Octagon MOBL-D2 User manual

Octagon Systems Corporation, 7403 Church Ranch Blvd., Westminster, CO 80021-5490
A Colorado Corporation
MOBL-D2
Technical Manual
Document #9186, rev. B12
CONTACT INFORMATION
Front Desk: 1–303–430–1500
Technical Support: 1–303–426–4521
[email protected]
www.octagonsystems.com

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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
©2012 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
A12
Initial production release
April 2012
B12
Notes regarding shock
isolators added.
April 2012

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Table of Contents
Technical Support ................................................................................................................................. 2
Revision History .................................................................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................... 3
List of Figures ........................................................................................................................................... 4
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. 4
MOBL-D2 Functional Overview ...........................................................................................................5
Description................................................................................................................................................ 5
MOBL-D2 major hardware features ....................................................................................................... 5
Internal Functional Expansion ............................................................................................................ 5
Robust Internal Power Supply ............................................................................................................. 5
MOBL-D2 major software features ......................................................................................................... 6
AMIBIOS BIOS ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Boot sequence ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Configuring and Ordering Your System ............................................................................................6
Hard Drive Options .................................................................................................................................. 6
Expansion Options ................................................................................................................................... 6
Operating Systems ................................................................................................................................... 6
Installation ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Recommended Installation Practices...................................................................................................... 7
Using the MOBL-D2 ...............................................................................................................................10
Power....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Ethernet .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Audio ....................................................................................................................................................... 10
GPS.......................................................................................................................................................... 10
ANT1, ANT2 ........................................................................................................................................... 10
USB ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Serial communication............................................................................................................................. 10
VGA ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Power Management................................................................................................................................ 11
Digital I/O ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Status LEDs............................................................................................................................................ 12
Technical specifications.......................................................................................................................13
CPU, FSB and SDRAM....................................................................................................................... 13
BIOS..................................................................................................................................................... 13
On-board flash..................................................................................................................................... 13
Hard drive............................................................................................................................................ 13
USB ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Serial I/O.............................................................................................................................................. 13
Digital I/O ............................................................................................................................................ 13
Ethernet............................................................................................................................................... 13
Real time clock .................................................................................................................................... 14
Keyboard and mouse ports ................................................................................................................. 14
Video .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Expansion ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Operating systems .............................................................................................................................. 14
Power input ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Environmental specifications ............................................................................................................. 14
Antenna Connectors............................................................................................................................ 14
Size and Weight................................................................................................................................... 14

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Mating connectors .................................................................................................................................. 15
External connector pin-outs................................................................................................................... 15
Software and Hardware Development .............................................................................................17
Opening and closing the MOBL-D2 box................................................................................................ 17
Component locations .............................................................................................................................. 18
USB ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Mini PCI.................................................................................................................................................. 19
Mini PCI Express ................................................................................................................................... 19
PCI-104 ................................................................................................................................................... 19
Accessories...............................................................................................................................................20
Warranty ..................................................................................................................................................21
Limitations on warranty ........................................................................................................................ 21
Service policy .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Returning a product for repair .............................................................................................................. 21
Product return Policies .......................................................................................................................... 22
Governing law......................................................................................................................................... 22
List of Figures
Figure 1 - Mounting hole and system dimensions [inches] mm ............................................................... 8
Figure 2 –MOBL-D2 case dimensions [inches] mm ................................................................................. 9
Figure 3 - Internal Connectors and Sockets ............................................................................................ 18
List of Tables
Table 1 –MOBL-D2 Mating Connectors.................................................................................................. 15
Table 2 - Power Connector Pin-Out.......................................................................................................... 15
Table 3 - Display Connector Pin-Out ....................................................................................................... 16
Table 4 –Ethernet Connector Pin-Out .................................................................................................... 16
Table 5 –Serial/USB Connector Pin-Out................................................................................................. 16
Table 6 - Internal Connectors and Sockets .............................................................................................. 19
Table 10 - PCI-104signal deviations......................................................................................................... 20
Table 11 - Accessories................................................................................................................................ 20

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MOBL-D2 Functional Overview
Description
The Octagon MOBL-D2 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 MOBL-D2 provides the following external interfaces: GPS, Wireless LAN (optional),
Wireless WAN (optional), and Bluetooth; each with front panel antenna connections. A
rugged Display connection is provided with audio output and a USB connection for devices
such as touch-screen controllers. Similar rugged connectors are also provided for
Communications (Serial & USB), Ethernet, and Digital I/O & CAN Bus as well as external
power. External power can range from 9 VDC to 36 VDC.
Internally the MOBL-D2 has a Compact Flash socket, a PCI-104interface, a Mini PCI socket
(Wireless LAN), and a Mini PCI Express socket (Wireless WAN). The MOBL-D2 can be used
in a stand-alone mode or expanded through the PCI-104, Mini PCI, or Mini PCI Express
interfaces.
MOBL-D2 major hardware features
The Vortex86MX processor has a clock speed of 800 MHz, integral graphics and memory
controller supplied with 1 GB of DDR2 SDRAM soldered to the CPU board.
An optional Compact Flash drive if ordered with the system is installed for fixed disk
storage.
A Fifty Channel GPS receiver offers location and timing information. The receiver supports
3.3V powered as well as passive antennas.
A Bluetooth interface is standard on the MOBL-D2, and is provided with an external
antenna connected to the front panel.
A rear panel USB port with tethered cover is provided for maintenance, diagnostics, updates,
or other temporary use without the need to disconnect front-panel dedicated cables to access
a USB port.
The case of the MOBL-D2 is integrally coupled to the major heat producing components,
which significantly reduces internal heating. No cooling fan is required.
Internal Functional Expansion
The PCI-104interface accepts industry-standard PCI-104boards. PCI-104expansion 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.The Mini PCI Express slot
supports only USB interface devices such as Wireless WAN cards, no PCI Express bus is
presented to the socket.
Robust Internal Power Supply
The MOBL-D2 accepts a DC input voltage which can be powered from fixed supplies, vehicle
batteries or train 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 9 to 36 VDC.

