Developed according to the open ModBlox7 standard, the Hyrax-1000 is an individually configurable BoxPC with mass storage capacity, well suited for railway applications. Despite its compact design, it features a comprehensive set of interfaces in the basic version, including Gigabit Ethernet, RS232/422/485, DisplayPort and USB 3.0. Due to its modular architecture, the system can be expanded with up to seven interface or communication modules, enabling highly tailored configurations. The versatile housing design allows for DIN rail, wall, and 19” rack mounting, ensuring easy integration across a wide range of industrial environments.
Developed in compliance with the railway standard EN 50155, the Hyrax-1000 is maintenance-free and can be deployed in an operating temperature range from -40°C to +70°C. It provides a flexible, future-ready solution for train manufacturers, railway operators, and system integrators seeking alternatives to proprietary BoxPC systems.
Today’s industrial computing market is largely dominated by rigid, proprietary systems that struggle to meet modern requirements for compactness, low weight, and cost-efficiency, performance and interface flexibility.
The ModBlox7 standard – developed by PICMG, a non-profit consortium of over 130 member companies – addresses these challenges by introducing an open, modular platform architecture optimised for scalable embedded systems.
By eliminating the need for complex components such as backplanes or shelf controllers, ModBlox7 notably reduces system costs while maintaining flexibility and performance. This allows manufacturers to create cost-effective and adaptable computing solutions that can evolve with changing application needs.
An open standard is critical for modern embedded systems – one that combines the advantages of traditional system designs with those of BoxPCs. This requires a standardised form factor, including suitable mounting options as well as clearly defined interfaces between the functional units within the BoxPC.
This approach is supported by PICMG and its member companies. The consortium continues to drive the development of embedded computing specifications, including the new ModBlox7 form factor, and promotes the adoption of open standards across a wide range of embedded computing applications. Westermo played a key role in defining the new specification, collaborating with 18 industry partners through a dedicated task force within PICMG.
For industrial users, the key benefits of an open BoxPC standard are cost-optimised system design and easy component interchangeability, enabling tailored solutions for specific applications. Manufacturers also benefit by focusing on their core technologies without the need to develop every embedded component themselves.
Advancing standardisation with new modules
Together with its partners, Westermo is driving standardisation within the PICMG, with the aim to enable cross-vendor compatibility and interoperability. The Hyrax-1000 is the first commercial realisation of the ModBlox7 vison – a modular, scalable and individually configurable system with integrated GNSS support, well suited for customised embedded Edge computing in many challenging areas, such as the railway sector. Typical use cases include telematics, diagnostic systems, passenger infotainment, IoT gateways, Edge computing, and data-based Cloud services.
The fanless, maintenance-free design of the Hyrax-1000 allows flexible mounting, including DIN rail, wall or 19″ rack or sub-rack, for seamless integration into vehicles or control cabinets, even in space-constrained environments. Thanks to its modular concept, a wide range of extension modules can be implemented to meet customer-specific requirements and functions. The extension modules are pre-assembled units, enabling flexible configurations and short delivery times for custom systems.
Available wireless extension modules include options such as Wi-Fi 3×3 MIMO (802.11ac) and LTE, with support for up to four SIM cards per module for maximum network coverage and operational flexibility. The Wi-Fi interfaces support client operation, e.g. for train-to-ground communication, as well as access point mode for connecting onboard clients.
Designed for growth
In the near future, further modules will be introduced, expanding the system further as an open modular platform. This will allow additional configuration of computing solutions for specific applications and make it easier to adapt systems to evolving needs.
To expand the storage capabilities of the Hyrax-1000, dedicated mounting space for an internal M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) is provided. Connected via the CPU’s dedicated SATA 3.0 port, the SSD enables local data storage in a wide range of applications, such as multimedia streaming, operational logging, and sensor data analytics.
With its modular design, the Hyrax-1000 provides a future-proof platform, allowing customers to scale, customise, and adapt their systems as requirements change – delivering long-term value with minimal complexity or cost.
