Introducing Powerful Industrial Mini-STX Motherboards with Intel Alder Lake-N Processors

Review Display Systems is now stocking a pair of industrial mini-STX (140 x 148mm) motherboards from Kontron. These motherboards are built around Intel Alder Lake-N processors with in-built graphics.

The first motherboard, K3921-N, comes with impressive features. It has two DisplayPort v1.4, one DisplayPort via front USB type-C, an embedded DisplayPort, and a dual-channel 24bit LVDS interface. This allows for a total of two 4K UHD and one FHD displays to be driven.

Processor options for the K3921-N include Processor N50 (2core 6W), N97 (4core 12W), N200 (4core 6W), or Core i3-N305 (8core 9-15W). Additionally, the board can accept up to 32Gbyte of DDR5 4800 memory. It also provides two M.2 connectors, one for storage and the other for wireless communications.

The K3921-N features two Ethernet ports, covering 1x 1Gbit/s and 1x 2.5Gbit/s. It also includes two COM headers: 1x RS232/422/485 and 1x RS232 only. In terms of USB connections, there are nine available: 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 (blue) and 2x USB 3.2 Gen2 (red) on the rear, 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 and 1x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C on the front, as well as headers for 3x USB 2.0.

For those looking for a more cost-effective option, the K3921-H mini-STX motherboard is available. It only supports Processor N100 (4core 6W) and lacks the LVDS connection. It also does not have the 2.5Gbit/s Ethernet port or the RS232/422/485 COM header. However, it can still support two 4K and one HD display.

Both motherboards can accept power from two sources: 20V PD in through USB-C or a rear-panel auto-dual-range (12V or 19-28V) input jack. It is worth noting that there is also an internal 4-pin connector that mirrors the rear-panel input. Clarification on these power options has been requested from Kontron by Electronics Weekly.

"Designed and manufactured in Germany, the Kontron mini-STX boards are specifically developed for continuous 24-hour operation," said RDS. "They are well-suited for various industrial applications such as automation, medical equipment, digital signage, point of information, and gaming."

For more information, you can visit the RDS K3921-N product page.