Smart Grid energy systems are growing in complexity due to a heightened demand for greater computing power, larger storage capacity, and more flexible wireless connectivity. To meet this challenge, Moxa has introduced its UC-8100 RISC computer, an embedded computing platform specifically designed for large scale, big data WAN applications in solar and other energy monitoring systems, as well as in distributed industrial automation. UC-8100 computers combine high performance RISC architectures with ample storage capacity, giving users wide flexibility when developing new automation systems,” said Bee Lee, General Manager for Moxa Embedded Systems. “Its communication-centric engineering breaks down barriers to extending the network to more devices while assuring access in harsh environments.”
The UC-8100’s versatile communication capabilities let users efficiently adapt it to a wide variety of complex communication and processing solutions, both as a communications platform, and as a secure gateway for data acquisition and in-the-field processing. Built around a powerful ARMv7 Cortex-A8 processor,the computer comes with up to two RS-422/485 serial ports alongside dual auto-sensing 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN ports and a Mini PCIe socket to support a cellular interface and other modules.Programmable LEDs allow integrators or end users to define unique event signaling to aid when debugging or building troubleshooting tools into a system.
In addition, Moxa has engineered the UC-8100 with strong protection from network attacks by taking the powerful Trusted Platform Module (TPM) one step further, and integrating a patented secure boot algorithm that delivers robust protection against kernel corruption of any sort. As a result it eliminates — short of physical theft of the keys — the only possible attack vector available to crackers. With the kernel protected, the UC-8100 is able to work securely with the guarantee that any communications it makes via TPM will remain confidential and safe from the possibility of exposure via a rooted system.
Small and scalable, the UC-8100 features a compact, space-saving form factor with a standard DIN rail mount for easy installation. Native support for Modbus makes for convenient sensor installation, while there is ample room for memory expansion using either SD or mini SD cards.
