1. Product Overview

Product Name: ARS-1000
Model: ARS-1000
Series: ARS-1000 Series Fanless Embedded Controller
Article Number: ARS-1000
Manufacturer: Vecow Co., Ltd.

The Vecow ARS-1000 is a compact, fanless embedded automation controller designed for industrial and embedded computing environments. It integrates an Intel® Atom™ D525 dual-core processor (1M Cache, 1.8GHz) with Intel® ICH8M chipset, providing a balance of performance, energy efficiency, and rugged reliability. The system is part of Vecow’s ARS-1000 series, which includes several variants (ARS-1100, ARS-1200, ARS-1500, ARS-1600) offering different I/O and expansion configurations. The ARS-1000 model specifically features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, four serial communication ports, isolated digital I/O, and a PCI-104 expansion interface, all within a fanless aluminum chassis optimized for harsh industrial environments.

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2. Key Features

- Fanless Embedded Design: The ARS-1000 employs a fanless thermal solution with an integrated aluminum heat sink and internal heat spreader, ensuring silent operation and long-term reliability in dusty or vibration-prone environments.
- Intel® Atom™ D525 Processor: Dual-core 1.8GHz CPU with 1MB cache, offering low power consumption and sufficient processing capability for automation, control, and data acquisition tasks.
- Wide Operating Temperature Range: Designed for rugged environments, the system operates reliably from -20°C to +70°C ambient temperature with airflow.
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Two Intel® WG82583V GbE interfaces provide high-speed networking and redundancy options for industrial communication.
- Rich I/O Connectivity: Includes 4 COM ports (3 x RS-232, 1 x RS-232/422/485 with automatic flow control), 5 USB 2.0 ports, isolated 8 digital inputs and 8 digital outputs (8DI/8DO), and programmable GPIO.
- Expansion Capability: Supports PCI-104 and PC/104+ expansion modules, allowing integration of additional I/O, communication, or control cards.
- Storage Flexibility: Internal 2.5” SATA/SATA II bay for HDD/SSD and an externally accessible CFast slot for removable solid-state storage.
- Display Options: Dual independent display support via VGA (DB15) and 24-bit LVDS interfaces.
- Programmable Indicators: Includes a 16-step rotary switch for mode selection and programmable LED display with four status modes.
- Compact and Durable Construction: Aluminum heat-sink enclosure with sheet metal chassis, iron-gray finish, and wall or DIN-rail mounting options.
- Wide DC Input Range: Operates from 16V to 28V DC, suitable for industrial power systems.
- Comprehensive OS Support: Compatible with Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP Professional, and multiple Linux distributions (Fedora 11, Ubuntu 10.04, CentOS 5.3).

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3. Technical Specifications

Processor: Intel® Atom™ D525, dual-core, 1M Cache, 1.8GHz
Chipset: Intel® ICH8M
Memory: 2 x DDR3 SO-DIMM slots, single-channel, up to 4GB total capacity
Storage:
- Internal 2.5” SATA/SATA II drive bay for HDD or SSD
- External CFast slot (accessible from outside)

Display Interfaces:
- VGA (DB15 connector, front panel)
- 24-bit LVDS (internal connector)

Audio:
- Internal stereo headphone output
- Internal microphone input

Networking:
- 2 x Intel® WG82583V Gigabit Ethernet ports

Serial Communication:
- 3 x RS-232 ports
- 1 x RS-232/422/485 port with automatic data flow control

USB Ports:
- 5 x USB 2.0 (2 front, 2 internal, 1 via Mini PCIe)

Digital I/O:
- 16-channel isolated GPIO (8DI / 8DO, 24V sink/wet contact source)
- Programmable 4-mode LED display
- 16-step rotary switch for state/mode selection

Expansion Slots:
- 1 x Mini PCIe slot
- 1 x PCI-104 / PC/104+ expansion interface

Power Supply:
- Input voltage: 16–28 VDC
- Onboard DC-to-DC converter
- ATX 2-pin remote power on/off switch
- AT mode selectable via jumper

Mechanical:
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 186 x 147 x 79 mm (7.3” x 5.8” x 3.1”)
- Weight: Approx. 2.1 kg (4.5 lbs)
- Enclosure: Aluminum heat-sink top cover with sheet metal chassis, iron-gray color

Environmental:
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +157°F)
- Storage temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
- Operating humidity: 20–95% RH (non-condensing)
- Storage humidity: 0–90% RH @ 40°C (non-condensing)
- Shock resistance:
- CFast: 50G @ wall-mount, half sine, 11ms
- HDD: 20G @ wall-mount, half sine, 11ms
- Vibration resistance:
- CFast: 5 Grms @ 5–500Hz
- HDD: 1 Grms @ 5–500Hz

Certifications: CE, FCC Class A

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4. Functionality

The ARS-1000 functions as a compact embedded controller for industrial automation, machine control, and data acquisition applications. Its fanless design and wide temperature tolerance make it suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as factory floors, transportation systems, and outdoor enclosures.

Operation:
The Intel® Atom™ D525 processor provides sufficient computational power for real-time control, monitoring, and communication tasks. The system’s dual Gigabit Ethernet ports enable network redundancy or segmentation between control and data networks. The isolated digital I/O allows safe interfacing with sensors, relays, and actuators, while the serial ports support legacy industrial communication protocols.

