Processing and memory capacity of car PCs increase

Despite limited R&D due to pricing challenges, PC manufacturers are looking for hardware upgrades.

China’s auto PC makers continue to invest in hardware upgrades to stimulate demand and compete with feature-rich automotive electronics. However, they try to strike a balance between performance improvements and cost adjustments to keep prices affordable.

Models that adopt the Intel 945GC chipset and Atom 230 processor are still popular due to their low prices. Manufacturers are promoting these versions to keep up sales, but they are also offering units with dual-core Atom 330 CPUs for faster processing power. Several turn to the 1.66GHz Atom D510 and 1.8GHz Atom D525, which run the operating system more efficiently than their low-frequency counterparts. These, however, increase the price.

Memory capacity is another critical R&D consideration. Many manufacturers in China have upgraded car PC models to 1 and 2GB DDR2 512MB to add value. Most companies can offer 80-160GB hard drives. Solid state drives or SSDs are also available to meet the demand for better shock resistance.

Recognizing that the product is still a secondary line, manufacturers admit the need to develop technology and price competitiveness. Therefore, local companies keep in-house R&D alive through regular updates despite limited demand and cost concerns.

Major players like Leso International Ltd, for example, use expensive processors and chipsets to serve the high-end, feature-conscious market. The latest series of car PCs from the supplier is based on NVIDIA MCP7A or MCP79-ION. In addition to the Atom 330, the chipset has an integrated GeForce8100 graphics core, a Realtek ALC 662 sound card, and a Realtek 8111C Gigabit Ethernet controller. Its built-in Bluetooth adopts 802.15 WPAN.

Leso also offers models with 8GB SSD as an alternative to its HDD versions. The manufacturer began promoting the use of the former in 2010 when the cost of the component dropped. However, the prices of SSD-based car PCs, which are still higher than HDD alternatives, make widespread adoption difficult.

Shenzhen Joyous Electronics Ltd, meanwhile, is looking to expand the usability of the product to compete with car DVD players. The vendor designs its units with device-level portable CPUs that run on Windows CE.

Despite the positive outlook generated by active R&D, manufacturers have conservative growth projections for the line. One reason is the proliferation of less expensive, but feature-laden, automotive electronics that offer similar functions. For a lower price, buyers can have all-in-one car DVD players that support infotainment activities. Smartphones with vehicle kits and mounts also pose a threat due to internet connectivity and built-in business programs. Also, because the mobile computing capacity of the PC depends on the local telecommunications operator. Under the current network infrastructure and payment schemes, this service incurs a higher fee.

Another factor preventing the segment from expanding is its niche market status and lack of consumer follow-up. The device is generally considered a high-end tool for professional applications such as fleet tracking and communications management. This and low demand have kept supply small, which in turn has prevented manufacturers from achieving economies of scale that can drive prices down.

Prices and car PC

Vehicle computers technically belong to the high-end of the automotive electronics line, but the selection in China consists of models for different price categories. The entry-level versions are mobile Internet devices or ultra-mobile PC types with Windows CE, internal memory from 256 MB to 1 GB and 2 DIN frame. Some vendors offer them as in-dash DVD players that support GPS and digital TV. These variants can provide Wi-Fi or 3G wireless connectivity in addition to basic word processing. Digital touchscreens with a resolution of 800×480 pixels are becoming popular in this segment. Manufacturers are also launching designs for special car models.

Mid-range products are mainstream. Adopting Intel Atom 230 or 330 CPUs, these come in 2 or 1 DIN or box-type frames with built-in hard drives and Windows XP or 7 installed. The last two configurations usually require an additional monitor and are intended for special applications such as fire trucks, police cars or taxis. These need a system that can run professional software and location or communication functions. Units in the category have 1 to 2 GB of DDR2 memory, 80 to 160 GB hard drives, and feature Auto Power Sequencer. They fit additional modules, such as a USB WLAN adapter. Suppliers in China can also incorporate a DVD drive on demand.

The 2-DIN version is a high-end alternative that includes a 7-inch TFT LCD or touch screen. Local manufacturers offer special modules to fit certain cars. Leso, for example, has released the Win-XP-005 and Win-XP-006 models for VW Magotan and Mazda 6, respectively. These systems are compatible with DVD, GPS, Wi-Fi, rear view, Bluetooth, and mobile office functions.

China suppliers get car PC motherboards from Foxconn, Via, or MSI, and touchscreens from Chimei and AU Optronics. They buy DVD mechanisms from domestic suppliers, including Foryou, Corepine, and Shinwa. Metal housings are used for better cooling performance. The product configuration directly influences the price. Entry-level models without monitors and those using UMPC or MID processors and chipsets start at $ 300.

The 2 DIN nettop or netbook version with touch screen, Intel Atom 230 or 330 CPU, integrated graphics controller, audio codec chip, and memory costs approximately $ 500. The motherboard usually matches the performance of the processor. An additional digital TV module such as DVB-T increases the price from $ 20 to $ 30, and a GPRS network component adds $ 30. A W-CDMA unit raises prices by at least $ 60, a figure that has been increasing. ever since tablets, particularly the iPad, went into mass production.

Taiwan: luxury models suit fleet management, professional use

Increasing awareness of vehicle safety and smart driving is driving the growth of Taiwan’s automotive PC manufacturing industry. Although the basic island models follow the more advanced telematics and vehicle navigation systems, these products meet the requirements of most users. The sophisticated varieties are suitable for fleet management, cargo tracking, and other professional applications.

Automotive PCs from Taiwan suppliers are compact units that feature smart power management and fanless thermal designs. Heat pipes and patented mechanical designs allow for better cooling.

3G, GPS and Wi-Fi communications can be added for vehicle fleet management. Manufacturers also integrate 10/100 / 1,000BaseTX Ethernet.

Manufacturers adopt Intel processors such as Atom, Core 2 Duo and Core I series. The Atom D525 dual-core CPU is a new alternative.

Conventional varieties use VGA displays and low voltage differential signaling for dual independent displays. NTSC and PAL video standards are accepted. For storage, the CF card slots and 2.5-inch hard drive mounts offer buyers two options. RS-232 and -422, and EIA-485, and microphone input ports and headphone jacks are common.

To ensure software compatibility, Windows and Linux device drivers and API are supported, as are GPIO and CAN bus. The latter enables CAN 2.0A and B. Mini PCI Express slots and USB ports allow for expansion.

Products made in Taiwan are CE, FCC Class B and E-Mark compliant. Manufacturers are also compliant with ISO / TS 16949 standards. The supplier base exceeds 20 players, mostly industrial PC specialists capable of developing rugged devices for extreme environments.

The I-VC5 model from IBase Technology Inc. has two displays and digital video recording function. The former can be used to display digital signage on the exterior of the car and as a computer screen in the vehicle. The unit can be connected to a 4-channel security camera to capture video and store the data on a removable hard drive.