Fanless Linux embedded system makes a compact IoT gateway

ICP Germany has recently introduced the MiTAC ME1-8MD series family of compact, fanless Linux embedded systems powered by NXP i.MX 8M processor and designed to be used as IoT gateways, data acquisition and processing systems, and mini servers.

Three models have been launched with a choice of dual or quad-core processors, up to 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, and 32GB eMMC flash storage. The embedded computers also come with up to two Ethernet ports, support up to two displays, and include an internal Raspberry Pi compatible 40 pin GPIO header.

MiTAC ME1-8MD specifications and key features:

• SoC – NXP i.MX 8M Dual or Quad with two or four Cortex-A53 @ 1.3GHz, Cortex-M4 MCU, Vivante GC7000 Lite GPU, and 4K video processing unit
• System Memory – 1 to 4GB LPDDR4 800 Mhz RAM
• Storage – 8, 16, or 32GB eMMC flash, 1x MicroSD card slot up to 256GB
• Video Output
  • HDMI 2.0
  • Optional DisplayPort 1.2
• Audio – Realtek ALC5660 audio codec, but no audio ports are visible on the device.
• Connectivity
  • Up to two Gigabit Ethernet via Realtek RTL8111H and/or Realtek RTL8211FD
  • Optional WiFi/Bluetooth via mini PCIe socket
  • Optiona 4G LTE via mini PCie socket and SIM card slot (multiplexed with MicroSD slot)
  • 2x SMA antennas (optional for WiFi / LTE function)
• USB – 2x USB 3.0 port, 1x USB 2.0
• Serial – Optional 1x RS232/422/485 DB-9 port
• Expansion
  • Mini PCIe full/half-size socket with PCIe and USB signals
  • 10-pin GPIO terminal block with 4x DI, 4x DO, 5V, and GND signals
• Misc – Power Button, Power LED
• Power Supply – 12V/3A via 3-pin terminal block
• Dimensions – 140 x 100 x 38.75mm (Sheet metal enclosure)
• Temperature Range – Operating: 0 ~ 55°C; storage: -20 ~ 70°C
• Humidity – Operating: 10% ~ 90% R/H (Non-condensing); storage: 10% ~ 95% @ 85°C non-condensing
• Certifications – CE / FCC Class B

By default, the mini PC ships with wall mount brackets, a 10-pin terminal block male plug, and a quick installation guide. Three standard models are available as listed in the table below, where we can see only ME1-8MQ-4G32G model comes with i.MX 8M Quad processor, DisplayPort output, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, and the COM port.

MiTAC provides Yocto Sumo and Android 9 Pie BSP’s both based on Linux 4.14.98. While there’s a Raspberry Pi header on the single board computers inside the device, it’s unclear how customers can make use of it with this system.

MiTAC ME1-108T fanless embedded system is available on ICP Germany, but you’d have to register and login to request pricing. Additional information may be found on the product page.

Via LinuxGizmos

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.

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