Moxa launches next generation DA-685 substation computers

Moxa, a provider of hardened networking, communication, and computing solutions, is building upon the successful deployment of its DA-681 and DA-683 rackmount substation computers with its next generation DA-685 that combines the exceptional I/O capacity of the DA-681 with the computing horsepower of the DA-683.  

Designed as an all-purpose substation solution, the DA-685 industrial embedded computer is capable of serving virtually any role in a smart grid application, regardless of what environmental or technological demands are required.

"Moxa's embedded computers are optimised for substations as part of completely automated systems for power distribution management in both local and remote sites," said Charles Chen, business manager at Moxa. "The DA-685 takes our leadership in power station computing one step further by offering the I/O flexibility to ensure system scalability for future expansion, network redundancy and easy integration with third-party devices."    

Strong features like the Intel® Atom® D510 processor and a proven reliable, fanless design have been merged in the DA-685 with a multitude of communication ports, including six RS-485 terminal block ports and two RS-232/422/485 software-selectable serial ports, and two USB 2.0 ports, along with six 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports - critical advantages in substations that require many types of devices to construct a system that generates and distributes power. Storage expansion is made possible with a built-in CompactFlash socket and 1 SATA interface.  

Precise time accuracy is essential for the synchronising of event loggers and other substation IEDs. For that reason, DA-685 was engineered to support the IEEE 1588v2 standard as an ordinary clock, allowing for sub-microsecond syncing of IEDs. In addition, because the DA-685 is EMC Level 4 certified, it will endure the extreme levels of electromagnetic interference commonly encountered in substations.

DA-685 computers come standard in a 19-inch, 2U high form factor for easy rack mounting. Linux or Windows® Embedded Standard 2009 operating systems are pre-installed, providing a familiar environment for developing software.