Category: Know How

Special case Vehicle-PC: How does it work?

How does the power connection of a vehicle PC differ from the standard and what are its functions? What features do vehicle PCs need to have?

The basic function of the power input is the same as for any other Mini PC: It supplies the PC with power! However, this is not so easy when using a PC in a vehicle. When a vehicle is started, so-called voltage peaks occur, which must be balanced out. This is ensured by a special wide range current input from 9 to 36 volts, sometimes even up to 48 volts. Find out here what other functions and tasks a vehicle PC has and why it is so important that it is cooled without a fan, among other things.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with a wide range power input can be found in our RUGGED series, which are equipped with 5-pin connectors (see Fig. 1). In addition to the connections with 5 poles, there are also connections with 3 poles (see Fig 2), such as on our MOVE Q170.

Wide range vs. standard: differences

A standard power input usually comes with an external 19V power supply unit. The wide range connection can even withstand up to 48 volts; in most cases, the power supply unit is screwed on and is not external. The power connections also differ enormously in terms of appearance; the vehicle PC distinguishes between 3 and 5-pin Phoenix sockets (usually in green), whereas the DC IN socket is usually used for the standard.

Other power inputs: standard and switch cabinet

In addition to the special power input on the vehicle PC, there are of course other connections for other applications, for example in control cabinets or the classic standard.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with wide range power input

Our product portfolio includes a variety of systems with a wide range of power inputs with three and five poles. The Phoenix sockets are used in the PCs of the RUGGED series, the MOVE N3160 and the new NOVA R680E.

The standard power input for Mini PCs

What exactly is the standard for Mini PCs when it comes to power inputs? Then we are talking about a standard external 19V power supply unit, which can be connected to the socket using a Schuko or Euro plug. The wattage of the respective power supply units is normally between 65 and 90 watts. The more powerful the computer is, the more wattage it requires.  

A good example of this is the KUMO V high-end computer, which is equipped with an Nvidia RTX2060. A 330W power supply unit ensures that the computer receives sufficient power so that the PC can be operated without any worries.

Features of the power connection

Despite its less spectacular title “Standard”, this power connection is not entirely without other functions. 

Depending on the manufacturer and intended use, a distinction is made between a screwable and a non-screwable connection. A plug with a screw-on power supply unit can be recognized by the nut that can be seen on the power input on the outside of the housing (see Fig. 1). The fact that a power input can be screwed in is particularly important in the industrial sector, as this prevents the cable from being accidentally pulled out (described in more detail in this article). The sealed connection also prevents external influences such as dust or moisture from entering the inside of the system.

The power supply units are included with most of our Mini PCs. PCs are usually equipped with a DC-IN plug, which is a hollow plug that is mostly used to supply power to devices with direct voltage. The standard connections are also usually visually identical.  

Other power inputs: Vehicle PCs and control cabinets

Of course, there are also special power inputs for unusual PC applications. If a mini PC is used in a vehicle, voltage peaks must be intercepted accordingly and in a control cabinet it is important that the computer works flexibly with the different control cabinet configurations and therefore also with the different power supply solutions. In the second part of this series, we take a closer look at the power input on the vehicle PC.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with a standard power input:

The common Mini-PC models such as the entire WINDBOX series, BRICK series or the BOX series are supplied with standard power inputs. The power supply unit is also included in the scope of delivery.  

Discover the WINDBOX range

Discover the BRICK series

Discover the BOX series

Windows 11 – Problems with AMD and printers

In the  two weeks that Windows 11 has been available, the first bugs have already become apparent. On the one hand, AMD confirmed performance losses of 3 to 5% for Ryzen processors using Windows 11. The errors affect the level 3 cache from Zen 1 to Zen 3 and also the thread distribution. This could reduce the frame rate in games by up to 15%. You can read more about the bugs in Windows 11 and AMD in this article on heise.de.  

Microsoft and AMD are already working together to fix the problems before the end of October. However, AMD recommends not updating for the time being.

In addition to AMD, various printer manufacturers, including Brother, HP, Epson, Canon and OKI, have also reported problems. These probably occur with printers that are connected to a Windows 11 computer via a USB interface. More detailed information on this can be found in this article.  

 

The all-rounder PC NANO H310 is EOL

Our digital signage PC with freely selectable desktop CPU, the NANO H310, is EOL and no longer available.

