1. Product Overview

Product Name: ARS-1100
Model: ARS-1100
Series: ARS-1000 Series Fanless Embedded Controllers
Article Number: ARS-1100
Manufacturer: Vecow Co., Ltd.

The Vecow ARS-1100 is a rugged, fanless embedded automation controller designed for industrial and embedded computing applications. It belongs to the ARS-1000 series, which is known for its compact form factor, high reliability, and extended operating temperature range. The ARS-1100 integrates an Intel® Atom™ D525 dual-core processor (1M Cache, 1.8GHz) and Intel® ICH8M chipset, providing a balance of performance and energy efficiency for industrial control, automation, and data acquisition systems.

This model distinguishes itself within the ARS-1000 family by including three IEEE 1394a (FireWire) ports and PC/104+ expansion capability, making it suitable for machine vision, data logging, and real-time control applications that require high-speed peripheral connectivity.

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2. Key Features

- Fanless Design: The ARS-1100 employs a completely fanless thermal solution using an aluminum heat-sink chassis and internal heat spreader, ensuring silent operation and long-term reliability in harsh environments.
- Intel® Atom™ D525 Processor: Dual-core 1.8GHz CPU with 1MB cache, offering low power consumption and sufficient processing power for embedded and automation tasks.
- Wide Operating Temperature: Designed for industrial environments, the system operates reliably from -20°C to +70°C ambient temperature with airflow.
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Two Intel® WG82583V GbE interfaces provide high-speed networking and redundancy for industrial communication.
- Rich I/O Connectivity: Includes 4 COM ports (3×RS-232, 1×RS-232/422/485 with auto flow control), 5 USB 2.0 ports, 8 isolated digital inputs, and 8 isolated digital outputs.
- Expansion Flexibility: Supports PCI-104 and PC/104+ expansion modules, as well as a Mini PCIe slot for wireless or additional I/O modules.
- Triple IEEE 1394a Ports: Three FireWire ports (exclusive to ARS-1100/ARS-1200 models) for high-speed data transfer and vision system integration.
- Dual Independent Display: Supports VGA (DB15) and 24-bit LVDS outputs for dual-display configurations.
- Programmable GPIO and LED Display: 16-step rotary switch and programmable LED indicators for mode/status display and system diagnostics.
- External CFast Slot: Easily accessible CFast storage slot for quick data exchange and OS deployment.
- Rugged Power Input: Wide-range DC input from 16V to 28V with onboard DC-to-DC conversion, suitable for field and mobile installations.
- Compact and Durable Construction: Measuring 186 × 147 × 79 mm and weighing approximately 2.1 kg, the ARS-1100 is built with an iron-gray aluminum and sheet metal chassis for durability.
- OS Compatibility: Supports Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP Professional, and various Linux distributions (Fedora 11, Ubuntu 10.04, CentOS 5.3).

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3. Technical Specifications

Processor: Intel® Atom™ D525, dual-core, 1M Cache, 1.8GHz
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/SSD
- External accessible CFast slot

Expansion:
- 1× Mini PCIe slot
- PCI-104 and PC/104+ expansion interfaces

Display:
- VGA (DB15 connector)
- 24-bit LVDS internal interface
- Dual independent display support

Audio:
- Internal stereo headphone output
- Internal microphone input

Networking:
- 2× Intel® WG82583V Gigabit Ethernet ports

Serial Communication:
- 3× RS-232 ports
- 1× RS-232/422/485 port with automatic data flow control

USB:
- 5× USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 2 internal, 1 via Mini PCIe)

Digital I/O:
- 8× isolated digital inputs (DI)
- 8× isolated digital outputs (DO)
- Programmable GPIO with isolation protection (sink/wet contact source)
- 16-step rotary switch for mode selection
- 4 programmable LED indicators for status/mode display

IEEE 1394a (FireWire):
- 3× ports (exclusive to ARS-1100 and ARS-1200 models)

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

Mechanical:
- Dimensions: 186 mm (W) × 147 mm (D) × 79 mm (H)
- Weight: ~2.1 kg (4.5 lb)
- Enclosure: Aluminum heat-sink top cover with sheet metal chassis, iron-gray finish

Environmental:
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +70°C (-4°F to +157°F)
- Storage temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
- 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-1100 functions as a compact embedded controller optimized for industrial automation, machine vision, and data acquisition. Its fanless design and wide temperature tolerance make it ideal for deployment in environments where dust, vibration, and temperature fluctuations are common.

Operation:
The system operates on DC power (16–28V) and can be configured for AT or ATX power modes. It boots from internal SATA storage or external CFast media, supporting flexible OS installation and data management. The Intel Atom D525 processor provides sufficient computing power for control logic, communication handling, and real-time data processing.

