Industrial ARM Raspberry Pi Boxed PC Offers Long Product Cycle for Rackmount Database Storage System
In the world of high-stakes data preservation, reliability isn’t just a feature—it’s a requirement. Our client, a leader in high-availability and high-security storage solutions, is redefining how industries handle large-scale media assets. Their flagship product serves as a sophisticated, disk-based replacement for traditional data tape and cloud archiving, specifically designed for the film, television, legal, and medical sectors.
To maintain their edge, they required a hardware partner capable of matching their standards for sustainability, security, and long-term availability. Enter the EPC-DN24 from Crystal Display Systems (CDS).
The Challenge: Moving Beyond Proof of Concept
The transition from a “working prototype” to an “industrial-grade product” is a critical hurdle for many developers. Our client initially utilized a consumer-grade product for their proof of concept. While effective for testing, consumer hardware lacks the longevity and ruggedness required for a professional Rackmount Database Storage System.
They needed a solution that offered:
Cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality.
Long-term availability to avoid frequent, costly redesigns.
Industrial-grade reliability to support their 24/7 high-security operations.
The Product: Giada DN24 (EPC-DN24) Embedded PC
To meet these rigorous demands, CDS supplied the Giada DN24, an embedded PC powered by the Raspberry Pi CM4 (Compute Module 4) Lite. This platform combines the flexibility of the Raspberry Pi ecosystem with an industrial-grade enclosure and hardware architecture.
Key Technical Specifications:
Processor: Quad-core Cortex-A72 (ARM v8) 64-bit SoC @ 1.5GHz.
Memory: Onboard dual-channel LPDDR4.
Video Performance: Integrated VideoCore VI GPU supporting 4K UHD hardware decoding (H.265).
Connectivity: Dual HDMI 2.0 outputs for versatile display configurations.
The Application: Driving the Interface of Modern Archiving
The EPC-DN24 is integrated as the “brain” behind a networked rackmount front panel. It drives a 7” touchscreen interface, allowing users to instantly access, sort, and manage vast archives of data. By utilizing the Raspberry Pi CM4 platform, the system remains energy efficient, contributing to a lower carbon footprint while maintaining the power necessary to handle complex database queries.
The CDS Solution: Why the EPC-DN24?
Crystal Display Systems optimised the hardware selection to ensure the client received a product that was “future-proof.” Unlike consumer boards that see frequent revisions and EOL (End of Life) notices, the Giada DN24 offers a long product life cycle.
Results and Benefits:
24/7 Operation: Designed for continuous use with minimal maintenance.
4K Capability: Supports high-resolution visual feedback for the operator.
Stability: A professional commercial-grade solution that reduces operational downtime.
Seamless Integration: The ultra-compact form factor fits perfectly within rackmount constraints.
As specialists in embedded products, CDS provides more than just hardware; we provide long-term stability. The client chose to partner with us because of our established reputation for quality and our ability to meet both technical specifications and strict budget requirements.
“By moving to the EPC-DN24, our client can now offer a reliable solution with a guaranteed product cycle, ensuring their storage systems stay in the field longer with fewer hardware headaches.”
If you are looking for a reliable, cost-effective embedded solution that offers industrial-grade quality and long-term availability, CDS is here to help. Whether your project involves ARM-based players, 4K displays, or custom Raspberry Pi integrations, we have the expertise to customise a solution for you.
Ready to upgrade your hardware cycle? Contact the CDS team today to discuss the EPC-DN24 or our wider range of industrial embedded PCs.