Windows Embedded Compact (WinCE) is a Real-Time Operating System from Microsoft ideal for industrial PCs, medical devices, and IoT designs. WinCE-based HMIs are common in industry due to .NET framework support on embedded hardware. Embien's WEC2013 BSP industrial monitoring system RS485 offering for Allwinner A20 makes it possible to use WinCE on low-cost platforms for remote plant monitoring, remote data acquisition system deployments, and SCADA System Integration projects. This blog discusses one such application — a customer using Embien's WEC2013 BSP industrial monitoring system RS485 for a Windows CE based industrial monitoring system, enabled by the New Marsboard platform. Embien's Embedded Computing Platforms enabling reliable industrial monitoring with real-time processing and seamless RS485 connectivity
WEC2013 BSP: Windows CE on New Marsboard (Allwinner A20)
The New Marsboard is an Allwinner A20-based dual-core platform. Brief specifications:
- ARM Cortex-A7 Dual-Core
- ARM Mali400MP2 compliant with OpenGL ES 2.0/1.1
- 1 GB DRAM (up to 2 GB @ 480 MHz)
- 8 GB Flash, SD (Max. 64 GB) / MMC card slot, SATA Port
- 10/100 Ethernet RJ45, USB Wi-Fi (RTL8188EU) with antenna
- HDMI, CVBS, VGA, LCD-LVDS, LCD-RGB
- LCD connector with capacitive touch
- 4× USB 2.0 Host, 1× USB 2.0 OTG
Available at $58 USD with expansion ports, the Marsboard supports custom carrier cards and interfacing. For more details, visit http://www.marsboard.com.
The video below demonstrates Embien's Allwinner A20 WEC2013 BSP running on the New Marsboard:
Remote Data Acquisition System: Customer Application
One of Embien's customers used the WEC2013 BSP industrial monitoring system RS485 to build a WinCE-based HMI for their remote data acquisition system. With .NET expertise and industrial application experience, the customer needed a Windows-based HMI. Embien's BSP enabled the Allwinner A20 New Marsboard platform to serve as a low-cost Windows CE Industrial Computer — a fully functional remote data acquisition system with the following features:
- RS485 Interface
- RS422 Interface
- Multiple RS232 interfaces
- Ethernet Interface
- Remote Assistance System
- Remote Update
- USB Host Storage for data transfer
- Resistive Industrial-Grade Touch Panel
The WEC2013 BSP industrial monitoring system RS485 solution proved robust with intuitive screens. Multiple connectivity options — including RS485, Ethernet, and USB — enabled seamless data acquisition from multiple devices. The Remote Update feature allowed the System Integrator to update both application firmware and the WinCE OS remotely. FTP and Telnet are provided for remote assistance and management — making this a complete remote data acquisition system solution.
SCADA System Integration: WinCE HMI for Plant Automation
The platform demonstrates how SCADA System Integration can be achieved on low-cost ARM hardware running WinCE. SCADA System Integration with WinCE leverages the full .NET framework stack — including serial communication libraries, Ethernet drivers, and UI frameworks — to connect to PLCs, sensors, and actuators via RS485, Modbus, and Ethernet protocols. Our Manufacturing Automation and Factory Modernization Services transform industrial monitoring systems with connected data flows, enhanced visibility, and optimized plant operations.
As the example shows, Windows Embedded Compact provides the flexibility of running the .NET framework on low-cost systems like Allwinner A20 — enabling WEC2013 BSP industrial monitoring system RS485 applications, Windows CE Industrial Computers, and WinCE-based HMIs at production cost.
PLC HMI SCADA Development
PLC HMI SCADA Development on WEC2013 leverages the .NET ecosystem for rapid application development. PLC HMI SCADA Development teams familiar with Windows Forms and WPF-Lite can port existing PC-based HMI applications to WEC2013 with minimal code changes — dramatically shortening time-to-market for industrial HMI products.
Remote Monitoring Solutions for IoT
Remote monitoring solutions for IoT built on WEC2013 and Allwinner A20 demonstrate the platform's flexibility beyond traditional industrial applications. Remote monitoring solutions for IoT benefit from WEC2013's connectivity (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, cellular via USB modem) and its real-time scheduling guarantees — delivering deterministic data collection with cloud reporting.
About Embien Technologies: Embien Technologies is a leading provider of embedded design services for the Semiconductor, Industrial, Consumer, and Healthcare segments. Our experience in industrial technologies — CAN, Profibus, Ethernet, CANOpen, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus — enables us to deliver solutions quickly at unmatched quality. Contact us for your WEC2013 BSP industrial monitoring system RS485, SCADA System Integration, or embedded product development requirements.