Form factor motherboards

Industrial PCs, once known as industrial computers, embedded computers, are often misconceived as devices exclusive to manufacturing devices. However, their applications extend far beyond the factory floor. Industrial computers are integrated into a variety of everyday technologies, such as ATMs in financial institutions, POS systems in convenience retail stores, and access control gates in MRT stations. It's no overstatement to say that "Industrial PCs are all around you." Given their broad application, the functions and specifications of Industrial PCs can vary slightly depending on the specific use case. For instance, the requirements for ATMs and POS systems are quite distinct. Consequently, IPC manufacturers must tailor their offerings to meet the diverse needs of different scenarios by providing industrial motherboards in various sizes and specifications.   Industrial motherboards are central to the construction of industrial automation systems, serving as the link between a range of industrial equipment, sensors, and actuators. Their stability, reliability, and expandability are essential for the smooth operation of these systems. Developing a motherboard from the ground up is a lengthy process. To align with product launch timelines, the market has distilled the most common requirements and established three standard motherboard sizes: MINI ITX, Micro ATX, and ATX. This allows system integrators and end-users across industries to select the appropriate specifications for their needs and build customized systems. MINI-ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, as embodiments of miniaturization and performance, are extensively utilized in intelligent and automated equipment.       Overview of Industrial motherboard specifications  1. Motherboard size: MINI ITX motherboards are known for their extremely small size (170mm x 170mm), which is very suitable for space-constrained application scenarios.The size of Micro ATX motherboards (244mm x 244mm) is slightly larger than MINI-ITX, but still maintains good space efficiency.   2. Expansion capability: MINI-ITX motherboards usually provide fewer expansion slots, usually only one PCIe slot, which limits their expansion capabilities, especially in industrial applications that require multiple GPUs or other high-speed expansion cards, but are sufficient to meet basic industrial needs. Micro ATX motherboards offer more expansion slots, including additional PCIe and PCI slots to support more industrial expansion cards. They can provide more PCIe slots and other expansion options, which enables them to support more peripherals and higher-performance GPUs. This is very important for application scenarios that require complex computing or graphics processing, such as traffic light control equipment or medical action control equipment   Performance and Scalability  1. CPU Support: MINI-ITX motherboards, due to their extremely small size (170mm x 170mm), are usually equipped with ultra-low-power x86 processors, which are often soldered on the motherboard and cooled with heat sinks instead of fans. For example, some industrial-grade MINI-ITX motherboards may use low-power CPUs from the Intel Atom series, Intel Alder Lake, Intel Tiger Lake, or Celeron/Pentium series. Micro ATX motherboards (244mm x 244mm) have more space to accommodate higher-performance CPUs, including processors with higher thermal design power (TDP). For example, they can support processors from the Intel Core i7/i5/i3 series or AMD Ryzen series, which are usually equipped with more powerful multi-core performance and higher power consumption.  2. Memory support: Both motherboards support DDR3 / DDR4 / DDR5 memory, but Micro ATX motherboards usually support higher maximum memory capacity.  3. Storage interface: Both provide SATA interfaces, but Micro ATX motherboards may provide more SATA interfaces to support more storage devices.  4. Expansion slots: MINI-ITX motherboards usually provide fewer PCIe slots, while Micro ATX motherboards provide more PCIe and PCI slots.   I/O Interface and Connectivity  1. Rear I/O Interface: The rear I/O interface of MINI-ITX motherboards is more limited, but it is enough to meet basic needs. Micro ATX motherboards provide more USB ports, video output ports and other I/O interfaces.  2. Internal I/O Interfaces: Both offer front panel connections and internal USB expansion, but Micro ATX motherboards offer more options.  3. Network Connections: Both have integrated network cards, but Micro ATX motherboards may offer higher-level network connection options, such as dual network card support.  4. Audio Interfaces: Both have integrated sound cards, but Micro ATX motherboards may offer more advanced audio interfaces.   