For all those who need an alternative model, we recommend our CORE 2. This extremely compact mini PC (H 35 x W 148 x D 165 mm) can also be equipped with a freely selectable 9th generation Intel CPU. Thanks to the integrated Intel® UHD 630 graphics unit, an HDMI 1.4 and a DisplayPort, content can be played on 2 screens simultaneously in a resolution of 4K. Another advantage: The system is compatible with Windows 11!

Find out more about the CORE 2

The PS/2 interface is a serial interface for input devices such as a mouse or keyboard (rarely: trackball or graphics tablet). It was used on PCs for a long time, but has been almost completely replaced by USB connections. Nevertheless, due to certain technical differences (such as direct access via interrupts), it is still installed in many mainboards today. 

The structure of a PS/2 interface

A PS/2 connection consists of 6 pins, with the following tasks:

•     Pin 1: Data transmission
•     Pin 2 & 6: not connected
•     Pin 3: Ground connection
•     Pin 4: Supply voltage (+5V)
•     Pin 5: Clock signal

There are basically two types of PS/2 interfaces, one with two sockets (green: mouse and purple: keyboard; see Fig. 1) and one split, to which both can be connected (half green, half purple; see Fig. 2).

 

Advantages of a PS/2 interface

In certain applications, however, a PS/2 interface also has advantages over USB. Firstly, the USB always transmits six commands simultaneously from the keyboard to the computer. This may not be enough for a fast bettor. The PS/2 connection, on the other hand, transmits continuously, which reduces latency. On the other hand, this connection is also interesting for security reasons: While the USB port can also be “misused” for other devices, PS/2 is only suitable for mouse and keyboard.

However, a keyboard that is used via the PS/2 connection cannot be unplugged during operation without causing a crash. USB is much more flexible here thanks to hot plugging.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with PS/2 connection:

In the spo-comm Mini-PC series, two systems are equipped with a PS/2 interface. The NINETEEN Q370 is equipped with two sockets and the NOVA Q170 with one split socket.

 

Discover the NINETEEN Q370

Discover the NOVA Q170

About the importance and structure of the SIM card 

The term SIM stands for “subscriber identity module” and means something like “subscriber identity module”. SIM cards are identification cards in the form of chips for mobile phone users. Among other things, they have their own processor(CPU), a non-volatile memory (NVRAM) and a working memory(RAM).  

If the SIM card is supplied with power, it is registered in the network as a unique number (ICCD = Integrated Circuit Card Identifier). On the one hand, this number ensures the connection between the mobile device and the network operator, and on the other, it guarantees that mobile networks are not used illegally. 

Different sizes of SIM cards 

• The standard or mini SIM has a size of 15 x 25 mm and its foundation was laid with the introduction of cell phones. 
• At 12 x 15mm, the Micro SIM is more than 50% smaller than its predecessor, but the chip on the Micro SIM is the same size as the chip on the Mini SIM.
• Measuring 8.8 x 12.3 mm, the nano SIM consists almost entirely of the chip. 
• eSIM (embedded SIM) is the latest version of SIM cards and is permanently installed. It cannot be changed, but the eSIM can be overwritten. 

 

What can the eSIM do and what is the difference to the SIM card?  

As already mentioned, the “e” in eSIM stands for “embedded”. An eSIM has the same function as a SIM card, but is permanently installed and cannot be replaced. The data on the eSIM can be flexibly and promptly overwritten when changing tariffs. 

The eSIM, introduced at the end of 2018, simplifies changing providers and devices as well as networking multiple devices. In addition, thanks to the compact size of the eSIM, smaller devices such as smartwatches or fitness trackers can also be equipped with more functions. The advantages of the embedded SIM include the uniformity of the SIM and the fact that the SIM card does not have to be broken out or cut to size. In addition, the well-known roaming charges can be avoided abroad, as the eSIM can also be activated and topped up with providers abroad. 

 

What is the function of SIM cards in Mini PCs? 

With vehicle PCs in particular, it can happen that there is no Internet connection nearby at the place of use. In this case, the SIM card can be inserted into the Mini PC to give it mobile Internet access. For example, in trucks that drive through several countries for navigation or for communication tools, where one of two SIM card slots is used for the EU countries and the other for a third country through which the truck has to drive. 

