Octagon Fleet-CORE User manual

Fleet–CORE
Technical Manual
Octagon Systems Corporation, 7403 Church Ranch Blvd., Westminster, CO 80021-5490
A Colorado Corporation
Document #8205, rev. D10
CONTACT INFORMATION
Front Desk: 1–303–430–1500
Technical Support: 1–303–426–4521
[e-mail]
www.octagonsystems.com

Copyright Information
Octagon Systems®, and the Octagon logo are registered trademarks of Octagon Systems
Corporation. “Real time Real world Real tough™" is a trademark of Octagon Systems
Corporation. Windows XP® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
HyperTerminal™ is a copyright of Hilgraeve, Inc. CompactFlash™ is a trademark of San
Disk Corporation. Ethernet® is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation. Pentium® is a
registered trademark of Intel.
Disclaimers
©2009 Octagon Systems Corporation. All rights reserved. However, small parts of this
document may be reproduced for publication or reference, provided that Octagon Systems
Corporation is cited as the source. The contents of this manual and the specifications herein
may change without notice.
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct. However, Octagon
assumes no responsibility for any of the circuits described herein, conveys no license under
any patent or other right, and makes no representations that the circuits are free from
patent infringement. Octagon makes no representation or warranty that such applications
will be suitable for the use specified without further testing or modification.
Octagon Systems Corporation’s general policy does not recommend the use of its products in
life support applications where the failure or malfunction of a component may directly
threaten life or injury. It is a Condition of Sale that the user of Octagon products in life
support applications assumes all the risk of such use and indemnifies Octagon against all
damage.
Technical Support
Carefully recheck your system before calling Technical Support. Run as many tests as
possible; the more information you can provide, the easier it will be for Technical Support
staff to help you solve the problem. For additional technical assistance, try the following:
Technical Support telephone: [phone]
E-mail Technical Support: [e-mail]
Applications Notes (via web): www.octagonsystems.com
Revision History
Revision Reason for Change Date
B09 Initial production release 10/09
C10 Correct torque specifications 05/10
D10 Remove reference to Latching USB
Cable
07/10
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Table of Contents
Technical Support ................................................................................................................................. 2
Revision History .................................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents .....................................................................................................................................3
List of Figures ...........................................................................................................................................5
List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................5
Fleet–CORE Functional Overview....................................................................................................... 6
Description................................................................................................................................................ 6
Fleet–CORE major hardware features ................................................................................................... 6
Internal Functional Expansion ............................................................................................................ 6
Robust Internal Power Supply ............................................................................................................. 6
Fleet–CORE major software features ..................................................................................................... 7
Diagnostic software verifies system integrity automatically ............................................................. 7
AMIBIOS BIOS ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Boot sequence ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Configuring and Ordering Your System ............................................................................................7
Hard Drive Options.................................................................................................................................. 7
Expansion Options ................................................................................................................................... 7
Operating Systems ................................................................................................................................... 7
Installation ................................................................................................................................................8
Recommended Installation Practices...................................................................................................... 8
Using the Fleet–CORE ..........................................................................................................................11
Programming examples, power management and maps..................................................................... 11
Power....................................................................................................................................................... 11
Ethernet .................................................................................................................................................. 11
GPS.......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Wireless Communication (A1/2/3) ......................................................................................................... 12
USB ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Serial communication............................................................................................................................. 12
VGA ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Audio ....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Odometer input....................................................................................................................................... 12
Temperature sensor ...............................................................................................................................12
Power management................................................................................................................................13
Digital I/O ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Inputs................................................................................................................................................... 13
Outputs ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Status LEDs............................................................................................................................................ 13
Technical specifications.......................................................................................................................14
CPU, FSB and SDRAM....................................................................................................................... 14
BIOS..................................................................................................................................................... 14
On-board flash..................................................................................................................................... 14
Hard drive............................................................................................................................................ 14
USB ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Serial I/O.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Digital I/O ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Ethernet............................................................................................................................................... 14
Watchdog timer ................................................................................................................................... 14
Real time clock .................................................................................................................................... 15
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Keyboard and mouse ports ................................................................................................................. 15