Use Cases:
- Factory automation and process control
- Manufacturing execution systems (MES)
- Machine vision and inspection systems
- Transportation and fleet management
- Building automation and energy management
- Data logging and remote monitoring

Compatibility:
The ARS-1000 supports multiple operating systems, including Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP Professional, and Linux distributions such as Fedora, Ubuntu, and CentOS. This flexibility allows integration with a wide range of industrial software platforms and SCADA systems.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- ARS-1000 main unit
- YCB-D15D9 cable (DB15 to dual DB9 for serial connectivity)

Optional Accessories:
- PWA-60WP3: 60W, 24V power adapter (100–240VAC input)
- SCSI-20P-100: 20-pin SCSI cable, 1 meter length
- TMB-SCSI-20P: Terminal board with one 20-pin SCSI connector and DIN-rail mounting
- Additional YCB-D15D9 cables: For extended serial connectivity

Connectors and Interfaces:
- Front panel: Power LED, HDD/CFast LED, VGA, USB, serial ports
- Side panel: Power input, Ethernet ports, GPIO terminal block, expansion connectors

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6. Installation & Setup

Mounting Options:
- Wall-mounting brackets (standard)
- DIN-rail mounting (optional accessory)

Power Requirements:
- DC input range: 16–28V
- Supports both AT and ATX power modes
- Remote power on/off via 2-pin connector

Configuration:
- BIOS-level configuration for boot devices and I/O settings
- Rotary switch for mode selection (16-step)
- Programmable LED display for system status indication

Setup Procedure:
1. Mount the unit securely using wall or DIN-rail brackets.
2. Connect DC power supply (16–28VDC).
3. Attach display (VGA or LVDS), keyboard, and mouse if required.
4. Connect Ethernet, serial, and USB devices.
5. Install storage media (HDD/SSD or CFast).
6. Load operating system and drivers (Windows or Linux).
7. Configure GPIO and communication parameters as per application.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

Processing Performance:
The Intel® Atom™ D525 dual-core processor delivers efficient multitasking performance for embedded control and monitoring applications. Its low thermal design power (TDP) enables fanless operation without performance throttling under typical industrial workloads.

Memory and Storage:
Up to 4GB DDR3 memory ensures smooth operation of control software and data logging applications. The combination of internal SATA storage and external CFast slot provides flexibility for both permanent and removable data storage.

Networking:
Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces support high-speed data transfer, network redundancy, or separation of control and management networks.

I/O Performance:
The isolated 8DI/8DO channels provide reliable signal interfacing with industrial sensors and actuators, while the four serial ports support a variety of communication standards (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485).

Expansion Capability:
The PCI-104 and PC/104+ interfaces allow integration of additional modules such as fieldbus controllers, data acquisition cards, or communication adapters. The Mini PCIe slot supports wireless modules or additional I/O expansion.

Environmental Performance:
The ARS-1000’s rugged design ensures stable operation in environments with high vibration, shock, or temperature extremes. The fanless architecture eliminates moving parts, reducing maintenance and increasing MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures).

Limitations:
- Maximum memory capacity limited to 4GB
- No native USB 3.0 or modern high-speed interfaces
- Designed primarily for embedded control rather than high-performance computing

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8. Standards & Compliance

Certifications:
- CE (Conformité Européenne)
- FCC Class A (for industrial and commercial environments)

Environmental and Mechanical Standards:
- Shock: IEC 68-2-27 (50G for CFast, 20G for HDD)
- Vibration: IEC 68-2-64 (5 Grms for CFast, 1 Grms for HDD)
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C
- Storage temperature: -40°C to +85°C

Industry Standards Supported:
- PCI-104 and PC/104+ expansion bus standards
- RS-232/422/485 serial communication standards
- IEEE 802.3 Gigabit Ethernet
- USB 2.0 specification
- ATX/AT power control standards

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Vecow typically provides a standard limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware reliability. Warranty terms may vary by region or distributor.

Technical Support:
Vecow offers technical documentation, driver downloads, and OS image support for Windows and Linux platforms. Engineering support is available for system integration and customization.

Maintenance:
The fanless design minimizes maintenance requirements. Periodic inspection of connectors and cleaning of external surfaces is recommended to ensure optimal thermal performance.

Software & Firmware Updates:
BIOS and driver updates are available through Vecow’s support portal. Linux kernel compatibility is maintained for supported distributions.

Customization Options:
- Custom chassis color or front panel design
- Optional I/O configurations or pre-installed OS images
- Integration of additional expansion modules via PCI-104 or Mini PCIe

Lifecycle & Reliability:
The ARS-1000 is designed for long-term availability and stable operation in industrial environments. Its solid-state design and wide temperature tolerance make it suitable for 24/7 operation in mission-critical applications.

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Summary

The Vecow ARS-1000 Fanless Embedded Controller is a robust, compact, and energy-efficient industrial computing platform built around the Intel® Atom™ D525 processor. It combines dual Gigabit Ethernet, multiple serial ports, isolated digital I/O, and flexible expansion options in a rugged fanless chassis. With support for a wide DC input range, extended temperature operation, and multiple OS environments, the ARS-1000 is ideal for automation, control, and monitoring applications across manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors. Its modular design, compliance with industrial standards, and long-term reliability make it a versatile solution for embedded system integrators and OEMs seeking a dependable platform for industrial computing.