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DVI – The Digital Video Interface

The Digital Display Working Group, which was made up of companies including Intel, Fujitsu and IBM, is responsible for the publication of the DVI connection in 1999. The acronym DVI stands for Digital Video Interface and the interface was the first widespread standard that could transmit images digitally between a graphics card and monitor. Previously, there was only the purely analog VGA interface.

Advantages of DVI

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, DVI transmits images digitally. For this reason, the process of converting analog to digital images, as used to be the case with VGA, is no longer necessary and the images can be transferred directly from the graphics card to the monitor without any loss of quality.

Data transmission with DVI

DVI uses the TMDS standard for digital data transmission. This converts the three color channels into just one serial signal with three channels. As the clock rate is limited to 165 MHz, a resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels at 60 Hz is achieved. For higher resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600 pixels at 60 Hz, the dual-link method is used. A corresponding dual-link cable with more pins is used, the video data is distributed to two TMDS transmitters and the clock rate is thus increased to 330 MHz.

Like other cables, DVI has a maximum cable length. This depends, on the one hand, on the attenuation and crosstalk of the connecting cable and, on the other hand, on the quality of the signal amplification. A maximum cable length of 10 meters can therefore still deliver optimum results; if the cable is longer, a DVI amplifier should be used.

Types of DVI

In contrast to VGA, there is not just one defined pin assignment for DVI. Depending on the pin assignment, there are different forms of DVI. The DVI connector is divided into two areas: The analog section on the left with up to 5 pins and the digital section on the right with up to 24 pins. It is also possible to screw the DVI cable to the connector, which ensures that the cable cannot simply come loose.

This picture shows the different plug versions. These are:

  • DVI-A: This connection can only output/transmit analog signals and has 12 + 5 contacts. As a rule, DVI-A is only used as an adapter cable to VGA.
  • DVI-D: DVI-D cables only transmit digital signals. They have either 18 + 1 contacts (single-link) for a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels or 24 + 1 contacts (dual-link) for a resolution of 2560 x 1600 @ 60 Hz or 1920 x 1080 @ 144 Hz.
  • DVI-I: Transmits both analog and digital signals. A single-link cable has 18 + 5 contacts and is sufficient for a resolution of 16:10, i.e. 1920 x 1200 pixels at 60 Hz. A dual-link cable has 24 + 5 contacts and has a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.

4K with DVI?

As mentioned at the beginning, a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels at 60 Hz can be achieved with DVI. For higher resolutions such as 4K, the successor DisplayPort must be used.

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In 1987, IBM introduced the computer graphics standard Video Graphics Array (VGA). This defines a specific combination of screen resolution, color depth and refresh rate. At the same time, the VGA connection, which owes its name to the computer graphics standard, was launched on the market as the successor to the EGA connection.

The VGA connection

In addition to the specification of a physical interface, the VGA connection also includes the associated connectors and cables.

The VGA connector is a 15-pin mini-sub-D connector with three rows of connections. This list shows the function of these 15 poles.

At the output of the graphics card, VGA is always realized by a socket, the input on the screen can be either a socket or a plug, but is always screwable in any case. However, as a socket is generally used, a connecting cable with two plugs must be used. Alternatively, there are also cables that have a BNC connector on the screen side. These have less attenuation and are better shielded than standard VGA cables, but are therefore also more expensive.

Transmission technology from VGA

With VGA, transmission takes place via analogue signals on 5 lines, three of which are responsible for transmitting the basic colors (RGB) and two for vertical and horizontal synchronization respectively. As the signals are transmitted analogue between the graphics card and the monitor, they must first be converted before the monitor can recognize and display them.

Applications of VGA

Until the end of the 20th century, consumer electronics and IT were kept separate. However, the performance of consumer electronic devices then increased immensely, and so the limits disappeared. The so-called “100 Hz televisions” have a line frequency of 31.25 Hz, which is very close to that of VGA monitors. As a result, CRT TV sets with a VGA connection were created, but these could only display the standard resolutions of 640 x 400 and 640 x 480 pixels. Many consumer electronics manufacturers also use the VGA connector to carry out firmware updates on TV sets.