Video .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Audio .................................................................................................................................................... 15
Expansion ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Operating systems .............................................................................................................................. 15
Power input ......................................................................................................................................... 15
Environmental specifications ............................................................................................................. 15
Antenna Connectors............................................................................................................................ 15
Size and Weight................................................................................................................................... 15
Mating connectors .................................................................................................................................. 16
External connector pin-outs................................................................................................................... 16
Software and Hardware Development .............................................................................................18
Opening and closing the Fleet–CORE box............................................................................................ 18
Component locations .............................................................................................................................. 19
USB ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
Keyboard / Mouse ................................................................................................................................... 20
LVDS ....................................................................................................................................................... 21
SDVO....................................................................................................................................................... 22
Mini PCI.................................................................................................................................................. 22
PC/104-Plus ............................................................................................................................................ 22
PCI bus arbitration ............................................................................................................................. 23
Accessories...............................................................................................................................................23
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................24
Limitations on warranty........................................................................................................................ 24
Service policy .......................................................................................................................................... 24
Returning a product for repair .............................................................................................................. 24
Product return Policies .......................................................................................................................... 25
Governing law......................................................................................................................................... 25
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List of Figures
Figure 1 Mounting hole dimensions [inches] mm ................................................................................. 9
Figure 2 Fleet–CORE case dimensions [inches] mm.......................................................................... 10
Figure 3 Fleet–CORE front endplate................................................................................................... 11
Figure 4 Power Connector pin definitions........................................................................................... 16
Figure 5 Base Board Components........................................................................................................ 19
List of Tables
Table 1 Fleet–CORE mating connectors............................................................................................ 16
Table 2 Power Connector definition ................................................................................................... 16
Table 3 COM1, DB-9 Male.................................................................................................................. 17
Table 4 COM2/3, and COM4 RS-232, DB-9 Male.............................................................................. 17
Table 5 VGA, DB-15 Female............................................................................................................... 17
Table 6 AUX, DB-15 Male................................................................................................................... 18
Table 7 Digital I/O, DB-9 Female....................................................................................................... 18
Table 8 Connectors and switches ....................................................................................................... 20
Table 9 LVDS pin out.......................................................................................................................... 21
Table 10 SDVO pin out ......................................................................................................................... 22
Table 11 PC/104-Plus signal deviations............................................................................................... 23
Table 12 Accessories.............................................................................................................................. 23
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Fleet–CORE Functional Overview
Description
The Octagon Fleet–CORE is a 32-bit X86-class computer in a ruggedized enclosure. The
connectors and interfaces are located on an external panel for easy access.
The Fleet–CORE provides the following external interfaces: GPS and three antenna ports;
Option port, for interfacing user-defined signals; two Ethernet ports with RJ-45 interfaces;
four COM ports with DB-9 connectors; VGA display port; AC97 audio (mono speaker output,
stereo input and stereo output) on the AUX port; eight bit-programmable digital I/O lines
with a DB-9 connector; and four USB 2.0 ports. There is also a three-pin power connector,
where external power is supplied to the internal power supply. External power can range
from 8 VDC to 36 VDC.
Internally the Fleet–CORE has a Compact Flash socket, a PC/104-Plus interface, a Mini PCI
interface, a Mini PCI Express interface, SATA hard drive interface, LVDS and SDVO
display, and PS/2 keyboard/mouse. The Fleet–CORE can be used in a stand-alone mode or
expanded through the PC/104-Plus, Mini PCI, or Mini PCI Express interfaces.
The Fleet–CORE comes with a BIOS loaded on a flash device for easy updates. It is fully
compatible with most popular operating systems. Octagon Systems provides driver support
for Windows XP/XPe and Linux.
Fleet–CORE major hardware features
The Intel Atom N270 processor has a clock speed of 1.6 GHz and a Front Side Bus speed of
533 MHz. It is supplied with 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM.
A 4 GByte Compact Flash drive is installed for fixed disk storage.
A 50 Channel GPS receiver offers location and timing information. The receiver supports
3.3V powered as well as passive antennas.
The case of the Fleet–CORE is integrally coupled to the major heat producing components,
which significantly reduces internal heating. No cooling fan is required.
Internal Functional Expansion
The PC/104-Plus interface accepts industry-standard PC/104-Plus boards. PC/104-Plus
expansion boards are available from several manufacturers. The CPU card also incorporates
a Mini PCI and a Mini PCI Express slot for radios or other communication devices.
Robust Internal Power Supply
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The Fleet–CORE accepts a DC input voltage which can be powered from fixed supplies,
vehicle batteries or railway power systems. The internal power supply has a very robust
front end, exceeding the SAE J1113-11 and ISO 7637-2 specifications. It is also reverse
polarity protected. The input range is from 8 to 36 VDC.

