Advantech Co. Ltd. has launched MIC-7500, a modular inter-process communication, or IPC, platform, along with Advantech's optional expansion i-modules. MIC-7500 is an industrial-grade platform equipped with a 6th generation Intel Core i processor, widely employed for factory and machine automation.

The system's fanless ruggedized design supports a wide input power range, ensuring the durability to withstand harsh industrial environments. Advantech i-modules are designed to be integrated with MIC-7500 and provide economical and flexible expansion on demand. The MIC-7500's modular design enables customers to use a single IPC platform for all applications, thereby improving maintenance efficiency, eliminating compatibility issues, and reducing overall costs.

To address the high diversity and flexibility demands of Industry 4.0, MIC-7500 features rich I/O that support diverse communication requirements and devices, including external sensors, controllers, and displays. Advantech's innovative i-modules provide important value-added options for flexible expansion. Currently, the i-modules comprise 2x slots, 4x slots, and 2x slots with a 2x2.5" hot-swappable tray; however, Advantech plans to develop additional i-modules to fulfill customer demands in the future.

Besides satisfying diverse I/O requirements, Advantech's i-modules are easy to assemble and have a simple upgrade path. Additionally, the MIC-7500 IPC platform can be integrated with a wide range of i-modules to support diverse applications. MIC-7500 is powered by a 6th generation Intel Core i processor that delivers up to 10% additional CPU performance and 30% faster graphics compared to the previous generation.

The MIC-7500 series is also compatible with a wide range of CPU platforms, including the Intel Xeon (for server applications) and Intel Atom (for entry-level operations) processors. The standalone design of the i-modules allows Advantech to release engineering samples for advance testing to eliminate customer concerns regarding the lengthy development time. Furthermore, the comprehensive range of easily configured modularized options effectively reduces lead times for Advantech's configure-to-order service (CTOS).

MIC-7500 is a powerful, compact, fanless industrial system that supports a wide power input range and operating temperatures of -20 ~ 60 °C. The ruggedized design and cast aluminum case offer vibration and shock protection, as well as a passive thermal solution that ensures silent operation. Designed for the industrial automation market and to withstand harsh environments and 24/7 operation, all electronic components are rugged and satisfy certification standards for environmental protection, EMI/ESD tolerance, and high-voltage surge requirements (2kV). Finally, MIC-7500 supports the Microsoft Windows 7/8/10 and Linux operating systems, and is equipped with Advantech's SUSIAccess remote management software utility for convenient management and system protection.

MIC-7500 features: 2 x GbE LAN, 8 x USB 3.0, and 4 x COM ports; compatible with Advantech's innovative expansion i-modules; wide operating temperature range of -20 ~ 60 °C; and supports 9 ~ 36 V DC input power.