 

spo-comm Mini-PCs with SIM card slots 

Two SIM cards can be inserted in the PCs of the RUGGED series, the RUGGED Ryzen, RUGGED GTX1050TI and the RUGGED Q170, as well as in the MOVE series, such as the MOVE Q170 and the MOVE N3160. 

 

Discover the RUGGED range 

Discover the MOVE range 

MOVE QM87 gets new chipset and new CPU

Something is happening in the ranks of vehicle PCs. Our MOVE QM87 is being replaced by the MOVE Q170. This is equipped with a current Intel® Core i5 6300U processor and has a performance of 2 x 1.7 GHz (max. 2x 2.4 GHz). The MOVE Q170 still has a wide range current input of 9V – 36V, making it ideal for use in vehicles. There are no changes to the connections: video outputs for three independent screens (VGA, DisplayPort and DVI), a total of 4 COM ports and USB ports (2x 2.0, 2x 3.0), as well as 2 LAN interfaces and 2 SIM card slots. Extensions such as a CAN bus module, GPS module or 4G module are optionally available.

Configure MOVE Q170

Windows 11 will be available from October (and for more CPUs)

Initially just speculation, now confirmed by Microsoft: Windows 11 will be distributed from October 5, 2021 – initially as a free update for upgradeable devices (source: heise.de). Older systems will gradually follow. We have already summarized which new functions Windows 11 brings with it in the last What’s New article.

Microsoft has also extended the much-criticized list of CPUs compatible with Windows 11 – albeit only minimally. Due to the high minimum hardware requirements (4GB RAM, 64GB storage space, UEFI Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 and certain graphics requirements), only:

•     Intel processors of the 8th generation,
•     AMD Zen 2 CPUs and
•     Qualcomm ARM CPUs of series 7 and 8.

The following hardware has now been added to this list:

•     Intel’s Quad Core CPUs of the Core X and Xeon W series
•     Intel’s Core i7-7820HQ notebook processor

Things are not looking good for 6th generation Intel CPUs, AMD Zen 1 CPUs and older Qualcomm processors. Although Microsoft does not want to actively block installations on these systems, it is causing confusion as to whether it will still support the new Windows version on incompatible devices with updates in the future (source: heise.de). So it remains exciting about Windows 11. We are continuing to follow the topic and will of course update our blog with any news.

NINETEEN Q370: New mainboard

Our popular 19-inch industrial PC gets a small update. Although the chipset and CPU selection remain the same, the connections have changed as we are now using a new mainboard. There are eight USB ports on the back panel, including 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 and 2x USB 3.1 Gen2. There are also two LAN ports, one COM RS232, two audio (LINE IN and LINE OUT) and two PS/2 connections. Up to three screens, including two with 4K resolution, can be connected via the two DisplayPort 1.2 and the DVI-D.

As before, the front panel offers two USB 2.0 ports, the power button and two indicator LEDs. Apart from the new features, the NINETEEN Q370 remains the usual space miracle: Whether four SSDs (also in a RAID array, of course), an optical drive or an optional Nvidia graphics card – nothing is left to be desired here. And with sliding rails, the network PC can be easily installed in 19-inch racks.

Discover the NINETEEN Q370

Microsoft’s big surprise: The new Windows 11

Instead of the expected design update for Windows 10, Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 11, which brings a number of innovations, particularly in terms of design. The start menu can now be positioned not only on the left but also in the middle and has been completely redesigned. The live tiles have been replaced by pinned programs, such as recently used files. There will also be so-called widgets for the desktop, as we already know them from Windows Vista. This allows users to find out about the weather or news. The search and operation will also be simplified. For example, windows can be moved and simply arranged in rows.

Windows 11 is expected to be released by the end of 2021 at the latest for the American “Holiday Season”, with October 2021 also being mentioned in some cases. If you have a current version of Windows 10 and meet all the hardware requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 free of charge.  

You can find more information at chip.de, for example.

An SD card ( Secure Digital Memory Card) is a digital storage medium based on the principle of flash storage. It was developed in 2011 and was based on the MMC standard v2.11. The exact specification is secret and only accessible to paying licensees of the SD Card Association.

