As public transportation systems continue to adopt connected vehicle technologies, a regional transit provider upgraded its bus fleet infrastructure to improve communication between onboard systems and centralized mobility platforms. The project required reliable fanless in-vehicle edge gateway computers capable of collecting telemetry, synchronizing route updates, and supporting passenger information services during daily operation. To meet these needs, Premio’s RCO-1000-EHL provided a compact and rugged solution that helped connect onboard subsystems with central control systems across the fleet.
Challenges
- Handling continuous telemetry and communication tasks required efficient processing without adding load to the vehicle power system
- Passenger displays, GPS modules, routers, and fare systems needed to connect through one centralized computing unit
- Engine start–stop behavior required controlled ignition-linked startup and shutdown to maintain reliable system operation
- Daily exposure to vibration and temperature extremes demanded a rugged fanless design suited for transit environments
- Limited space inside bus control cabinets required a compact system that could be installed easily across different vehicle layouts
Solution
- Premio’s x86 super-rugged fanless mini computer (RCO-1000-EHL)
- Intel Atom x6425E processor handled real time telemetry and onboard gateway processing efficiently
- Multiple LAN, USB, COM and dual DisplayPort interfaces supported integration with displays routers GPS receivers and fare systems
- Ignition sensing enabled controlled power sequencing based on vehicle engine status
- Compact fanless aluminum design supported reliable operation in vibration prone and wide temperature transit environments
- UL listed with MIL-STD-810H aligned shock and vibration compliance for transportation deployment
Benefits
- Long term system availability supported by Intel’s ten-year embedded processor lifecycle
- Simplified deployment compliance with NDAA and TAA aligned hardware and Los Angeles based engineering support
Company Overview
As a regional mobility coordinator, the organization plays a central role in managing public transportation across buses, ferries, and other connected travel services throughout the region. Its efforts focus on making everyday travel easier and more convenient by improving coordination between transport modes and delivering timely passenger information that helps riders plan their journeys more efficiently. With continued investment in digital infrastructure, the organization is building toward a more connected and flexible mobility network designed to reduce dependence on private vehicles over time.
The Challenges
Reliable Low Power Processing for Edge Gateway Workloads
Transit vehicles constantly send location data, communicate with control centers, and receive schedule updates throughout the day. To support this reliably, the solutiion needed a processor that could handle the workload without adding pressure on the vehicle’s power supply. An efficient embedded CPU helped keep everything running smoothly during long hours in service.
Integration Across Multiple Onboard Transit Systems
Each vehicle also had several onboard systems to support, including passenger displays, GPS units, network equipment, and fare validators. Bringing these together required a single computer that could handle both newer high speed connections and older industrial interfaces. Without that flexibility, it would have been difficult to keep the systems working together reliably.
Controlled Startup and Shutdown with Vehicle Ignition
Transit vehicles regularly power onboard systems on and off together with the engine during daily operation. Without managed power sequencing, sudden shutdown events could interrupt processing or risk data integrity. The system therefore needed ignition-linked startup and delayed shutdown control to ensure stable operation and reliable long-term deployment in fleet environments.
Reliability in Harsh Transit Environments
Running year round, transit vehicles are exposed to constant vibration, shock, and temperature changes. Standard commercial computers often struggle in this environment, which can lead to reliability issues and increased maintenance over time. A rugged fanless system provided a more dependable option for long term deployment across the fleet.
Space Constraints Inside Vehicle Control Compartments
Bus control cabinets already house several onboard systems, leaving little room for additional industrial PCs. Any new hardware had to fit within the existing enclosure layout, which made a compact design important for installation across different vehicles without major modifications.