Modern screens now rely on a digital signal, i.e. at least DVI. Although an adapter can be used to convert the analog signals into digital signals, the picture quality suffers enormously as a result. For this reason, the VGA interface is almost extinct today.

VGA and 4K – is that possible?

The VGA connection was originally designed for a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. However, using very good graphics cards and monitors, a resolution of up to Full HD with 1920 x 1080 pixels is not a problem. The VGA connection is no longer sufficient for displaying content in 4K resolution, as its transfer rate is too low.

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What is a desktop CPU?

As the name suggests, a desktop CPU is usually installed in a desktop PC. Heat development and power consumption therefore play a lesser role. On the one hand, there is enough space for fans and cooling airflow, and on the other hand, there is no battery life to consider, as desktop PCs are permanently connected to the power supply with a power supply unit. In return, desktop processors offer good performance, a larger cache and more Turbo.

Intel desktop CPUs

The Intel Celeron and Core i processors (e.g. i3/i5) include both mobile and desktop CPUs. These can be recognized by the letter(s) at the end of the product name. These include, for example:

  • K = Can be overclocked (open at the top)
  • S = Energy saving through reduced power (performance optimized, “Performance Optimized Lifestyle”), turbo mode is used less
  • T = Energy-optimized (“Power Optimized Lifestyle”) due to reduced equipment, often fewer cores than regular model
  • No letter = unspecified desktop CPU

An explanation of other letters can be found here . An explanation of the structure of the processor designations can be found at Intel.

AMD desktop CPUs

AMD uses completely different designations for its CPUs or APUs (“Accelerated Processing Unit”, refers to a main processor with an integrated coprocessor – usually the GPU – which supports the main processor and can also be superior to it). The series have specific names, and in most cases there is also a mobile version of the desktop processor series, which then bears the corresponding name. The current AMD desktop CPUs include

  • AMD Ryzen = High-performance processors of the so-called “Zen architecture” for gaming and high-end graphics, comparable to Intel Core i processors
  • AMD Athlon = multi-core processors with Radeon Vega graphics unit for the desktop and mobile segment
  • AMD A-Series = processors for entry-level users with Radeon graphics unit
  • AMD FX series = multi-core processors, intended for the high-end sector, high overclocking possible

What is a mobile CPU?

With mobile processors, efficiency is predominantly more important than performance. The outstanding feature here is low power consumption, as notebooks, for example, are not permanently connected to the power socket and should therefore sometimes run on battery power only. They also have less power than desktop CPUs, as a lot of power also means a lot of heat, and mobile devices offer little space for fans and waste heat. Nevertheless, thanks to modern technology, there are also mobile processors that are suitable for 4K gaming and other high-performance applications.

Intel mobile CPUs

The Intel mobile processors include the following series:

  • Intel Atom = series of microprocessors and system-on-chips (SoC) for low-cost and energy-saving systems (also used in tablets, smartphones and infotainment systems in cars)
  • Intel Pentium = series of microprocessors and single-chip systems, more powerful than Atom

But there are also mobile processors among the Celeron and Core-i CPUs, which are identified by the following letters, among others:

  • U = “ultra-low power”, refers to CPUs with reduced voltage and TDP of approx. 15 W, are mainly used in ultrabooks, where power consumption plays a major role
  • Y = “extremely low power”, similar to the U series, but TDP of less than 13 W
  • M = Mobile Dual-Core
  • QM = Mobile Quad-Core
  • HQ = “High performance graphics, quad core”, especially for gaming laptops, offer good performance, TDP around 45W
  • HK = “High performance graphics, Unlocked” similar to HQ, can be overclocked

AMD Mobile CPUs

As already mentioned, most AMD product series also have mobile versions:

  • AMD Ryzen Mobile = Powerful APUs with Radeon Vega graphics unit
  • AMD Athlon = multi-core processors with Radeon graphics unit
  • AMD A-Series = For notebooks, suitable for gaming

Which CPU is suitable for what?