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MOBL-D2 major software features
AMIBIOS BIOS
The MOBL-D2 has an AMIBIOS BIOS optimized for the device and embedded installations.
Boot sequence
The MOBL-D2 can be configured to boot from Compact Flash, a network resource, or from a
USB device such as a floppy drive, hard drive, flash device, or a CD–ROM. A USB or network
boot allows software installation without opening the case.
Configuring and Ordering Your System
Hard Drive Options
The MOBL-D2 uses an optional Compact Flash device or external USB drive(s).
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 available with the system.
Expansion Options
The MOBL-D2 can be used in a stand-alone mode or expanded through the Mini PCI, Mini
PCI Express (USB functions only) and PCI-104interfaces. Up to two PCI-104cards can be
added.
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 XPe
and Linux for the standard MOBL-D2 features, as well as for Octagon System expansion
cards.

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Installation
Recommended Installation Practices
The MOBL-D2 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 MOBL-D2 can be removed for access to the Compact
Flash. 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 MOBL-D2 includes a standard vibration and shock dampening mounting
plate. The mounting plate must be secured to a surface with four bolts or
screws
5. The power supply cable should be as large a gauge and as short in length as
practicable.
6. The MOBL-D2 is protected against transient voltages common in mobile
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-actingfuse at 5A must be
used.
7. Proper ESD precautions and method must be followed when installing,
servicing, or otherwise handling the MOBL-D2.
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 MOBL-D2 is rated for 12V to 24V nominal, but accepts 9V to 36V.
10. The MOBL-D2 contains several switching regulators with an inrush
requirement of 10A. 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 MOBL-D2, the wiring gauge must
be adjusted to prevent excessive drop during startup.
11. Contact Octagon Systems Technical Support for proper disassembly / access
to internal options & expansion.

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Figure 1 - Mounting hole and system dimensions [inches] mm
CAUTION!
Do NOT remove, loosen, or tighten the screws attaching shock
isolators to the mounting plat shown above. Accidental damage
to the shock isolators may result. Refer any damaged mounting
system to qualified repair personnel.

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Figure 2 –MOBL-D2 case dimensions [inches] mm
CAUTION!
Do NOT attempt to separate case from mounting plate.
Accidental damage to the shock isolators may result. Refer any
damaged mounting system to qualified repair personnel.

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Using the MOBL-D2
Power
The MOBL-D2 is rated for 12V to 24V nominal, but accepts 9V to 36V. The external power
cable must be at least 18 gauge. The Ignition Detect signal controls the power management
Suspend and Resume functions; this signal should be connected to the vehicle ignition, or
tied to VIN if unused.
Ethernet
The MOBL-D2 provides one 10/100Base-T Ethernet port. The port supports the IEEE 802.3
Ethernet standard. The Ethernet ports use PCI interrupts as assigned by the operating
system. Note that you must have the correct Ethernet driver installed to be able to use the
Ethernet port. The Ethernet driver is available on the Octagon Systems web site.
Audio
The MOBL-D2 provides a monaural line output, included in the display connector. The
default configuration is a line level (1V P-P) output.
GPS
The front panel contains a TNC GPS connector. The GPS receiver is a standard feature of
the MOBL-D2 system. The GPS is connected to the CPU through an internal USB interface.
The receiver supports industry standard NMEA messages, as well as the UBX packet
protocol. The protocol specifications are available from the Octagon Systems website.
ANT1, ANT2
There are 2 N antenna connectors provided for optional wireless communication modules.
Numerous communication formats are implemented with add-on card such as PCI-104, Mini
PCI. An internal cable connects the card to the appropriate external connector.
USB
The MOBL-D2 provides two USB 2.0 ports on the front panel- one in the Display connector,
and one in the Serial/USB connector. Additionally there is a third USB connector provided on
the rear panel of the MOBL-D2. This port includes a tethered cover or cap which must be
securely placed over the connector when not in use. This rear USB connector is NOT
DESIGNED FOR DEDICATED CONNECTION WHEN INSTALLED, but intended for
service, maintenance, or diagnostic functions. Peripherals can be connected and
disconnected while power is applied to the system. The system is capable of booting from
external USB storage devices and CD/DVD drives. NOTE: The MOBL-D2 cannot boot from
USB devices connected to the rear USB port.
Serial communication
The MOBL-D2 has three serial ports. COM1 and COM4 are 2-wire (plus ground) RS–232
interfaces. COM2 is not installed. COM 3 is a 2 wire RS–485 interface.
Note: COM port numbers used in this manual refer to the standard I/O base address
assignments as follow: COM1 = 0x3F8, COM3 = 0x3E8, COM4 = 0x2E8. COM2 is not used
in the MOBL-D2 hardware. Be aware that operating systems may assign port