Low Power Computing
We started designing our own computer for a variety of reasons. One factor was the speed with which PC board manufacturers change their printed circuit boards. Compatibility between components is soon lost and maintaining third party computer boards (which may be superseded and thus dropped by the manufacturer after quite a short period) is challenging.
However, the main reason was power. Traditional computer boards use too much.
This is at the heart of NALPS' core values. Why use more power than is needed? If a low power computer can carry out the tasks required to drive a 50 Watt LCD panel, why use one that is more power-hungry? And if a solar powered system will suffice, why run mains cabling to an unnecessarily “inefficient” computer?
So in designing our own computer (HERMES Lite) we have addressed both of these points.
HERMES Lite is for use in all of our solar powered solutions, the first release product being CHRONOS - our solar powered sign. HERMES Lite only draws about 0.5 Watts.
NALPS will continue to expand the range of applications that utilise HERMES Lite.