Desktop CPUs are usually installed in desktop PCs, while mobile processors are used for notebooks, ultrabooks and mini PCs. However, as desktop CPUs are becoming ever more energy-efficient and effective, they are increasingly finding their way into laptops. If you would like to know more about this topic, you can find a detailed article at ChannelPartner. The manufacturers also offer server and embedded CPUs. While the former are similar to desktop CPUs but offer even more performance, the latter are characterized above all by their long-term availability.

Mini PCs with desktop CPU

Due to their characteristics, mobile CPUs are often installed in mini PCs, which are significantly more energy-efficient and generate less waste heat. However, many applications require good performance, which is why many spo-comm Mini PCs are equipped with desktop CPUs. These include the KUMO V and KUMO Ryzen models for high-end graphics applications, the robust, fanless outdoor and vehicle PCs RUGGED GTX1050 Ti and RUGGED Ryzen as well as a few models where the CPU can even be freely selected: CORE 2, NANO H310 and NOVA Q170.

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What is SMA?

The abbreviation SMA stands for “SubMiniature Version A” and refers to a coaxial connector  for high-frequency applications, which was developed in 1960. As this connector is screwed , it is mechanically very robust and also offers good electrical shielding.

It is used in microwave  (to connect the high-frequency cables that transmit microwaves), portable radios and cell phone antennas. In our mini PCs, SMA is used for connecting WLAN or GPS antennas. An SMA connector is used in frequency ranges from 1 GHz to 18/26.5 GHz. From 27 GHz, more modern connectors, so-called “Super SMA”, are used. SSMA (Small SMA) was developed for use in space and can be used up to 40 GHz.

What does an SMA plug look like?

The SMA connector consists of a plug and a socket. The connector is the SMA antenna connection, which consists of a union nut with an internal thread and a metal pin as the inner conductor. In this case, this is the so-called “male” connection. The corresponding “female” SMA socket is located on the housing of the PC, with an external thread and a metal tube into which the pin of the plug fits.

What is RP-SMA?

RP-SMA stands for “Reverse Polarity” (sometimes just referred to as Reverse-SMA or “R-SMA” for short). It was developed to prevent unauthorized connection of an external antenna to increase the range. The gender of an RP-SMA connector has been swapped, so to speak. The RP-SMA male is also the connector with the union nut, but it has the metal tube as the inner conductor. The RP-SMA female connector has an external thread and a pin on the inside.

When plugged in, the two are indistinguishable and the signal quality is also the same. An RP-SMA plug fits mechanically into an SMA socket, but not electronically. Such a connection is therefore not functional. If the socket and plug do not match, adapters can provide a simple solution to equip these mini PCs with antennas.

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USB 4 and its compatibility with Thunderbolt 3

The USB Promoter Group announced USB 4 back in March 2019. A good six months later, on September 3rd, the final specification was finally published. According to the USB-IF press release, this update complements the existing USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 to create a “next generation” USB architecture.

As USB 4 is based on Intel’s Thunderbolt protocol specification, the bandwidth is doubled, enabling 40 Gb/s, and multiple data and display protocols can be processed simultaneously. The USB Type-C socket, which has established itself as an external display output for host devices since its market launch, also remains with USB 4. So far, so good. But now the big disadvantage: manufacturers are not obliged to implement the functionality of Thunderbolt 3 in their USB 4 specification. In short: USB 4-capable devices are not necessarily compatible with Thunderbolt 3. As not all USB devices can achieve the promised 40 Gb/s, USB 4 devices may have to reduce their speed to adapt to the hardware. USB 4 will be available in speeds of 10, 20 and 40 Gb/s – although you can expect to find cheap and small devices only with the lower speeds.

heise.de also explains the underlying hub of USB 4 in their article. You can read more about intelligent bandwidth sharing and the power supply of USB 4 in this article.

The published specifications can already be downloaded from the USB-IF website. It will probably be the end of 2020 before products with USB 4 are available on the market.

Nervana NNP-T and NNP-I: Intel’s AI processors

The topic of artificial intelligence is getting bigger and bigger, that’s no secret. In order to meet the demand for special chips in this segment, Intel presented the Nervana processors at the Hot Chips HC31 conference at the end of August. With these, the chip company is competing with Google’s Tensor processors, Nvidia’s NVDLA and Amazon’s AWL Inferentia chips.

