Icewing Fanless Barebone System: The Ideal Choice for AFC Automatic Fare Collection System Development

Against the backdrop of building a strong transportation nation and smart transportation infrastructure, artificial intelligence, big data, computer, and network technologies are rapidly integrating and being applied in the transportation sector, helping to enhance the intelligence and automation levels of travel services. The application of Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems in the rail transit sector is one such typical example.

Image source: Qiantu.com

The Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system is an intelligent system that automates the entire process of ticketing, fare collection, statistics, and management in rail transit. It integrates computer technology, mechanical manufacturing technology, and more, consisting of system workstations, central computers, station computers, automatic ticket vending machines (TVMs), and entry/exit gates. It offers significant advantages in reducing manual labor, improving passenger flow efficiency, and preventing ticketing errors. It is now widely applied in subways, train stations, airports, and other venues, representing a crucial aspect of modern transportation development.

In recent years, the technical level of China's Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems has continuously improved. New technologies such as biometrics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things have provided strong impetus for the transformation of AFC systems, leading to the innovative launch of services like "internet ticketing," "single code pass," "facial recognition access," "interoperable fare systems," and "payment compatibility." This requires AFC systems to achieve interoperability with other systems, placing higher demands on the platform's scalability, network reliability, and operational stability. Innovating products from the perspective of critical hardware support, a series of Icewing fanless barebone systems independently developed using embedded AI chips can help achieve digital and industrial-grade control for automatic ticket vending machines and entry/exit gates within AFC Automatic Fare Collection systems.

Fanless Barebone System

The developed Icewing-structured fanless barebone system integrates high-efficiency processing cores to support AI applications, offers rich interfaces for multiple expansions, and features refined power management and comprehensive reliability design. It can meet the demand for 24/7 uninterrupted operation of AFC system equipment such as automatic ticket vending machines and entry/exit gates.

One of the independently developed Icewing-structured fanless barebone system series products supports Intel 8th/9th Gen Core i3/i5/i7 processors and H310/Q370/Z390/C246 chipsets. The CPU integrates graphics control, enhancing data processing and graphics performance. It supports onboard 4GB/8GB/16GB DDR4 memory chips + 1 DDR4 UDIMM slot, with the memory slot supporting up to 32GB and the entire system supporting a maximum of 48GB. It supports 1Mini PCIe SSD and 1SATA 2.5-inch HDD for expanded storage space, meeting the application requirements for large memory and high-capacity storage products.

It provides a rich set of functional interfaces, supporting 2* LAN (with Wake-on-LAN function), 4USB3.0, 4USB2.0, 2-10COM (optional), and 1SIM card slot, 2Mini-PCIe (one supporting mSATA/WIFI optional, the other supporting mSATA/WIFI/3G/4G optional), enabling high-speed network communication and multi-device networking. It supports 1VGA, 1DVI, 1DP display interfaces, supporting independent dual displays. It supports 1Mic-in, 1Line-out audio interfaces. It supports 1Keyboard, 1PWR LED, 1*HDD LED, and other functional interfaces, which can be directly used for external device expansion.

It also performs excellently in terms of safety and reliability. The entire system features a compact structure, an aluminum heatsink chassis, three-dimensional hard drive shock absorption, and comprehensive reliability design. It boasts characteristics such as low power consumption, small size (280mm × 219.2mm × 88mm (W × D × H)), shock resistance, dust resistance, and wide operating temperature range, capable of adapting to various harsh working environments. A watchdog function has been developed, supporting Windows 10 and Linux operating systems. It supports standard DC +12V10A power supply, providing a safer and more stable system operating environment. It supports desktop/wall-mounted installation, making it easy to use and maintain.

To meet the personalized needs of users in different scenarios, we also provide integrated customized production services, from single-board development to complete system units. From computer hardware to operating systems, product drivers, and security software, we can provide customers with highly flexible and customized products and services.