DFI VC230-AL User manual

VC230-AL
In-Vehicle Box PC
User’s Manual
A-545-M-2019
Preliminary
Version
Preliminary
Version

2User's Manual | VC230-AL
Copyright
This publication contains information that is protected by copyright. No part of it may be repro-
duced in any form or by any means or used to make any transformation/adaptation without the
prior written permission from the copyright holders.
This publication is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer makes no
representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this manual and specifi-
cally disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. The user will assume the entire risk of the use or the results of the use of this docu-
ment. Further, the manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes
to its contents at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revisions or
changes.
Changes after the publication’s first release will be based on the product’s revision. The website
will always provide the most updated information.
© 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
Product names or trademarks appearing in this manual are for identification purpose only and
are the properties of the respective owners.
FCC and DOC Statement on Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour-
aged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the re-
ceiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help.
Notice:
1. The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for com-
pliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2. Shielded interface cables must be used in order to comply with the emission limits.

3User's Manual | VC230-AL
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 - Introduction................................................................................................................6
Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 6
DDR4................................................................................................................................. 7
Features .................................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation................................................................................................8
Overview.................................................................................................................................. 8
Front Panel....................................................................................................................... 8
Rear Panel ........................................................................................................................8
Top, Bottom, and Sides ................................................................................................... 8
Dimensions ...................................................................................................................... 8
Wall Mount.............................................................................................................................. 9
Wall Mount Bracket Installation ..................................................................................... 9
Assembly ..............................................................................................................................10
Overview.........................................................................................................................10
Bottom Cover.................................................................................................................10
Power Board .................................................................................................................10
Top Cover .......................................................................................................................11
Front and Rear Panels...................................................................................................12
Antenna ..........................................................................................................................13
Board Layout.........................................................................................................................14
System Board.................................................................................................................14
Power Board...................................................................................................................14
LEDs ......................................................................................................................................15
System Board.................................................................................................................15
Power Board...................................................................................................................15
System Memory ...................................................................................................................16
Installing the SO-DIMM Module ...................................................................................16
Jumper Settings (System Board)........................................................................................17
Clear CMOS (JP3) .........................................................................................................17
Front Panel (JP2)...........................................................................................................18
Jumper Settings (Power Board)..........................................................................................18
Host Bus Communication.............................................................................................18
SW1.................................................................................................................................19
24V / 12V Select............................................................................................................19
POWER ON Delay Switch ..............................................................................................19
POWER OFF Delay Switch.............................................................................................19
POWER ON Delay Time Select .....................................................................................20
POWER OFF Delay Time Select....................................................................................20
Remote Switch High/Low Active (JP2) .......................................................................20
I/O Ports (System Board) ....................................................................................................21
Graphics Display............................................................................................................21
USB Ports .......................................................................................................................21
RJ45 LAN Ports .............................................................................................................22
COM (Serial) Port ..........................................................................................................22
Speaker........................................................................................................................... 23
Front Audio.....................................................................................................................23
12V DC-In .......................................................................................................................24
SATA (Serial ATA) Connectors......................................................................................24
Battery ............................................................................................................................25
SMBus ............................................................................................................................25
Expansion Slots .............................................................................................................26
Installing the Mini PCIe Module ...................................................................................26
Installing Micro SIM Card .............................................................................................27
DIO (GPIO)......................................................................................................................28
CAN Bus (Optional) .......................................................................................................28
GPS Antenna..................................................................................................................29
I/O Ports (Power Board) ......................................................................................................30
12V DC-Out.....................................................................................................................30
9V~36V In ......................................................................................................................30
MCU Connector .............................................................................................................31
MCU Debug ....................................................................................................................31
Remote Switch...............................................................................................................32
Chapter 3 - BIOS Settings...........................................................................................................33
Overview ...............................................................................................................................33
Main.......................................................................................................................................34
Advanced .............................................................................................................................34
CPU Configuration.........................................................................................................35
Video Configuration.......................................................................................................35
Audio Configuration.......................................................................................................36
SATA Configuration .......................................................................................................36
Super IO Configuration..................................................................................................37
Vehicle Configuration....................................................................................................37
PCI Express Configuration............................................................................................38
Security .................................................................................................................................39
Boot .......................................................................................................................................39
Exit.........................................................................................................................................40
Updating the BIOS................................................................................................................40
Notice: BIOS SPI ROM..........................................................................................................40

