Innovative Modular Design

Modularity

Compactness and modularity are often contradicting design goals. Perhaps the most striking feature in the design of fit-PC3 is the degree of modularity and hardware serviceability without compromising on neither size nor looks of the device.

FACE Module (Function And Connectivity Extension Module)

The front-facing panel of fit-PC3 can incorporate any custom functionality and I/O. We call it FACE Module (Function And Connectivity Extension Module). Examples:

• A FACE Module with 4 GbE ports and 6 USB ports for networking applications
• Combine GPIOs, ADCs, DACs and serial ports for instrumentation
• Add multiple frame-grabbers for a surveillance computer

FACE Module is implemented by an internal extension-board and a simple sheet-metal panel. We are designing multiple FACE Modules and by opening the interface with complete documentation and reference designs, customers and other companies can easily and quickly design and implement their own FACE Modules.

The I/O brought to the FACE Module resembles extensibility of a desktop:

• 4 PCIe lanes
• 6 USB2 + 2 USB 1.1
• 25 GPIOs
• 2 SATA
• 2 SMBus
• LPC

Installing or replacing hard-disk, RAM and mini-PCIe modules (2 in fit-PC3) has never been easier. All it takes is opening one screw at the bottom of fit-PC3 and sliding-out the service door with the hard-disk attached. Then there is easy access to the 2 SODIMMs and 2 mini-PCI sockets.