The Solution
Premio’s x86 super-rugged fanless mini computer (RCO-1000-EHL)
After evaluating the system requirements, Premio’s x86 super-rugged fanless mini computer (RCO-1000-EHL) was selected as the onboard edge gateway solution for deployment across the bus fleet, supporting communication between vehicle subsystems and centralized mobility platforms. Built around the Intel Atom x6425E processor with support for up to 32GB DDR4 memory, the solution provided the performance needed for continuous onboard data processing and real time communication with control centers. In terms of I/O connectivity, it offers dual LAN including 2.5GbE, high speed USB 3.2, serial interfaces, and dual DisplayPort outputs, allowing integration with passenger displays, routers, GPS receivers, and fare validation equipment. The RCO-1000-EHL also supports wireless connectivity through internal expansion for 4G, 5G, and WiFi modules, enabling reliable communication between vehicles and centralized network infrastructure. To accommodate different interface requirements across vehicle configurations, the RCO-1000-EHL series supports up to three EdgeBoost I/O expansion modules for additional COM, USB, LAN, or HDMI connectivity, helping standardize installation across the fleet while maintaining flexibility for different onboard setups.
Efficient Processing for Real Time Edge Communication
The Intel Atom x6425E processor provided the performance needed to manage telemetry aggregation, scheduling updates, and onboard communications across daily transit operations. With four cores and a burst frequency of up to 3.0 GHz, the processor handled edge gateway workloads efficiently while maintaining a low 12 W thermal design power suitable for in-vehicle deployments. This balance of performance and power efficiency supported stable operation across long service hours in the transit environment.
Flexible Connectivity for Transit Subsystem Integration
The RCO-1000-EHL provides a range of industrial I/O interfaces that support integration with existing onboard transit systems. Dual LAN ports with 2.5GbE and GbE connectivity allowed connection to onboard routers and network equipment, while RS-232/422/485 COM interfaces supported communication with legacy devices such as fare validators and control units. Internal CAN 2.0 interfaces also enabled access to vehicle level signals when required, and mic-in and line-out audio supported driver communication functions. Together, these interfaces made it easier to connect multiple onboard systems through a single edge gateway platform.
Stable Operation Across Vehicle Electrical Conditions
Vehicle systems in transit environments power on and off together with the engine during daily operation. With built-in ignition sensing support, the RCO-1000-EHL enabled controlled startup and delayed shutdown aligned with vehicle status, helping prevent abrupt power loss and protect system integrity. This supported more stable operation and improved reliability over long service periods.
Rugged Design for Harsh Transit Deployment Conditions
The RCO-1000-EHL uses a compact aluminum enclosure measuring 150 mm by 105 mm by 49 mm, which allowed it to fit easily inside the limited space of existing bus control cabinets. Its fanless and cableless design helped reduce the risk of dust buildup and loose internal connections under constant vibration, while the wide operating temperature range from minus 40 to 70 degrees Celsius supported reliable operation throughout daily service. Built in protection features such as OVP and OCP added another layer of stability under changing vehicle power conditions. UL listing and MIL-STD-810H aligned shock and vibration compliance further supported deployment across the fleet in demanding transit environments.
The Benefits
Intel’s Ten-Year Embedded Processor Support
Using an Intel embedded processor with a ten-year product lifecycle helped ensure long term platform availability across the fleet. This reduced the risk of unexpected hardware changes over time and supported consistent operation throughout the lifecycle of the transportation infrastructure deployment.
Compliance Ready with Local Engineering Support
NDAA and TAA aligned hardware simplified procurement for public transportation projects with regulatory requirements. From a supply chain perspective, manufacturing in Taiwan and final assembly in the United States provided additional transparency for infrastructure deployments. Engineering support from Premio’s Los Angeles team also helped streamline system integration and provided timely assistance throughout deployment and expansion.
Conclusion
By deploying the RCO-1000-EHL super-rugged fanless mini computer as an onboard industrial IoT gateway, the transportation provider improved communication between vehicle subsystems and centralized control platforms across its bus fleet. The system supported reliable telemetry processing, passenger information updates, and real time coordination with dispatch infrastructure in a compact form factor suited for in-vehicle deployment. With Premio’s headquarters located in Los Angeles, the customer also benefited from responsive local engineering support throughout system integration and rollout. For more information about the RCO-1000-EHL, contact our product experts at sales@premioinc.com.