Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) has equipped its new industrial Simatic Rack PC 547B from the rugged 19" device range with the latest generation of Intel Core2 Duo desktop processors in 64-bit technology. With this high level of computing power, the PC is especially suitable for high-speed processing of large data volumes in process engineering or in industrial image processing. Its compact dimensions enable space-saving installation in 19" control cabinets from a depth of 500 millimeters.

Even at full expansion and with maximum computing power, the new rack PC works without power loss (throttling) at ambient temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius and under continuous 24-hour industrial use. With a revised design compared to its predecessor, and fan-controlled positive pressure ventilation, it offers a high level of protection against dust. In addition, protection against vibration and shock is provided by new temperature-controlled, low-noise fans, as well as special hard disk suspension brackets, card retainers and a power plug lock.

The new rack PC offers up to 50 percent more computing power than the predecessor model. The performance versions with 2.4GHz Intel Core2 Duo E6600 processor and 4MB second level cache, as well as the version with 1.8GHz Intel Core2 Duo T4300 processor and 2MB second level cache, have a 1066MHz or 800MHz FSB (front side bus). The device with 2.0GHz Intel Celeron 440 processor offers an 800MHz FSB. Additional power for the applications is provided by the Intel 945G Express chipset with interfaces for serial ATA II, USB 2.0 and PCI Express x16 for a graphics expansion, and PCI Express x1 for Gigabit Ethernet network cards. For especially high-speed system response, the DDR2-667 SDRAM main memory with dual-channel support can be expanded to a maximum of 4GB.

Sata hard disks with 250GB are used for fast and reliable data storage. High system availability and data security are offered by the hot-swap removable frame and the RAID1 mirror disk configuration, facilitating hard disk replacement during operation. The Raid controller is already onboard and does not occupy any additional PCI slot. A front LED indicates fan and temperature status.

The equipment of the Simatic Rack PC 547B includes six USB 2.0 ports, of which two are on the front, four free PCI slots and one 10/100/1000-Mbit/s Ethernet connection. One PCI Express x16 graphics card is available for dual monitoring. The options for the ready-installed and activated operating system are Windows 2000, XP Professional or Windows 2003 Server. Vista will be available soon. The Rack PC can be operated horizontally and vertically, and the optional tower kit makes it suitable for use as an industrial workstation or server in control rooms and engineering offices.

More information: www.siemens.com/simatic-pc