1. Product Overview

Product Name: ARS-1600
Model: ARS-1600
Series: ARS-1000 Series (Fanless Embedded Controller Family)
Article Number: ARS-1600
Manufacturer: Vecow Co., Ltd.

The Vecow ARS-1600 is a high-performance, fanless embedded automation controller designed for industrial and embedded computing applications. It belongs to the ARS-1000 series, a family of rugged, compact, and energy-efficient controllers built around the Intel® Atom™ D525 processor. The ARS-1600 model distinguishes itself with extended I/O capabilities, including dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, eight serial communication ports, isolated digital I/O, CAN bus support, and PC/104+ expansion. Engineered for reliability in harsh environments, it operates fanlessly across a wide temperature range of -20°C to +70°C, making it ideal for factory automation, machine control, and industrial data acquisition systems.

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2. Key Features

- Intel® Atom™ D525 Processor: Dual-core, 1.8GHz CPU with 1MB cache, offering a balance of performance and low power consumption for embedded applications.
- Fanless and Compact Design: Passive cooling with an integrated aluminum heat-sink chassis ensures silent operation and long-term reliability in dusty or vibration-prone environments.
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Two Intel® WG82583V GbE interfaces provide high-speed network connectivity and redundancy for industrial communication.
- Rich Serial Communication: Eight COM ports (3 × RS-232, 1 × RS-232/422/485 with auto flow control, and additional ports via expansion) support legacy and modern serial devices.
- Isolated Digital I/O: 8 isolated digital inputs and 8 isolated digital outputs (24V) with sink/wet contact source configuration for safe and flexible industrial signal interfacing.
- CAN Bus Support: Integrated dual CAN interfaces for real-time communication in automotive, robotics, and industrial control networks.
- Expansion Flexibility: PC/104+ and PCI-104 expansion slots allow integration of additional I/O, communication, or control modules.
- Storage Options: Internal 2.5” SATA/SATA II bay for HDD/SSD and an externally accessible CFast slot for removable solid-state storage.
- Display Interfaces: Dual independent display support via VGA (DB15) and DVI/HDMI or 24-bit LVDS for versatile visual output configurations.
- Programmable GPIO and LED Display: 16-step rotary switch and programmable LED indicators for mode selection and system status display.
- Wide DC Input Range: Operates from 16V to 28V DC, suitable for industrial power systems.
- Rugged Environmental Design: Operational temperature range of -20°C to +70°C, vibration and shock resistance compliant with IEC 68-2-27 and IEC 68-2-64 standards.
- Multiple Mounting Options: Supports both wall-mount and DIN-rail installation for flexible deployment in control cabinets or machinery.
- 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, 1.8GHz, 1MB L2 cache
- Chipset: Intel® ICH8M
- Memory: 2 × DDR3 SO-DIMM slots, single-channel, up to 4GB total capacity
- Storage:
- Internal 2.5” SATA/SATA II bay for HDD or SSD
- External CFast slot (accessible from outside)
- Expansion Slots:
- 1 × Mini PCIe socket
- 1 × PC/104+ expansion interface
- 1 × PCI-104 expansion interface
- Display:
- VGA (DB15 connector)
- DVI/HDMI or 24-bit LVDS (internal)
- Dual independent display support
- Audio: Internal stereo headphone output and microphone input
- Networking: 2 × Intel® WG82583V Gigabit Ethernet ports
- USB Ports: 5 × USB 2.0 (2 front, 2 internal, 1 via Mini PCIe)
- Serial Ports:
- 3 × RS-232
- 1 × RS-232/422/485 with automatic data flow control
- Additional COM ports available via expansion (total 8 COMs on ARS-1600)
- Digital I/O:
- 8 × Isolated Digital Inputs (DI)
- 8 × Isolated Digital Outputs (DO)
- 24V sink/wet contact source configuration
- Programmable Controls:
- 16-step rotary switch for mode selection
- 4 programmable LED indicators for status/mode display
- CAN Bus: 2 × CAN interfaces (Controller Area Network)
- Power Supply:
- Input voltage: 16–28 VDC
- Onboard DC-to-DC power conversion
- ATX 2-pin remote power on/off switch
- Optional AT mode via jumper setting
- Enclosure: Aluminum heat-sink top cover with internal heat spreader and sheet metal chassis, iron-gray finish
- Dimensions: 186 mm (W) × 147 mm (D) × 79 mm (H)
- Weight: Approximately 2.1 kg (4.5 lbs)
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to +70°C (ambient with airflow)
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C
- 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-1600 functions as a robust embedded controller for industrial automation, data acquisition, and control system integration. Powered by the Intel® Atom™ D525 processor, it delivers sufficient computational performance for real-time control, monitoring, and communication tasks while maintaining low power consumption.