Originally, the SD card had a capacity of 8 megabytes, which was subsequently doubled again and again (16 MB, 32 MB, …). Special SDHC cards (SD high-capacity cards) support up to 32 gigabytes and so-called SDXC cards (SD extended-capacity cards) even reach up to 2 terabytes.  

An SD card measures 24 mm x 32 mm x 2.1 mm and has a small slider for write protection. However, this is not recognized by the card itself, but the device in which the SD card is inserted reads the write protection. SD cards are mainly used in digital cameras and camcorders, where they store photo and video recordings, but also in games consoles and other devices. They are too large for smartphones, which is why other variants have been developed.

Other types of SD card

• miniSD card: The miniSD card is half the size of the SD card and has a capacity of up to 16 GB. However, it is not widely used and was discontinued in 2009.
• microSD card: The microSD card is even smaller, measuring just 11 mm x 15 mm x 1 mm. It is mainly used in cell phones and enables a large number of photos, videos and e-mails to be stored. It can be expanded to SD card format using adapters. The data can then be read out on the PC.

SD cards in Mini PCs

SD card slots are now almost commonplace in laptops, and they are also becoming increasingly common in mini PCs. They make it possible to read data, for example from cameras or industrial machines, quickly and easily.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with SD card slots:

The ultra-compact mini PCs in the BOX series BOX N4100 and BOX E3940 each have a micro SD card slot. The TEGRA 2 and QUADRO P1000 digital signage players can be fitted with an SD card. In addition to normal SD cards, the KUMO V also supports the SDHC and SDXC standards.

Discover all spo-comm Mini-PCs

Delivery problems with components

In our last What’s New article , we mentioned that there are currently major problems with the availability of PC chips and other components. Unfortunately, nothing has changed. Thanks to our warehouse in Nuremberg and the production of our Mini-PCs in Germany, we are able to keep a certain stock on hand and deliver most of them at short notice.  

In order to ensure timely delivery – especially for (large-scale) projects – we recommend that our customers discuss the required quantities with our key account managers and, where possible, submit forecasts.

New prices at spo-comm from 14.06.2021

Another consequence of the supply bottlenecks is a sharp increase in prices. Up to a certain point, we were able to bear these ourselves at spo-comm . Unfortunately, we are now forced to increase the prices of our Mini PCs slightly and adjust them to the current market situation.

If you have any questions, you can contact us at any time during our business hours. Our key account managers are at your side and will be happy to advise you.

Contact spo-comm

BOX N2930 is EOL

The BOX N2930 is leaving our range and currently has no direct successor. Nevertheless, with the BOX E3940 and the BOX N4100, our BOX series offers two further ultra-compact systems that are more than a match for the requirements of digital signage applications. Robust, fanless and a volume of less than 1 liter: this is what distinguishes the models in the BOX series.

The spo-comm SysCare Packs 

As part of our new website, our warranty extensions for spo-comm Mini-PCs have also been revised. They are clearer and less complicated than before. This gives our customers the opportunity to flexibly adapt the services to their needs.

We offer you the two different performance levels Basic and Premium, which are each available with a term of 2, 3 or 5 years:

spo-comm SysCare Basic:

• Bring-In Service during the complete term
• Exchange or repair of defective systems during the complete term

spo-comm SysCare Premium:

• PickUp & Return Service during the term
• Processing within 2 working days during the entire term
• This warranty extension is available only within the European Union

You can view the various warranties on the respective product page in the configurator under “Warranty”. If you are already registered, the prices will be displayed directly, otherwise you are welcome to send us a price inquiry.

More information about our warranties

Current delivery difficulties, forecasts and price increases 

The whole of last year 2020 was already characterized by supply bottlenecks in a wide range of areas, from furniture to PC components. Last December, heise already feared problems “well into 2021”.

After intensive discussions with our partner companies such as MSI IPC, we will probably face a few more challenges this year.

Thanks to our large warehouse in Nuremberg and the production of our Mini PCs in Germany, we are able to keep a certain amount of stock on hand and thus continue to guarantee short delivery times. However, larger projects require more planning security.  To ensure that our Mini PCs are delivered on time, we recommend that our customers talk to our key account managers about the quantities required and, if possible, submit a forecast.

Another effect of the supply bottlenecks is a sharp increase in prices. Up to a certain point, we can bear these costs ourselves, but in this case we have to pass them on to a small extent to our customers.

Contact spo-comm