VersaLogic Releases Error-Correcting Credit Card Sized Computers

By Tiera Oliver

Associate Editor

Embedded Computing Design

July 09, 2020

News

Named "Harrier," the new embedded computer features Intel's latest 5th generation Apollo Lake Atom processors with error-correcting memory

VersaLogic released a new SWaP-optimized embedded computer with error correcting code (ECC) memory.

Named "Harrier", the new embedded computer features Intel's latest 5th generation Apollo Lake Atom processors with error-correcting memory. The Harrier also includes a TPM 2.0 security chip, on-board power regulation, USB and Ethernet I/O ports, and Mini PCIe expansion sockets. The soldered-on ECC RAM is deal for both the reliability and ruggedness of the product.

"With its ECC memory, the Harrier is ideal in environments where memory errors may occur due to cosmic ray interactions, which increase dramatically at altitude," said Len Crane, VersaLogic President.  "Applications such as High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs and High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) systems present a considerable challenge related to memory errors. The Harrier is available with up to 8 GB of Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory to address this risk in any critical application."

Within its 55 x 95 x 29 mm package and low power consumption, the Harrier is sized for SWaP applications such as in unmanned vehicles on land, underwater, or in the air. The Harrier is designed and tested for full industrial temperature (-40º to +85ºC) operation and meets MIL-STD-202H specifications for shock and vibration. In addition, the on-board power regulation ensures reliable operation with fluctuating or noisy power sources.

The built-in TPM 2.0 security chip provides hardware-level security for applications that require secure log-ins, encrypted data storage, protected files, etc.

On-board I/O includes dual Gigabit Ethernet, one USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports, and two serial ports. A SATA interface, eMMC Flash, mSATA slot, and a microSD socket provide a range of data storage options. Dual Mini PCIe sockets accommodate plug-in A/D, Wi-Fi modems, GPS receivers, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, FireWire, CAN, and other mini cards.

Like other VersaLogic products, the Harrier is designed from the ground up for long-term availability (10+ year typical production lifecycle).

Customization services to help customers create solutions will be available for the Harrier, even in low OEM quantities. Customization options include conformal coating, revision locks, custom labeling, customized testing, and screening, etc.

The Harrier (VL-EPU-4011) is now in stock at both VersaLogic Corp. and Digi-Key Corp. OEM pricing starts at $720.

For more information, visit VersaLogic.com.

Tiera Oliver, Associate Editor for Embedded Computing Design, is responsible for web content edits, product news, and constructing stories. She also assists with newsletter updates as well as contributing and editing content for ECD podcasts and the ECD YouTube channel. Before working at ECD, Tiera graduated from Northern Arizona University where she received her B.S. in journalism and political science and worked as a news reporter for the university’s student led newspaper, The Lumberjack.

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