Taiwanese industrial computer firm DFI is targeting smart transportation with its VC900-M8M low-power, energy-saving vehicle system that uses NXP’s I.MX8M processor.

Equipped with a six-axis sensor (IMU), it lets fleet managers monitor driving behaviour, motion sensing, sudden braking and impact detection. The company has also introduced vehicle network security technology from Trend Micro subsidiary VicOne to deliver automotive cyber security. The aim is to build a more robust vision of road safety and cyber-security protection.

For vehicle edge computing applications, the industrial-grade vehicle system has computing capabilities and power management functions to save energy and increase efficiency. It is based on the Arm design architecture and supports Yocto Linux 2.5 and Android 9.0. It provides more flexibility for development and helps users create custom software.

“Constructing an efficient and safe intelligent transportation system (ITS) is the most important part of developing a smart city,” said DFI president Alexander Su. “VicOne’s vehicle network security option, xCarbon, has been installed in the VC900-M8M. When the on-board unit detects abnormal behaviour, it can immediately communicate with the driver HMI and report to the back-end system to ensure that the car and connected devices are protected from hackers.”

The VC900-M8M’s strengths are its built-in six-axis IMU and various IO settings, including one Can and four Com combo ports, two USB 3.1 gen-ones, one Micro USB (OTG), and two M.2 sockets. It supports 5G, 4G, wifi and Bluetooth, and it provides mobile service and integrates many types of sensors and communication devices.

These features allow fleet managers to collect real-time vehicle-related data and location, including speed, mileage and driving behaviours, to help them carry out different applications.

Operating temperature range is -20 to +70˚C and voltage input range 9 to 36V DC. It has passed the MIL810G military standard and the European E-Mark certification, making it suitable for operations in harsh environments and extreme climates. In addition to meeting the industry’s needs for electric and new energy vehicles, it can also deliver transportation efficiency and safety for self-driving and electric cars.