Fanless, Atom-based mini-PC offers stackable expansion
ADL’s rugged, 94 x 86 x 58mm “ADLEPC-1520” mini-PC runs Linux or Windows on dual- or quad-core Bay Trail Atom SoCs, and offers 2x GbE, 2x SATA-ready M.2 sockets, and a choice of stackable PCIe I/O boards.
ADL Embedded Solutions lists the ADLEPC-1520’s dimensions as a mere 3.7 x 3.4 x 2.3 inches, which would be about 94 x 86 x 58mm. The 1.5-pound (0.45 K) computer offers a choice of two optional, stackable I/O combo boards enabled by a PCIe-based expansion system similar to the one provided by the year-old ADLEPC-1500 mini-PC. The earlier, 86 x 81 x 33mm ADLEPC-1500 runs on an ADLE3800SEC SBC that debuted a new 75 x 75mm “Edge-Connect” form factor with dual PCIe expansion. Unlike the ADLEPC-1500, the taller ADLEPC-1520 is designed to enclose a stackable PCIe-based add-on board, thereby saving space compared to horizontal expansion.
Two views of the ADLEPC-1520 (top row I/O derives from one of two stackable I/O boards with 2x GbE and 2x USB 2.0 ports)
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The new ADLEPC-1520 is built around an ADL75S-E38XX mainboard that is similar to the ADLE3800SEC SBC, featuring the same 75 x 75mm footprint and quad-core Intel Atom E3845 or dual-core E3827. The features are also almost identical except that the earlier ADL75S-E38XX had an option for a second DisplayPort or HDMI port while the ADLE3800SEC-based ADLEPC-1520 has only one DisplayPort. However, the ADL75S-E38XX board and ADLEPC-1520 mini-PC supply two M.2 slots instead of one.
Earlier ADLE3800SEC SBC (left) which drives last year’s ADLEPC-1500 mini-PC at right
We don’t know the exact specs of the ADLE3800SEC SBC since it has yet to be announced. Given its older Bay Trail SoC, it’s possible it won’t be launched separately. A very similar dual PCIe stacking system is also used on ADL’s recent Nano-ITX form factor (120 x 120mm), Intel 6th Gen Core based ADL120S SBC, which will likely drive another ADL mini-PC in the future.
Inside the ADLEPC-1520 mini-PC: ADL75S-E38XX SBC with add-on board stacked on top
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The ADLEPC-1520 mini-PC ships with 4GB soldered RAM. Its Atom SoCs support Ubuntu 16.04, RHEL (Red Hat Embedded Linux), and Windows. Standard features include 2x GbE ports and DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports. The dual M.2 Key B 2242 sockets support SATA II SSDs.
In addition to M.2, you get two stackable PCIe add-on board options. One provides “2x LAN, 2x USB 2.0, 1x M.2 SATA SSD w/ Front Panel,” and one offers “2x LAN, 2x USB 2.0, 1x M.2 SATA SSD w/ Front Panel.” Custom stackable I/O boards are also available.
 ADL120S Nano-ITX SBC |
The fanless, conduction-cooled computer has a temperature range of 0 to 70°C, with a -40 to 85°C option that requires the addition of a cooling plate. The thick-walled chassis is made of 6063 aluminum, and offers a “durable anodized finish, flush-mounted screws and flexible mounting options,” says ADL. Options include conformal coating for high humidity environments, as well as BGA underfill to add resistance to shock, vibration, and rapid thermal transients.
There’s a wide-range 20-30VDC input and optional 12-24VDC and 24- 36VDC inputs. An AC/DC 24V adapter with wall plug is optional, and other custom power options are also available.
Further information
The ADLEPC-1520 mini-PC appears to be available now at an undisclosed price. More information may be found on ADL’s ADLEPC-1520 product page.