The first ruggedized panel PC of its kind, the cost-effective DC1 combines the new Intel Atom processor with aluminium construction to provide a low power, highly reliable computer that withstands the vigorous environments found within many mobile, mission-critical and harsh applications. These include transportation, avionics, medical engineering and industrial automation. The DC1, which features a total power dissipation of 20 W, operates over an extended temperature range of -40°C to +70°C and for 15 minutes up to +85°C according to railway standard EN 50155, class Tx. Because the control electronics are located directly behind the display, the DC1 employs conductive cooling between the electronics and the display, eliminating the need for a cooling fan. The flexible, compact and modular design of the DC1 enables variations in display resolution and size, processor type, I/O configuration and power supply, so users can tailor the system to specific applications. The DC1 comes standard with a 15" display with optional display sizes from 12" to 19" available as well as with a wide-range PSU from 9 V to 36 V or, optionally, 18 V to 75 V and 36 V to 154 V. The design is also tamper-proof to deter vandalism. An integrated Ethernet switch transfers signals from computer to computer, eliminating expensive cabling installation. Remote upload of new display data is possible via optional wireless functions such as WIFI, WIMAX, GSM/GPRS and UMTS implemented via a MiniPCI Express card slot in combination with an external it can be affixed on any mounting device. As an option, the DC1 can also control a remote display with the same or different content via DVI-D. At the heart of the DC1 is an Intel Atom processor with a frequency of up to 1.6 GHz, a performance comparable to a Pentium M with 1 GHz or more and a guaranteed seven-year minimum availability. 1 GB of working memory and a 4 GB USB-controlled Flash Disk supply enough capacity for every application. Standard I/O includes two USB ports, two Fast Ethernet ports and an optional UART port as well as binary inputs and can be optionally extended by HD Audio or IBIS field bus functionality. All components of the IP54-protected DC1 are soldered and only M12 or D-Sub I/O connectors are used. The electronics are prepared for coating to withstand humidity.