Heat Dissipation and Layout  1. Heat Dissipation Solutions: Due to the compact design of MINI-ITX motherboards, they face greater challenges in heat dissipation, which may affect the choice of CPU because the power consumption and heat dissipation requirements of the processor need to be considered. In some extreme environments, such as automobiles or outdoor equipment, MINI-ITX motherboards may require specially designed CPUs to meet temperature resistance requirements. Micro ATX motherboards usually have better heat dissipation designs due to more space, including larger heat sinks and more fans, which allows them to use higher power CPUs while keeping the system running stably.  2. Internal layout: The internal layout of both motherboards needs to consider airflow management and cable management, but the Micro ATX motherboard has a more flexible layout due to its larger space. Whether it is a MINI-ITX or Micro ATX motherboard, they need to follow specific industrial standards to ensure compatibility with other hardware components. This means that despite the differences in size and performance, they can both run similar operating systems and software   Uses and applicable scenarios  1. MINI-ITX motherboards are suitable for space-constrained applications such as small HTPCs, home servers, and embedded systems. 2. Micro ATX motherboards are applicable scenarios: Suitable for applications that require more expansion, such as small and medium-sized tower cases, traffic light control equipment, medical action control equipment, and workstations. Both industrial motherboards are widely used in industrial automation and embedded systems, although the specific application scenarios and requirements may vary. For example, MINI-ITX may be more suitable for space-constrained occasions, while Micro ATX may be more suitable for applications that require more expansion and more powerful computing power. Both MINI-ITX and Micro ATX motherboards emphasize long-term availability and a stable supply chain, which is essential for industrial systems that require long-term operation and maintenance. This requires that the CPUs they use must also have long-term supply and support   Cost and Value  1. Price comparison: MINI-ITX motherboards are usually cheaper and suitable for projects with limited budgets. Micro ATX motherboards are slightly more expensive, but provide more functions and expandability.  2. Balance between performance and cost: When choosing a motherboard, you need to balance performance and cost based on the specific needs and budget of the project.   Market Trends and Future Outlook  1. Market demand: With the development of industrial automation and the Internet of Things, the market demand for miniaturized motherboards continues to grow.  2. Technological development: In the future, motherboard technology may develop towards higher integration, stronger performance and better energy efficiency.   MINI-ITX and Micro ATX motherboards each have their own advantages in diverse industry market. MINI-ITX motherboards are suitable for space-constrained and budget-limited applications with their small size and lower cost, while Micro ATX motherboards are suitable for applications that require more functions and expansion with their better expandability and performance. Choosing the most suitable motherboard needs to be determined based on the specific needs and budget of the project. Discover how Fodenn can tailor industrial motherboards to your specific needs. Contact us today!

With the development of emerging technology industries such as industrial automation, industrial motherboards are the backbone of any industrial computing system, and choosing the right form factor motherboard is crucial for ensuring the performance, reliability, and longevity of your equipment. The selection process involves considering the form factor, extensibility, size, and cooling requirements, as well as the specific application needs. So when you ask "Which size motherboard is more suitable for my project application design?" The answer to this question is not one-size-fits-all, as it largely depends on the specific requirements and constraints of your project. Here are some guides to help you determine the most suitable industrial motherboard size for your application.   Factors to Consider 1. Space Constraints: The surface dimensions of your project's products will be the primary factor. If you're working on a compact device or an embedded system with limited space, smaller form factors like Mini ITX (170*170mm), Nano ITX (120*120mm), Pico ITX (72*100mm), or even COM Express modules might be more appropriate. For larger industrial systems or those requiring more expansion slots, ATX (305*244mm)or Micro-ATX (244*244mm) motherboards could be the better choice. 2. Performance Needs: The processing power and memory capacity required by your project application will also influence your choice. Higher performance applications, such as those involving heavy data processing or complex computations, may necessitate a larger ITX motherboard / ATX motherboard that can accommodate more powerful CPUs and a greater amount of RAM. 3. Expansion and Connectivity: Consider the number and type of peripherals you plan to connect and install. Larger motherboards typically offer more expansion slots (PCI, PCIe) and a wider array of built-in connectors for various interfaces (USB, SATA, COM ports, etc.). If your application requires a high degree of connectivity, a larger motherboard may be more suitable. 