4User's Manual | VC230-AL
About this Manual
This manual can be downloaded from the website, or acquired as an electronic file included in
the optional CD/DVD. The manual is subject to change and update without notice, and may be
based on editions that do not resemble your actual products. Please visit our website or con-
tact our sales representatives for the latest editions.
Warranty
1. Warranty does not cover damages or failures that arised from misuse of the product,
inability to use the product, unauthorized replacement or alteration of components and
product specifications.
2. The warranty is void if the product has been subjected to physical abuse, improper in-
stallation, modification, accidents or unauthorized repair of the product.
3. Unless otherwise instructed in this user’s manual, the user may not, under any circum-
stances, attempt to perform service, adjustments or repairs on the product, whether in
or out of warranty. It must be returned to the purchase point, factory or authorized ser-
vice agency for all such work.
4. We will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequencial damages to
the product that has been modified or altered.
About the Package
The package contains the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged,
please contact your dealer or sales representative for assistance.
• One VC230-AL System
• One Quick Installation Guide
The system and accessories in the package may not come similar to the information listed
above. This may differ in accordance with the sales region or models in which it was sold. For
more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or
sales representative.
Optional Items
• Wall Mount Kit
• Power Cord
• Internal Power Board for 9~36V power adaption
• CAN BUS Mini PCIe module (MPE-CAN2)
The system and accessories in the package may not come similar to the information listed
above. This may differ in accordance with the sales region or models in which it was sold. For
more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or
sales representative.

5User's Manual | VC230-AL
Static Electricity Precautions
It is quite easy to inadvertently damage your PC, system board, components or devices even
before installing them in your system unit. Static electrical discharge can damage computer
components without causing any signs of physical damage. You must take extra care in han-
dling them to ensure against electrostatic build-up.
1. To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the system board in its anti-static bag until you
are ready to install it.
2. Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
3. Do all preparation work on a static-free surface.
4. Hold the device only by its edges. Be careful not to touch any of the components, con-
tacts or connections.
5. Avoid touching the pins or contacts on all modules and connectors. Hold modules or
connectors by their ends.
Safety Precautions
• Use the correct DC / AC input voltage range.
• Unplug the power cord before removing the system chassis cover for installation or
servicing. After installation or servicing, cover the system chassis before plugging in
the power cord.
• There is danger of explosion if battery incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same or equivalent specifications of batteries recommend by
the manufacturer.
• Dispose of used batteries according to local ordinance.
• Keep this system away from humid environments.
• Make sure the system is placed or mounted correctly and stably to prevent the chance
of dropping or falling may cause damage.
• The openings on the system shall not be blocked and shall be kept in distance from
other objects to make sure of proper air ventilation to protect the system from over-
heating.
• Dress the cables, especially the power cord, so they will not be stepped on, in contact
with high temperature surfaces, or cause any tripping hazards.
• Do not place anything on top of the power cord. Use a power cord that has been ap-
proved for use with the system and is compliant with the voltage and current ranges
required by the system’s electrical specifications.
• If the system is to be unused or stored for a long time, disconnect it from the power
source to avoid damage by transient overvoltage.
• If one of the following occurs, consult a service personnel:
- The power cord or plug is damaged.
- Liquid has penetrated the system.
- The system has been exposed to moisture.
- The system is not working properly.
- The system is physically damaged.
• The unit uses a three-wire ground cable which is equipped with a third pin to ground
the unit and prevent electric shock. Do not defeat the purpose of this pin. If your outlet
does not support this kind of plug, contact your electrician to replace the outlet.
• Disconnect the system from the electricity outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth
for cleaning the surface. Do not use liquid or spray detergents for cleaning.
Important:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drive and other
components. Perform the upgrade instruction procedures described at an ESD
workstation only. If such a station is not available, you can provide some ESD pro-
tection by wearing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the
system chassis. If a wrist strap is unavailable, establish and maintain contact with
the system chassis throughout any procedures requiring ESD protection.

