Advantech board suits small, quiet applications

  • February 12, 2025
  • Steve Rogerson

Taiwanese embedded IoT firm Advantech has unveiled a platform targeting industrial automation and control, outdoor self-service kiosks, digital signage, and in vitro diagnostic medical devices that require efficient computing in diverse, confined spaces.

The AIMB-219 is a thin Mini-ITX board equipped with the latest Atom platform. It supports Atom N-series, Atom x7000RE and Intel Core i3 N-series processors, to increase CPU and graphics performance.

It is designed for fanless operation in temperatures from -20 to +70˚C.

Its compact, low-profile Mini-ITX design suits space-limited systems and provides IO connectivity, including USB Type-C and M.2 B-/E-Key.

There are various SKU options, including Atom N-series, Atom x7000RE and Intel Core i3 N-series processors. The Intel Core i3-N305, the most powerful processor in the Atom line, boasts a 2.5x improvement in computing performance over the processor in the AIMB-218, with up to eight cores, a burst frequency of 3.8GHz, and a TDP of under 15W.

Additionally, it features Intel UHD graphics based on Intel Xe architecture, with up to 32 EUs, offering double the 3D Mark performance and better computational capabilities than the Intel Core ULT processor (i3-8145U). Additionally, the classic Atom N97 shows improvements, with a 1.6x increase in computing performance and a 2x boost in graphics performance compared with the previous Atom generation.

With components chosen for their resistance to extreme temperatures, it is suitable for factory automation and outdoor kiosks where temperature fluctuations are common, ensuring uninterrupted operation. The fanless design eliminates noise pollution, making it more compact and suitable for mobile system integration. It suits environments where quiet operation is essential, such as digital signage and in vitro diagnostic medical devices.

IOs include triple independent displays (DP over USB Type-C, HDMI up to 4K, and LVDS or eDP), to enhance system configuration. This setup ensures visual output across multiple screens, suitable for outdoor signage and kiosks. Expansion options include M.2 B-Key and E-Key for wireless connections, simplifying mobile device deployment, and ensuring seamless connectivity with three USB 3.2 Gen 2, five USB 2.0, one USB Type-C, and six com ports.

Additionally, it supports ccTalk and TTL protocols via serial port, providing stable data transmission and easing system integration for self-service kiosks and entertainment equipment. This board merges all these features within a 1U low-profile height, enhancing the aesthetics of the system.

The AIMB-219 (www.advantech.com/en-us/search/?q=AIMB-219&st=support) has up to 16Gbyte DDR4 3200MT/s memory and there is embedded OS support for Windows 10, Linux Ubuntu and DeviceOn.

With more than 8600 employees worldwide and 40 years of experience, Advantech (www.advantech.com) provides embedded AIoT products that integrate embedded hardware and software and customer-oriented design services, for Industry 4.0 applications, electric vehicle charging and green energy, medical devices, digital signage or gaming platforms.