The processor combination of the NNP-T and NNP-I chips is primarily intended for the field of machine learning. NNP stands for Nervana Neural Processor, but the chips are also known under the codenames “Spring Crest” and “Spring Hill”. In a closed application environment, they are used in complementary ways: the NNP-T chip is intended for training an AI model with big data, while the NNP-I chip is responsible for inferencing, i.e. implementing the training results in the AI workflow. The SoCs are manufactured in Intel’s in-house 10 nm process, NNP-T in the 16 nm process.

With the introduction of Nervana, the Xeon CPUs that were previously responsible for AI tasks will be replaced. Although these still offer sufficient power, they are less effective and efficient than Nervana.

Sources: t3n, heise

AMD’s market share grows, Ryzen prices fall

We already reported on AMD’s latest business figures in our last news. In the second quarter of 2019, both AMD and Nvidia recorded lower sales of graphics cards for desktop PCs, workstations and servers – but Nvidia significantly more than AMD. AMD succeeded in increasing its market share from 22.7 to 32.1 percent.

Looking at the entire GPU market, which includes graphics units integrated into processors, Intel remains the market leader with a 66.9 percent market share. But AMD also scores here: In contrast to Intel and Nvidia, the group was the only one to increase its shipments and thus raise its market share to 17.2 percent.

Source: heise, winfuture

AMD’s success is due not least to its successful Ryzen APUs. The Ryzen 3000 processors are already seeing significant price reductions just two months after their launch. The largest ones measure the Ryzen 7 3800X and Ryzen 5 3600X models, whose price-performance ratio was previously considered poor. You can find a price history of the Ryzen 7 3800X on giga.de.

Source: heise

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Multimedia interfaces

There are various options for transferring graphic content from a mini PC to a display. Our Mini PCs are equipped with the following connections:

 

So far, so good. But what are the differences between the multimedia interfaces mentioned? We have compiled the answer to this in a separate blog article:

VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI or DVI?

Audio connections

Some of the multimedia interfaces mentioned above transmit sound as well as video content. Our mini PCs are equipped with various sound inputs and outputs for transmitting sound in other ways:

Connection of external peripherals

Serial interfaces are used to connect external peripherals, including printers, keyboards and USB sticks…

 

… and secondly, the most well-known and ubiquitous bus system:

Additional storage media

In addition to the internal memory of a Mini PC (HDD or SSD), some of our systems can be equipped with SD cards. These offer the advantage of being able to back up data externally thanks to a large amount of storage space, but also score points for their compactness and low power consumption.

Internet and network

If you want to connect your Mini PC to the Internet or an (internal) network, you have various options:

Power supply

Without moss, er electricity, nothing happens. That’s why our Mini PCs are equipped with them:

Security

Some of our mini PCs can be easily protected against theft:

Special applications

Our Mini PCs are characterized by their flexible application options. It is precisely for this reason that a little support is needed from time to time in order to mount the PC optimally and in the shortest possible time:

Kensington Lock as theft protection

In 1992, the Kensington company launched the first laptop lock called the Kensington Lock. This is a lock for securing devices such as notebooks or even mini PCs against theft. The term “Kensington Lock” has now become established for all locks that work according to the same principle.

The lock is usually fitted with a wire rope and an eyelet at the end. When open, it can be looped around objects such as a piece of furniture and then locked with a key or even a combination lock.

A Kensington Lock is a good choice for deterring opportunist thieves. Professional thieves with the right equipment will probably not be deterred by this lock either. It is also essential that the lock is used correctly and sensibly. For example, care should be taken to only attach the lock to furniture that is difficult to move or similar.

The Kensington security slot

To be able to use such a lock, the Mini PC or the device used must be equipped with the standardized standard connection. This is called the Kensington security slot and is used by many major brands. The slot is approx. 3 x 7 mm in size and is often secured with a metal in plastic housings so that the lock cannot simply be broken out. On some devices, the slot is even connected to system-relevant components that render the system unusable in the event of theft.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with Kensington security slot:

  • CORE 2: Our smallest digital signage player available with 8th generation Intel CPUs
  • KUMO V: THE digital signage PC par excellence thanks to Nvidia RTX 2060 and Intel® Core i5 CPU
  • KUMO Ryzen: Perfect for the high-end digital signage sector thanks to AMD® Ryzen CPU and AMD® VEGA GPU

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Before we get to how a mini PC can be protected at software level, let us briefly explain what dangers are lurking.

