Blue Chip's ARM Board Proves Ideal for Telematics

22nd November 2011

ES Admin

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UK based Blue Chip Technology has recently announced the release of the RE2, a powerful ARM based single board computer that is rapidly being adopted for use within automotive telematic systems. Enabling technologies such as vehicle tracking, on board digital signage, video security, satellite navigation, delivery logistics management and communications, the RE2 single board computer is being used in areas such as public transport, emergency services and haulage.

Blue Chip Technology is one of Europe's leading designers and manufacturers of industrial and embedded computers. The company designs and manufactures computer boards for a broad range of industrial sectors such as automotive, public transportation, medical, defence and energy. Blue Chip Technology provides mission critical computer systems to engineering and media projects around the world.

The RE2 is a very impressive board, said Barry Husbands, Managing Director of Blue Chip Technology. The RE2 is a small format, low power board, making it ideal for automotive applications where space and power availability are often limited. Furthermore, it offers a wide range of functionality and has also been developed to function over an extended temperature range, from -30C to 85C; a critical requirement for the automotive market.

The RE2 uses the highly respected ARM Cortex A8 and a Texas C64x DSP, enabling it to handle high quality graphics such as moving media or 3D, whilst also managing complex tasks and a broad range of peripherals. It is currently available with support for Embedded Windows and Linux, with support for other operating systems available on request. The RE2 has expansion modules that provide additional technologies such as GPS, GPRS and an accelerometer to facilitate vehicle tracking. There is also a CAN module to enable fuel tracking, driver behaviour monitoring and diagnostic information, and a camera module to enable internal and external vehicle monitoring.

Another key feature of the RE2, is the inclusion of a high quality audio mixer, said Barry Husbands. The on board audio mixer of the RE2 can handle a microphone input, Bluetooth, GPRS and Sat Nav inputs, making it ideal for comms based in-vehicle systems.

Although the RE2 is available off-the-shelf in its standard form, Blue Chip Technology also offers a customisation service, enabling Blue Chip to provide hardware specific to the needs of its customers. Blue Chip Technology also offers extensive software support and a complete product manufacturing and testing service. The company has recently tripled its manufacturing capacity with investment in new surface mount production technology.