Operational Concept:
The system operates fanlessly, relying on its aluminum heat-sink chassis for passive thermal dissipation. It accepts a wide DC input range (16–28V), making it suitable for factory and field environments. The controller interfaces with industrial equipment through its isolated digital I/O, serial ports, and CAN bus, enabling communication with PLCs, sensors, actuators, and other field devices.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Factory automation and process control
- Machine vision and robotics systems
- Transportation and vehicle control (via CAN bus)
- Data logging and remote monitoring
- Industrial communication gateways
- Manufacturing execution systems (MES)
- Energy management and building automation

Compatibility:
The ARS-1600 supports multiple operating systems, including Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP Professional, and Linux distributions such as Fedora 11, Ubuntu 10.04, and CentOS 5.3. This broad OS compatibility ensures integration with existing industrial software stacks and custom applications.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- ARS-1600 main unit (fanless embedded controller)
- YCB-D15D9 cable (DB15 to dual DB9 Y-cable for serial connectivity)
- Mounting brackets for wall or DIN-rail installation

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 expanded serial port connections

Connectors and Interfaces:
- Front panel: Power LED, HDD/CFast LED, VGA, USB, serial ports, Ethernet ports
- Side panel: Power input terminal, GPIO, CAN, and expansion connectors
- Internal connectors: SATA, Mini PCIe, LVDS, audio headers

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- DC power source within 16–28V range
- Appropriate mounting surface or DIN-rail
- Compatible storage device (HDD, SSD, or CFast card)
- Supported operating system installation media

Mounting Options:
- Wall Mount: Using included brackets for fixed installations in control panels or enclosures.
- DIN-Rail Mount: For modular integration in industrial cabinets, using optional DIN-rail mounting kit.

Configuration:
- Power mode selection via jumper (AT or ATX)
- Rotary switch for mode/state configuration
- BIOS and OS-level configuration for I/O mapping and communication parameters
- CFast slot allows quick OS or data storage replacement without disassembly

Setup Process:
1. Mount the unit securely using wall or DIN-rail brackets.
2. Connect DC power input (16–28V).
3. Attach peripherals (Ethernet, serial devices, USB, display).
4. Insert storage media (HDD/SSD or CFast).
5. Power on and install the desired operating system.
6. Configure I/O and communication interfaces as required by the application.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

Processing Performance:
The Intel® Atom™ D525 dual-core processor provides efficient multitasking for embedded control and monitoring applications. Its 1.8GHz clock speed and 1MB cache enable responsive performance for industrial workloads while maintaining low thermal output.

Memory and Storage:
Up to 4GB DDR3 memory ensures smooth operation of control software and data acquisition tasks. The combination of internal SATA storage and external CFast slot offers flexibility for system and data partitioning.

Networking and Communication:
Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports support high-speed data transfer, redundancy, or network segmentation. The eight serial ports and dual CAN interfaces enable simultaneous communication with multiple industrial devices and networks.

I/O and Control:
The isolated 8DI/8DO configuration ensures safe interfacing with high-voltage industrial signals. Programmable GPIO and LED indicators provide real-time system feedback and customizable control logic.

Environmental Performance:
The ARS-1600’s fanless design and rugged construction allow continuous operation in temperatures from -20°C to +70°C, with resistance to vibration and shock per IEC standards. This makes it suitable for deployment in harsh industrial or outdoor environments.

Limitations:
- Maximum memory capacity limited to 4GB
- No native USB 3.0 or modern high-speed interfaces (USB 2.0 only)
- Limited graphics performance (suitable for control interfaces, not intensive graphics)

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8. Standards & Compliance

- Certifications: CE, FCC Class A (industrial-grade electromagnetic compatibility)
- Environmental 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)
- Safety and Reliability: Designed for continuous 24/7 operation in industrial environments
- RoHS Compliance: Manufactured in accordance with environmental and safety regulations

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Vecow provides a standard limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware reliability. Extended warranty and service contracts may be available upon request.

Support:
Comprehensive technical support is available through Vecow’s global service network, including driver downloads, BIOS updates, and OS image support for Windows and Linux platforms.

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

Software and Firmware Updates:
Vecow periodically releases BIOS and firmware updates to enhance compatibility and performance. Linux and Windows drivers for all onboard components are available from the manufacturer’s website.

Customization Options:
- Custom chassis color or front panel labeling
- Pre-installed operating system images
- Optional I/O configurations or expansion modules

Lifecycle and Reliability:
The ARS-1600 is designed for long-term availability and stable operation in industrial environments, ensuring consistent performance and minimal downtime over extended deployment periods.

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Summary

The Vecow ARS-1600 is a rugged, fanless embedded controller engineered for demanding industrial automation and control applications. Combining the efficiency of the Intel® Atom™ D525 processor with extensive I/O, dual CAN bus, and PC/104+ expansion, it delivers a versatile platform for system integrators and OEMs. Its compact 186 × 147 × 79 mm chassis, wide operating temperature range, and isolated digital I/O make it ideal for deployment in harsh environments where reliability, flexibility, and silent operation are critical. With comprehensive OS support, multiple mounting options, and proven compliance with industrial standards, the ARS-1600 stands as a robust and adaptable solution for next-generation embedded control systems.