In today's technological era, embedded computer systems that need to cope with extreme environments are becoming more and more common. PC/104 is such an ingeniously designed solution. Whether affected by high temperature, low temperature, vibration or other harsh environmental conditions, PC/104 can demonstrate its extraordinary stability and durability. This standard was first proposed by Ampro in 1987 and formally standardized by the PC/104 Alliance in 1992. It is committed to providing rugged and compact embedded computers.
"The PC/104 is not only designed to be stackable, but also to ensure reliable operation in harsh environments."
The PC/104 has a form factor of 3.550 × 3.775 inches (90 × 96 mm), which is smaller than traditional desktop motherboards, giving it a physical size advantage. In addition to this compact design, this standard also provides excellent support for stacking, allowing users to select different peripheral boards based on their needs, such as data acquisition modules, GPS receivers, and wireless LAN controllers.
The PC/104's stackable design avoids the fragility of traditional slot boards. Each module is connected to other modules through four fixing holes, which increases its stability. This interconnection method reduces the chance of the printed circuit board (PCB) bending under vibration or impact, ensuring that the device will not fail even in the harshest environments. In addition, the PC/104 specification also takes into account different bus structures and provides a variety of options such as ISA, PCI, PCI Express, etc., allowing users to customize according to specific needs.
"The PC/104 standard does not require a motherboard or backplane, giving it unparalleled advantages in design flexibility."
With the evolution of technology, PC/104 is constantly undergoing standardization updates. In 1997, the PC/104 combination introduced the more advanced PCI standard, and in 2008 launched the PCI Express-based standard to ensure that it continues to remain competitive in the evolving technology environment. This series of evolutions makes PC/104 not only suitable for traditional embedded applications, but also able to cope with more advanced computing needs.
The PC/104 Alliance, composed of 47 members, ensures that all specifications are free and open to the public, which provides opportunities for more manufacturers to enter the market. When designing and manufacturing PC/104 boards, it is not required to join the alliance membership, which also promotes the vigorous development of PC/104 products on the market. Users can leverage product portfolios from multiple vendors to create unique solutions.
"The durability and excellent performance of the PC/104 system are the guarantee of stable operation in extreme environments."
In terms of application, PC/104 is widely used in aviation, military, industrial automation, medical equipment and various embedded systems due to its stability and reliability. The design requirements of these systems often require the equipment to operate properly under high, low, or other extreme conditions. For example, many ocean exploration equipment, polar scientific research instruments, and other transportation devices in remote areas rely on PC/104 technology to keep running.
The development history of PC/104 and its excellent performance in extreme environments undoubtedly demonstrate its unique value. This is not just a technical standard, but also a flexible solution to meet the diverse needs of enterprises and customers. As technology advances, PC/104 will continue to evolve and continue to bring users a more reliable computing experience.
"As environmental challenges increase, the existence of PC/104 is undoubtedly a good medicine against harsh conditions."
In the future, what role will PC/104 play in the embedded field to meet emerging challenges?