AWARD-WINNING TUNES

Wurlitzer Digital Jukebox. By delivering a RISC-based SBC in just 52 days, Applied Data Systems (ADS) helped Gibson engineers get their novel jukebox design completed in time to snag a best-of-show prize at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show. The device stores up to 1,000 CDs on an 80-Gbyte hard drive, easily accessed through a wireless touch screen. The simple user interface also provides direct access to 100 channels of digital radio, and permits music fans to download songs from the Internet-no coins are required to play them. The custom-built SBC uses Intel's PXA255 Xscale processor with a 200-MHz internal system bus, built-in I/O to handle the multimedia options, and advanced power management circuitry.

For info on Applied Data Systems SBC, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/3854-541 .

ON-THE-GO ULTRASOUND SYSTEM

GE Healthcare LOGIQ Book Portable Ultrasound System. The Olympics was one of the first applications for this highly portable ultrasound system, which is designed for both hospital and field environments. Low on weight but high on capabilities, the 10-lb unit stores more than 4,000 images and has the processing ability to handle real-time Doppler data and perform medical diagnostics. Engineers harnessed the power of PFU Systems' Plug-N-Run-the company's system-on-module (SOM) approach to single board computing-to attain CPU speeds greater than 1.1 GHz. About the size of an index card, the SOM provides more than 90 percent of the functionality of a complete PC-host to the SBC, including memory, heat sink, as well as an integrated rugged frame.

For info on PFU Systems Plug-N-Run, go to http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-542 .

HANDS-FREE COMPUTING

Microvision Nomad (R) Expert Technician System ND2100 . Most service technicians aren't all thumbs, but they could always make better use of the two they do have. To allow for hands-free access to repair manual data, Microvision engineers integrated a belt-worn computing module with a personal head-up display (HUD). Applied Data System's RISC-based SBC employs a PXA255 Xscale processor and meets a laundry list of performance specs, including a clock speed of 400 MHz, power consumption of less than 1.5W, and a trim 3-x 5-inch footprint. The customized SBC includes a graphics accelerator chip for the HUD interface.

For info on Applied Data Systems SBC, go tohttp://rbi.ims.ca/3854-543 .

SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM BUILT TOUGH

Raytheon Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System. This device provides army scouts in the field with precise target location information based on input from a forward-looking infrared sensor, a GPS interferometer, a laser-range finder, and a TV camera. To process the GPS data, design engineers chose Octagon Systems' PC-325D SBC with a Pentium^(R) II class processor with industrial grade I/O. It met the stringent specs required for operation in hot, dusty, and harsh environments, and is rated to survive up to 5G vibration and 40G shock.

For info on Octagon Systems PC-325D SBC, go to http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-544 .

HIGH-PERFORMANCE IMAGER

Concord Microsystems MicroPET 3D Imaging System. Even rats need tender loving care, and that's why Concord engineers developed this non-invasive imaging system for lab animals. Three WinSystems PCM-586 PC/104 SBCs, two for data acquisition, and one for command/control are at the heart of this high-performance, positron emission tomography (PET) technology. Though multiple boards can spell integration challenges, a PC/104 connector eliminated the need for a backplane. Engineers say the connector and the off-the-shelf SBC's small size (3.6 x 3.8 inches) made integrating the boards into the scanning system a snap.

For info on WinSystems PCM-586 PC/104 SBC, go to http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-545 .

LOW-PROFILE, MOBILE COMPUTER

Data911 Mobil Data Systems. Since emergency workers have a need for many more features in their vehicles than cupholders and seat recliners, size was a critical requirement for Data911's new line of mobile PCs. Kontron's low-profile (2.5 x 5.75 x 12.5-inches) ETX SBC slides comfortably into the glove box, under a seat, or other cramped locations. The technology uses a customized, application-specific baseboard with an ETX CPU module that plugs into the board like an integrated circuit. Additional I/O and application-specific subsystems may be integrated on the baseboard designed as PCI or ISA bus peripherals. The unit's aluminum housing doubles as a heat sink to keep operating temperatures at an acceptable 70C.

For info on Kontron's ETX SBC, go to http://rbi.ims.ca/3854-546 .