6
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
User's Manual | VC230-AL
Chapter 1 - Introduction
XSpecifications
The specifications listed here may be based on editions that do not
resemble your actual products. Please visit the download page at go.dfi.
com/VC230-AL, or via the QR code to the right for the latest datasheet.
SYSTEM Processor Intel Atom®Processor E3900 Series, BGA 1296
x7-E3950 Processor, Quad Core, 2M Cache, 1.6GHz (2.0GHz), 12W
x5-E3940 Processor, Quad Core, 2M Cache, 1.6GHz (1.8GHz), 9W
x5-E3930 Processor, Dual Core, 2M Cache, 1.3GHz (1.6GHz), 6.5W
Memory 1 SODIMM Memory Support up to 8GB
Single Channel DDR3L 1600/1866MHz
BIOS Insyde SPI 64Mbit
GRAPHICS Controller Intel®HD Graphics
Display 1 x HDMI
1 x DVI-I
HDMI: resolution up to 3840x2160 @ 60Hz
DVI-I: resolution up to 2560x1600 @ 60Hz
Dual
Displays
HDMI + DVI-I
STORAGE External/In-
ternal
4GB/8GB/16GB/32GB eMMC Onboard (available upon request)
EXPANSION Interface 1 x Full-size Mini PCIe (PCIe/USB/Daul micro SIM)
1 x Full-size Mini PCIe (PCIe/USB/micro SIM)
1 x Half-size mSATA
ETHERNET Controller 2 x Intel® I210AT PCIe (10/100/1000Mbps)
GPS GPS u-blox NEO-M8N onboard
NEO-M8U/L as option to support Dead Reckoning
LED Indicators 1 x Power LED
1 x Storage LED
FRONT I/O Display 1 x HDMI
1 x DVI-I
DIO 8-bit Isolated DIO up to 30V Input
4 x DI
4 x DO
CAN-Bus 1 x DB9 include 2 x CAN-Bus Ports
Buttons 1 x Reset Button
Audio 1 x Speaker Out with Dual 5w Amp
REAR I/O Ethernet 2 x GbE (RJ-45)
Serial 1 x RS-232/422/485 (DB-9)
USB 2 x USB 2.0 (type A)
2 x USB 3.0
Antennas 1 x SMA Antenna Hole
1 x FME Antenna Hole
WATCHDOG
TIMER
Output &
Interval
System Reset, Programmable via Software from 1 to 255 Seconds
POWER Type Wide Range 9~36V with Vehicle Control
Connector 3-pin Terminal Block (VCC/IGN/GND)
OS SUPPORT Windows 10 64-bit
Linux
CentOS 7
MECHANISM Construction Aluminum + SPGC Metal
Mounting Wall/VESA Mount
Dimensions 180mm x 50mm x 121.2mm (W x H x D)
ENVIRONMENT Operating Temperature: -40 to 70°C
Storage Temperature: -40 to 85°C
COMPLIANCE Shock MIL-STD-810G 516.6
Vibration MIL-STD 810G 514.6C-3
Certifications CE/FCC Class B/E-mark (E13)

7
Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC230-AL
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation
XOverview
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Top, Bottom, and Sides
Dimensions
SSD LED
HDMIDVI
CAN BUS
Power LED
& Reset
Speaker
GPIO
LAN 1USB 2.0
USB 3.0Remote
Switch
Antenna
Hole
COM 1GPS Antenna LAN 2
Vehicle Power
and Ignition
Top
Bottom

8
Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC230-AL
XWall Mount
Wall Mount Bracket Installation
The wall mount kit containing two mount-
ing brackets — purchased as optional items
— can be attached to the bottom of the
system for mounting onto desired locations,
such as walls, stands, or shelves. Locate
the mounting holes on the bottom of the
system as shown in the photo. Screw on
the two brackets onto the system with four
screws as illustrated below.
The pre-drilled mounting holes on the brackets allow for different wall mount distances.
182.20
121.20
25.00
46.00
41.50
192.00
182.20
121.20
25.00
46.00
41.50
192.00
Bottom

9
Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC230-AL
XAssembly
Overview
The system is assembled in the following procedure. To disassemble, please carry out the pro-
cedure in the reversed order.
1. Attach the front and rear panels to the system board.
2. Attach the top cover to the assembly.
3. Attach power board brackets and power board.
4. Attach the bottom cover.
The power board sits parallel to the system board, and may hinder the installation of particular
internal I/O interfaces. Please remove the power board first to access the internal I/O.
Bottom Cover
The internal I/O of the system is mainly accessed via the bottom side. The bottom metal cover
is secured onto the chassis with 14 F3*5 zinc-coated screws located at both sides and on the
bottom. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew them.
For particular models, there is a
memory heatsink attached to the
inside of the bottom cover. When
installing, orient the bottom cover
so that the heatsink sits right on top
of the memory.
x14
SideSide Bottom
Memory
Power Board
The power board is secured in the chassis via two brackets installed onto the front and the rear
panel. The mounting screw holes are as shown in the photo. Locate and align the mounting
holes, and screw the brackets to the chassis tight. Please make sure the brackets are oriented
correctly as illustrated. The two brackets shall perfectly mirror each other. The handles shall be
closer to the SO-DIMM socket on the mother board.
Mounting Screw Holes
x4
Front Panel

10
Chapter 2
HARDWARE INSTALLATION
User's Manual | VC230-AL
Top Cover
The top cover is secured onto the system board's brass stand-offs at four corners.
x4
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Align the four mounting holes of the power board with those on the bracket as indexed. The
I/O interfaces of the power board shall be facing up and away from the motherboard. Place the
board onto the brackets and then screw in the four M3*6 spring screws tight as shown below.
Bottom Up
Bottom Up
handle
Front Panel
Bottom Up
Bottom Up
handle
Rear Panel
180°
AB
AB
A
B
B
A
A
B
A
B
The result shall resemble the photo below. Connect the cables to the power board as neces-
sary.
XAssembly
Front Panel
Front Panel
x4