Use Cases:
- Factory automation and process control
- Machine vision and inspection systems (via 1394a ports)
- Manufacturing execution systems (MES)
- Data acquisition and monitoring
- Transportation and mobile control systems
- Industrial communication gateways
- Embedded control in energy and utility sectors

Compatibility:
The ARS-1100 supports multiple operating systems, including Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP Professional, and Linux distributions such as Fedora, Ubuntu, and CentOS. It is compatible with standard PC/104+ and PCI-104 expansion modules, allowing integration with additional I/O, communication, or motion control cards.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Components:
- ARS-1100 main unit
- YCB-D15D9 cable (DB15 to dual DB9 for serial connectivity)

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 20-pin SCSI connector and DIN-rail mounting
- Additional PC/104+ or PCI-104 expansion modules

Connectors:
- DB15 VGA
- Dual DB9 via YCB-D15D9 cable
- RJ45 for dual GbE
- USB Type-A ports
- CFast slot
- Audio jacks (internal)
- Power input terminal block

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6. Installation & Setup

Mounting Options:
- Wall-mount installation
- DIN-rail mounting (using optional bracket)

Power Configuration:
- Supports both AT and ATX power modes
- ATX mode allows remote power on/off via 2-pin connector
- AT mode selectable via onboard jumper

Setup Procedure:
1. Mount the unit securely using wall or DIN-rail brackets.
2. Connect DC power (16–28V) to the terminal block.
3. Install storage devices (HDD/SSD or CFast).
4. Insert memory modules (up to 4GB DDR3 SO-DIMM).
5. Connect display, network, and peripheral devices.
6. Configure BIOS and OS settings as required.
7. Use the 16-step rotary switch and LED indicators for mode selection and diagnostics.

Environmental Considerations:
Ensure adequate airflow around the chassis for optimal heat dissipation. The fanless design relies on passive cooling through the aluminum heat-sink enclosure.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

Processing Performance:
The Intel Atom D525 dual-core processor delivers efficient multitasking for embedded control and monitoring applications. Its low thermal design power (TDP) enables fanless operation without performance throttling under typical industrial workloads.

Networking:
Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces support redundant or segmented network configurations, ensuring reliable communication in automation networks.

I/O Performance:
The ARS-1100’s isolated digital I/O (8DI/8DO) allows safe interfacing with sensors, actuators, and PLCs. The programmable GPIO and LED indicators enhance system feedback and control flexibility.

Storage and Data Handling:
The combination of internal SATA and external CFast storage provides both high-capacity and removable media options. CFast access simplifies system updates and data exchange in field environments.

Expansion and Scalability:
PCI-104 and PC/104+ interfaces enable modular expansion for additional communication, motion control, or data acquisition cards. The Mini PCIe slot supports wireless modules or additional I/O.

Limitations:
- Maximum memory capacity limited to 4GB DDR3
- USB 2.0 only (no USB 3.0 support)
- No integrated display output beyond VGA/LVDS
- Limited to 16–28V DC input range

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8. Standards & Compliance

Certifications:
- CE (Conformité Européenne)
- FCC Class A (for industrial and commercial environments)

Environmental and Mechanical 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)
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

Industry Standards Supported:
- PC/104 and PC/104+ expansion bus
- IEEE 1394a (FireWire)
- RS-232/422/485 serial communication standards
- Gigabit Ethernet IEEE 802.3ab
- USB 2.0 (EHCI/OHCI compliant)

These certifications and standards ensure that the ARS-1100 meets industrial-grade reliability and electromagnetic compatibility requirements for embedded and automation environments.

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Vecow typically provides a limited hardware warranty covering manufacturing defects. Warranty terms may vary by region or distributor.

Support:
Vecow offers technical documentation, driver packages, and OS images for supported platforms. Firmware and BIOS updates are available through official support channels.

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

Software Updates:
Compatible with standard Windows and Linux updates. Vecow provides BIOS and driver updates to ensure compatibility with new OS versions and hardware modules.

Product Lifecycle:
As part of Vecow’s industrial product line, the ARS-1100 is designed for long-term availability and stable supply, ensuring continuity for OEM and system integrator projects.

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### Summary

The Vecow ARS-1100 is a robust, fanless embedded controller engineered for industrial automation, machine vision, and embedded computing applications. Powered by the Intel® Atom™ D525 processor, it combines low power consumption with reliable performance in a compact 186 × 147 × 79 mm chassis. Its extensive I/O options—including dual GbE, four COM ports, five USB ports, isolated 8DI/8DO, and three IEEE 1394a ports—make it highly adaptable for diverse industrial tasks.

With support for PCI-104 and PC/104+ expansion, wide-range DC input (16–28V), and operation across -20°C to +70°C, the ARS-1100 delivers dependable performance in demanding environments. Its compatibility with both Windows and Linux operating systems, along with programmable GPIO and LED indicators, enhances flexibility for system integrators and automation engineers.

In summary, the ARS-1100 offers a balanced combination of rugged design, versatile connectivity, and industrial-grade reliability—making it an ideal embedded platform for factory automation, machine vision, and mission-critical control systems.