4. Power Requirements: The power consumption of your embedded system can also dictate the motherboard size. Larger motherboards can support more power phases and higher wattage, which may be necessary for certain high-performance components. 5. Thermal Management: Heat dissipation is also crucial in industrial applications. Larger motherboards generally have more space for heat sinks and better airflow, which can help maintain optimal operating temperatures. 6. Cost: Budget is always a consideration. Smaller form factor motherboards can be more cost-effective, but they may also have limitations in terms of performance and expandability.   Common Form Factors Mini-ITX: Ideal for small form factor applications where space is at a premium. They offer a good balance between size and performance, making them suitable for applications like kiosks, digital signage, and small form factor PCs. Micro-ATX: A step up from Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX motherboards provide more expansion options and better cooling capabilities. They are often used in mid-sized industrial PCs and systems where a bit more room is available. ATX: The standard size for desktop computers, ATX motherboards offer the most room for expansion and high-performance components. They are suitable for server rooms, high-performance workstations, and systems that require multiple expansion cards. COM Express: A compact module suitable for highly integrated and space-constrained applications. It's often used in embedded systems where the CPU, memory, and some I/O are integrated into a single module. Small Form Factor MotherboardFor the heat dissipation of small form factor motherboards, the industry has developed a variety of innovative methods to cope with space constraints and heat dissipation needs. Here are some effective heat dissipation solutions: 1. Enhanced air cooling: Some small form factor motherboards use special air cooling designs, such as using ultra-thin and efficient heat sinks and high-speed fans to increase heat dissipation capacity. For example, by adding ultra-thin heat sinks and fixing them with electrical tape, the temperature is effectively reduced. 2. Combination of heat spreader and heat pipe: In the CPU radiator design, the combination of heat spreader and heat pipe can improve the heat dissipation efficiency. By improving the heat pipe layout, such as sawing off the edge of the heat pipe without affecting the efficiency, the heat dissipation performance can be increased and optimized obviously. 3. Motherboard miniaturization: Through high-density layout and miniaturization design, more heat dissipation space can be created in small devices such as mini PCs, and laptops. For example, the heat dissipation effect is improved through dual fans and dual heat pipe cooling systems. 4. M.2 SSD dedicated cooling: For the cooling of high-speed M.2 SSDs, motherboard manufacturers like Fodenn have launched a variety of cooling solutions, including water cooling, SO DIMM.2 memory radiators, 3D printed M.2 fan brackets, and double-layer heat sink designs to improve the cooling efficiency of SSDs. 5. Downward-blowing CPU radiators: For ITX and ATX motherboards, compact downward-blowing CPU radiators can be used. These radiators usually have built-in heat pipes and thin designs to adapt to the height restrictions of small chassis. These innovative methods demonstrate the diversity and progress in the cooling design of small motherboards, allowing small devices to effectively manage heat while maintaining compact size, ensuring performance and stability. The choice of form factor motherboard size for your project application design should be based on a careful assessment of your project's specific needs. Consider the space available, the performance required, the number of peripherals you need to support, power and thermal management, and your budget. By carefully considering the factors mentioned above, you can ensure that your system is equipped to handle the demands of your specific application while providing a platform for future growth and technological advancements.  Remember, the world of industrial motherboards is constantly evolving, with new form factors and technologies emerging to meet the demands of an ever-changing landscape. As a designer, it's essential to stay informed about these developments to make the best choices for your projects. As a professional designing and manufacturing team, Fodenn has been committed to the research and development of many kinds of industrial motherboards for many years. To find the professional solutions you need for your next construction project, send your requirements and reach out to our team directly to learn more.