Fleet–CORE major software features
Diagnostic software verifies system integrity automatically
The Fleet–CORE has built-in diagnostic software that can be used to verify on-card I/O and
memory functions. On power-up, a series of tests is performed. If a problem occurs the failed
test can be identified by the flashing Status LED. The test is performed automatically every
time the system is reset or powered up. Memory verification does not require software, test
equipment, monitor, keyboard, disks, or test fixtures.
AMIBIOS BIOS
The Fleet–CORE has an AMIBIOS BIOS. Refer to the Fleet–CORE Programmer’s Guide for
Setup information.
Boot sequence
The Fleet–CORE can be configured to boot from CompactFlash, a SATA hard disk, or a CD–
ROM; or from a USB device such as a floppy drive, hard drive, flash device, or a CD–ROM. A
USB boot allows software installation without opening the case.
Configuring and Ordering Your System
Hard Drive Options
The Fleet–CORE comes standard with a 4 GByte Compact Flash device. The Fleet–CORE
also supports SATA and USB drives.
The internal Compact Flash socket looks like a hard drive to the system. This socket accepts
Type I or Type II Compact Flash devices. The Compact Flash feature is CF 3.0 compliant,
DMA capable, and supports true IDE mode. Octagon Systems only recommends industrial
grade, error-correcting Compact Flash of the quality included with the system.
Expansion Options
The Fleet–CORE can be used in a stand-alone mode or expanded through the Mini PCI, Mini
PCI Express and PC/104-Plus interfaces. Up to two PC/104-Plus cards can be added. Nine
User Lines are available on the Option connector, as well as three SMA-F antenna
connectors.
Operating Systems
Octagon Systems can preinstall some operating systems, including drivers for the standard
features such as digital I/O and COM ports. Octagon Systems has drivers for Windows
XP/XPe and Linux for the standard Fleet–CORE features, as well as for Octagon System
expansion cards.
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Installation
Recommended Installation Practices
The Fleet–CORE is designed to operate in difficult environments. Proper installation
will help ensure product longevity and adherence to the product standards.
1. The back endplate of the Fleet–CORE can be removed for access to the COM4
termination switches, PS/2 keyboard mouse, SIM socket for Mini PCI Express
SIM cards and Reset. The bolts require a 4 mm hex wrench.
CAUTION! When replacing the back cover ensure the threads on
the bolts are properly aligned before tightening. Do not over
tighten. Torque to 1.1 N-M (10 in-lbs.) Failure to follow these
precautions could strip the internal threads.
2. There are no internal repairable components. Field repair is not covered by
the Octagon warranty.
3. Do not over-tighten the antenna or GPS connectors.
4. The Fleet–CORE can be stand-alone mounted with six 4 mm hex bolts, or
attached to an optional mounting bracket which is then fastened to the
operating environment. The bolts must be 6.35 mm longer than the thickness
of the plate to which you are mounting to ensure a sufficient number of
threads are engaged. The threaded cavity in the case is 7.93 mm deep.
5. The power supply cable should be as large a gauge and as short in length as
practicable.
6. The Fleet–CORE is protected against transient voltages common in outdoor
applications. It is required that an external in-line fuse be used if a remote
power supply is used. This will prevent catastrophic damage from power
supply reversal and sustained over-voltage. A fast-acting fuse at 10A must be
used.
7. Proper ESD precautions and method must be followed when installing,
servicing, or otherwise handling the Fleet–CORE.
8. The USB signals are USB 2.0 with a maximum cable length of 5M. Cables
with built-in repeaters are available commercially if a longer cable length is
required.
9. The Fleet–CORE is rated for 12V to 24V nominal, but accepts 8V to 36V.
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10. The Fleet–CORE contains several switching regulators with an inrush
requirement of 15A. The external supply must be capable of supplying this
inrush current so as to not “starve” the startup of the internal supplies. If the
power supply is mounted remotely to the Fleet–CORE, the wiring gauge must
be adjusted to prevent excessive drop during startup.

The Fleet–CORE can be stand-alone mounted with six 4 mm hex bolts, or attached to an
optional mounting bracket which is then fastened to the operating environment. The bolts
must be 6.35 mm longer than the thickness of the plate to which you are mounting to ensure
a sufficient number of threads are engaged. The threaded cavity in the case is 7.93 mm deep.
Use washers to ensure the threads available are at least 6.35 mm but less than 7.93 mm.
Torque to 1.5 N/meter (14 in/lb). To ensure adequate air flow for convection cooling, mount
the Fleet–CORE so that there is a 100 mm (~4 in.) air space around the top, sides and front
of the enclosure.
Figure 1 Mounting hole dimensions [inches] mm
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Figure 2 Fleet–CORE case dimensions [inches] mm
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