GE Fanuc Introduces New Highly Integrated Embedded PC for Low Power Consumption, Modularity, Scalability

Huntsville, Ala. -- April 23, 2003 --  GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., an affiliate of GE Industrial Systems, has introduced the new highly integrated IOMax™ PC with the features and functionality of an x86-based PC in an embedded systems form factor suitable for industrial settings. Now available, the IOMax PC packages an x86-based PC/104-Plus single-board computer with a power supply and optional hard drive. With a scalable architecture that accommodates additional modules, the IOMax PC offers easy system expansion via PC/104-Plus and allows the use of third-party devices to meet specific application needs.

"With the introduction of the IOMax PC, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can secure x86-based PC functionality in a low power, scalable embedded system," said Douglas Albert, vice president, embedded systems, GE Fanuc Automation. "This new embedded solution offers superior affordability, a compact footprint and fanless operation, making it ideal for applications such as data acquisition and control, kiosk and gaming, security, and many more."

Measuring just 6.75 x 4.75 x 3 inches, the compact IOMax PC features a specially designed, aluminum enclosure with an industrial-class chassis that can be DIN rail mounted to a wall, inside an enclosure or cabinet with a rigid back panel, or in a standard 19-inch rack. The system supports a variety of fieldbuses, including DeviceNet™, Profibus-DP and Genius^®, via third-party PC/104-Plus modules. Additionally, the IOMax PC works with virtually any component compatible with MS-DOS^®, Windows NT^®, Linux or VxWorks operating systems.

The new IOMax PC from GE Fanuc also provides a NSC Geode GX1 333 MHz integrated x86-compatible processor, 8 to 28 VDC operating input range, up to 256 Mbyte of PC133 SDRAM via SODIMM, up to 512 Mbyte of CompactFlash, and up to 60 Gbyte of hard disk storage. For communications, the system offers high-speed 10/100BaseT Fast Ethernet, two high-performance 16550-compatible serial ports, and two USB ports. The IOMax PC supports MMX™ and integrated 2D graphics (16 bpp at 1,280 x 1,024). Real-time features include a watchdog timer, three 16-bit user programmable timers, 32 Kbyte of nonvolatile SRAM, real-time clock, and remote Ethernet booting.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include collaborative production management, HMI/SCADA and plant intelligence software; nano to high-end controllers; embedded systems; a wide range of CNCs; motion control; operator interfaces; industrial computers; lasers; and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com. 

About GE Industrial Systems
Since the founding of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) by Thomas Edison in 1882, GE Industrial Systems has been known for technical innovation. GE Industrial Systems has over 7,600 U.S. and foreign patents on products that help provide peace of mind for people, the properties they own and their workplaces. In 2001 alone, GE Industrial Systems filed more than 200 U.S. and 340 foreign patent applications.

GE Industrial Systems spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial, electrical and security equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technologies that are used to distribute, protect and control energy and equipment, and to provide premise management. GE provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility customers. For more information visit the website at: www.geindustrial.com.

For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com/embedded or contact: GE Fanuc Automation, Embedded Systems, 12090 S. Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, AL 35803, Phone: (800) 322-3616, Fax: (256) 882-0859, e-mail: info@vmic.com.

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