What is malware? Viruses, ransomware, Trojans

Malware is short for “malicious software” and stands for any type of programmed malicious software that accesses a device, such as a mini PC, without the user’s knowledge. The different types of malware include viruses, Trojans, ransomware and spyware. You can read about the differences, what malware is intended for and how it spreads here.

Protection against malware with antivirus programs

To protect a device from malware attacks, it is essential to install an antivirus program. It is important to only use programs from trustworthy companies, as they may otherwise be malware in disguise. Many companies also offer ransomware protection, which prevents files from being taken hostage and money being demanded.

Even if an antivirus program is installed and can detect and remove viruses, everyone should pay attention to a few basic things:

  • Don’t click on every link that comes from friends via social media, for example.
  • Do not open any e-mail attachments where it is not 100% clear what they are.
  • Do not activate macros in Microsoft Office. Internet criminals often try to persuade users to activate macros when they receive an infected e-mail.

Removing viruses from PCs

An infected PC can be recognized by various warning signs. These include constantly recurring pop-up messages, computer programs that start by themselves and a computer that runs very slowly.

Step-by-step instructions for removing malware

Software for monitoring a mini PC

In addition to software designed to protect against malware, monitoring software can ensure the health of a mini PC.

If such software is installed, various sensors are located on the components to be monitored, such as RAM or CPU. These sensors continuously measure certain values, such as the CPU temperature, and issue an alarm if the value changes too much.

With this software, it is possible to define the limit values yourself and to be alerted and act proactively long before a component fails. This means that unforeseen system failures due to broken components can no longer occur. This is a huge advantage, especially in areas where systems have to run 24/7.

And the best thing about it is that we at spo-comm are currently working on such software. Soon all our Mini PCs can be equipped with it. More information will be available shortly.

Serial and parallel interfaces

Both serial and parallel interfaces are used for the physical exchange of data between computers and peripheral devices. The term “serial” comes from the fact that the data bits are transmitted one after the other on a line during this process.

With parallel interfaces, the bits are not transmitted one after the other but – as the name suggests – in parallel. Nowadays, the term parallel interface usually refers to the IEEE 1284 connection, which is often also called the printer interface.

The RS-232 or COM interface

If we now look at the serial interfaces of a (mini) PC, the term usually refers to an RS-232 interface. However, this is better known by its English name COM port. RS-232 was developed back in 1960 for the telecommunications and IT sectors. Thanks to its simple implementation and reliability, the interface was also used in the field of consumer electronics. The RS-232 specifications were last updated in 1997. On PCs and laptops, the RS-232 was used for a long time to connect keyboards or mice, but has since been replaced by the faster and smaller USB port.

As is usual for serial interfaces, RS-232 also transmits the bits one after the other via the connection line. With RS-232, data is transmitted word by word and asynchronously. You can find out exactly how this works here.

Originally, the RS-232 interface is a 25-pin Sub-D connector. However, as not all signals provided by this standard are required in IT, the 9-pin Sub-D connector has become established (see Fig. 1). If several of these ports are installed on a PC, the physical interfaces are assigned a logical designation, COM 1, COM 2, and so on, by the BIOS and the operating system (see Fig. 1).

RS-232 data transfer rates  

As with other cables, such as HDMI, the speed of data transmission depends on the cable length, among other things. No maximum cable length has been defined for the RS-232 standard, only its maximum capacity. This 2500 pF is achieved with a cable length of approx. 15 meters. If cables with an extremely low capacitance are used, even up to 45 meters can be achieved. 

Table of cable lengths and data rates

The RS-232 in the age of Industry 4.0

Even today, in the age of Industry 4.0, many technical devices in the industrial sector cannot do without a serial interface. The RS-232 is convincing in this area with its functionality, which can be implemented easily and inexpensively, and also because the interface is supported by most manufacturers and users.

