Compact size meets versatile expansion in box PC

Impulse Embedded has announced the availability of the Nuvo-2822, a new, compact expansion box PC from Neousys, which offers five times the performance over their previous model using the impressive and power-efficient Intel Alder Lake N97 CPU that can efficiently process vast amounts of data in real-time. That, combined with its four PCIe/PCI expansion slots and affordable price, makes it a powerful and versatile PC all in one.

The box PC is designed for real-world applications that need reliability, such as on a factory floor, as part of an IoT system, or in machine automation setups. It features a four-channel isolated DI, a four-channel isolated DO, and four COM ports to communicate with and control various industrial sensors, indicators, motors, and actuators.

Measuring a mere 164.6mm (W) x 214.6mm (D) x 135.6mm (H), the device is perfect for systems with space constraints. It can easily be fitted into a compact control cabinet, mounted within machinery, or tucked away in a tight industrial workspace without affecting accessibility. This small footprint permits it to be integrated into environments where rack computers simply would not fit.

Aside from its size, this box PC is also made to be durable. The rugged build is designed to handle extreme conditions, with an operating temperature range of -10C to 60C or, with the addition of a fan, as high as 70C. Its Intel Alder Lake N CPU can process large amounts of real-time data. The Alder Lake N family of CPUs are low-power, cost-effective processors designed primarily for embedded systems, IoT, and edge computing using Intel's 12th-generation Alder Lake architecture. Unlike mainstream Alder Lake chips, the N series focuses solely on efficiency cores (E-cores) rather than performance cores (P-cores).

Its wide-range DC input (12V to 24V) further improves its ability to adapt to different industrial power setups. This flexibility is especially valuable in industrial automation, transportation, and remote monitoring applications, where power sources can vary.

Despite its small form factor, the device features dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, four USB 3.0 ports, and two COM ports, offering plenty of options for integrating existing systems. Support for PCIe and PCI expansion cards makes it flexible enough to handle specialised tasks in industrial control or automation, and storage options are versatile, too, with an M.2 SATA SSD slot and a 2.5" drive bay for added capacity.

The box PC introduces a new feature for improved power efficiency: its 'Super Power Saving Mode' dramatically lowers energy consumption when the system is in standby (S4/S5) mode. This makes it practical for anyone seeking to optimise energy and improve the sustainability of their operations, not to mention cost savings, without sacrificing functionality.

Thanks to its compatibility with Neousys' 100 TOPS Intelligent Frame Grabber Card, powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX, the system can also be easily upgraded to handle AI inference tasks. This means existing x86-based setups can be transformed into high-performance AI platforms without requiring an entirely new infrastructure. By integrating the Intelligent Frame Grabber Card, the device can efficiently handle object detection, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance – all at the edge, lowering latency and reliance on cloud computing.

The Nuvo-2822 offers a high degree of flexibility. It balances performance, efficiency, and adaptability, meaning it can fit naturally into various industrial scenarios. Its compact design means it can run easily in tight spaces and contribute to energy-conscious operations, and its practicality makes it an all-arounder for industrial systems with modern challenges.