Advantech ARK-4180, User Manual, Page: 10 / 66

ARK-4180 User Manual 2
1.1 Introduction
Advantech provides embedded platform products and services to system integrators
that go into the most remote or hostile or extreme environments on earth, embedded
platforms that have to work reliably. To meet the demand for a highly modular com-
pact rugged solution, Advantech developed a PCI104 stackable system that is
designed and qualified for the most demanding of applications. Each system is
housed in a specially cast and milled solid aluminum block with thermal fins which
also help dissipate heat. Another unique feature is the specially designed fanless
thermal solution with embedded heatpipe that allows wide temperature operation
between -40°C ~ +75°C without active cooling embedded PC applications. All elec-
tronics are protected in a compact sealed housing for convenient embedded and
stand alone applications, where space and environment considerations are critical.
Modularity is a key feature and apart from the PC/104’s ability to stack I/O and other
modules to add functionality, Advantech uses special brackets on the aluminum
enclosure itself so that additional enclosures can also be stacked making this most
flexible rugged solution on the market. The core stacking modules uses Advantech
standard CPU board: PCM-4180 w/PCI expansion slot which support for two RS-
232, six USB 2.0, audio line-in, line-out, single LAN and CF type I; and fixings
ensures the system has excellent anti-vibration characteristics.
What is more, the unique removable heatsink and daughter board means that you
can completely replace the system retaining just the chassis. Flexibility is the name
of the game in embedded computing and this new compact rugged solution from
Advantech delivers on all fronts and in all environments!