In contrast to the Universal Serial Bus (USB), RS-232 as a communication interface does not require a special driver for the operating system used. This results in lower support costs and protection against system crashes in the event of possible programming errors in the driver. Problems with the COM port are rare in practice. If problems do occur, it is possible to simply replace the hardware without having to intervene in the sensitive software environment.

Safety plays a key role in the industrial sector anyway. The COM port can also score points here: The cable gland protects the inside of the PC from dust or moisture in production halls, which in turn can improve the health of a Mini PC and increase its service life.

Difference between RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485

In addition to the COM port, there are also other serial interfaces that have a place in some of our Mini PCs. On the one hand there is the RS-422 standard, also known as EIA-422, and on the other hand the RS-485 or EIA-485 standard.

The RS-422 stands for wired differential and serial data transmission. In contrast to RS-232 with unbalanced signal transmission, RS-422 requires balanced transmission.

The RS-485 or EIA-485 standard stands for asynchronous serial data transmission like RS-232, but also for symmetrical data transmission like RS-422.

As mentioned above, the maximum distance for RS-232 is 15 meters. In addition, this serial interface can only have one transmitter and one receiver, whereas the RS-422 can address up to 10 receivers and have a maximum line length of up to 1200 meters. The RS-485 goes one better with up to 32 receivers and up to 4000 meters of cable.

The wait is over: Intel’s 10 nm chips are coming

After years of delay, Intel has finally started production of processors using 10-nanometer technology. The first Ice Lake CPUs are to be installed in notebooks and will be launched on the market in fall 2019. What can the newcomers do? In contrast to chips from 14 nm production, they are more energy-efficient and at the same time much more powerful. These include better graphics, WiFi 6 support, the option to connect four Thunderbolt 3 ports and integrated AI. The previously produced CPUs of the Ice Lake generation belong to the U and Y series, but Intel makes it a little more complicated for us and no longer names them clearly. Find out more at Tom’s Hardware. Incidentally, Intel is already planning 7 nm chips, which are due to arrive from 2021.

Sources: wired.com, intel.de, heise.de.

Success for AMD Ryzen: Higher demand than expected

AMD’s latest business figures are impressive. The Ryzen 3000 CPUs, which were launched for the desktop segment at the beginning of July, have got off to a successful start. Not least thanks to their good performance and low power consumption. However, demand for the Ryzen 9 3900X and Ryzen 7 3800X processors is so high that they are currently barely available. AMD stated that it had not expected this success. A subsequent delivery should be made shortly. AMD also announced that a high-end graphics chip based on the RDNA architecture (which also includes the current “Navi” chips) is currently being developed and that mobile CPUs from 7-nanometer production will also be released in the near future.

Sources: PC Games Hardware, Gamestar.

Moon landing proven: Ray tracing with Nvidia Turing

To show the possibilities of the new Turing graphics cards, Nvidia has come up with something special. The demo video of the moon landing published back in 2014, with which Nvidia wanted to prove that the Apollo 11 mission really took place, has been enhanced with ray tracing and now also shows what the lighting conditions were actually like at the time of the moon landing. The graphics card manufacturer has examined various details, such as the material of the spacesuits and the dust on the lunar surface. Ray tracing was used to calculate several million virtual sunbeams for the video, which are reflected by the moon and cast shadows.

Sources: Techcrunch.com, golem.de, Computerbase.de.

More acceptance for the Internet of Things: The Microsoft IoT Signals Report

In its IoT Signals research report, Microsoft gives us a great overview of the spread of IoT. Over 3,000 decision-makers worldwide were surveyed and the results speak for themselves: Of the 85 percent of respondents who already carry out their own IoT projects, 88 percent consider them to be crucial to the success of their business. However, 97 percent of respondents also expressed security concerns. Other challenges include the complexity of the technology, the shortage of skilled workers and, in some cases, excessively high costs. Nevertheless, IDC market researchers expect around 41.6 billion devices to be networked by 2025.

Source: blogs.microsoft.com, Computerwelt.

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