Although the fit-anywhere Mini-ITX motherboard design was originated more than a decade ago, it was only recently that implementation of its 170-mm by 170-mm form factor has hit full consumer-application stride. Even hardcore gamers are now discovering its potential. But the same factors that now make Mini-ITX boards so popular for driving home-theater systems – accommodation of passive low-noise cooling, power efficiency, diminutive footprint, and punching-above-its-weight-class performance capability – are the factors that caused them to be originally targeted to the industrial market.
Advantech has recently expanded its lines of Mini-ITX boards with the introduction of six new configurations:
- AIMB-273 and -272: The 273 supports Intel’s low-power, 22nm-process i7/i5/i3 Celeron processors with Mobile QM77 chipsets. These processors feature Intel HD Graphics 4000/2500 for enhanced video performance, including 3-D rendering, and on-board Intel Quick Sync Video to free the CPU to perform other tasks, features that are necessary to take fullest advantage of the board’s native support for up to three displays via its DP, HDMI, LVDS or CRT ports. Of course, the Gen-3 PCIex16 slot accommodates the addition of a high-performance GPU for even more graphic-intensive applications. The 272 supports Core i7/i5/i3 PGA processors with QM67 chipsets and powers up to two monitors via native DVI, HDMI, LVDS and CRT outputs. I/O for both boards include four USB-3.0, four USB 2.0, two RS-232 ports, plus TPM and audio line-in, line-out and mic-in.
- AIMB-267: Dubbed the “Kiosk,” the 267 supports Intel’s Core 2 Quad processors with G41 chipsets, with I/O for eight serial ports, eight USB ports, and dual display via CRT and LVDS, plus audio line-in, line-out and mic-in.
- AIMB-222: Supports AMD Mobile Athlon II Neo and Turion II Neo ASB2 dual-core processors coupled with its 785E chipset. These 64-bit platforms are specifically designed for embedded applications requiring high-definition hardware video decoding. I/O includes support for dual displays via CRT, LVDS and HDMI (DVI optional), eight USB 2.0, two RS-232 and PS/2 KB/Mouse ports, plus a GPIO, dual LANs, and audio line-in, line-out and mic-in.
- AIMB-214 and -213: The 214 supports Intel’s Atom N2600/D2550 dual-core processors. I/O includes support for dual displays via CRT, LVDS and HDMI, six serial ports, six USB 2.0 ports, two RS-232 ports, two PS/2 ports, plus GPIO, dual LANs, and audio line-in, line-out and mic-in. The new 213 supports Intel’s Atom N455 and D525 dual-core processors and delivers the same I/O connectivity.
Advantech offers a variety of enclosures for its expanding line of Mini-ITX boards, including the AIMB-B2000 chassis. It measures just 250(W) by 98(H) by 255(D) mm, features two shock-resistant 2.5-inch drive bays, and supports either an ATX power supply or an AC-DC power adapter.
Let me know if you need any help with choosing the right Mini-ITX boards to use. Shoot me an e-mail at jeremy.miller@L-Tron.com or call me at (800) 830-8523 x126.