designed to meet the rigorous demands of embedded applications. This robust and versatile board is particularly well-suited for applications in industrial automation, transportation, and telecommunications, where reliability and performance are paramount.

One of the main features of the PCA-6187 is its support for the Intel Pentium M and Celeron M processors, providing a potent combination of processing power and energy efficiency. This architecture allows for the execution of complex computation tasks while maintaining a low thermal profile, making it ideal for environments with limited cooling options. Furthermore, the PCA-6187 offers a wide operating temperature range, from -40°C to +85°C, ensuring reliable functionality in extreme conditions.

The board incorporates advanced memory capabilities, supporting up to 1GB of SDRAM with a 64-bit data bus. A flash disk interface is also available for high-speed storage solutions, making it easier to manage large amounts of data typical in industrial applications. Additionally, the PCA-6187 features several I/O options, including multiple COM ports, USB interfaces, and parallel ports, allowing for extensive connectivity options for various peripherals and devices.

One of the standout characteristics of the PCA-6187 is its PC/104-Plus form factor, which allows for a modular architecture. This design enables developers to easily expand the capabilities of the board by stacking additional PC/104 modules, facilitating the customization of hardware solutions tailored to specific application requirements. The PCA-6187 also includes watchdog timers to ensure system reliability and prevent system lock-ups, which is critical for mission-critical applications.

Furthermore, the PCA-6187 supports various operating systems, including Windows and Linux, providing developers with flexibility in software development. The integration of rich development resources and tools enhances the speed and efficiency of application deployment in diverse environments.

In conclusion, the Advantech PCA-6187 stands out as a powerful and flexible industrial single-board computer, perfectly suited for a wide array of embedded computing tasks. With its robust design, advanced processing capabilities, and extensive connectivity options, it provides an ideal platform for developers aiming to create reliable systems in demanding operational conditions. The PCA-6187 truly embodies the essence of industrial computing, balancing power and efficiency for a wide range of applications.