DFI Launches Latest Industrial PCs for Advanced AI Computing

DFI has released its latest embedded computing solutions: the EC70A-ADP and EC700-ADN industrial PCs. DFI is a producer of industrial PCs, advanced embedded systems, and motherboards for AI at the edge. 

DFI’s latest solutions, the EC70A-ADP (left) and the EC700-ADN industrial PCs. Image used courtesy of DFI 

The Embedded Systems Market

According to Precedence Research, the global embedded systems market is projected to reach $258.6 billion by 2032, rising from a value of $162.3 billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.77%. The embedded systems market encompasses industrial, automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics applications. It involves the incorporation of computer systems into networks or devices used to monitor and control processes. 

The growth of embedded systems worldwide appears to arise from the increased adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for advanced medical devices, improvements in microprocessor technology, the development and construction of smart homes and buildings, and connected/interoperable devices. To meet growing market demands, DFI has launched its latest industrial PCs. 

DFI’s compact, fanless EC70A-ADP industrial computer is suitable for AMR and AGV applications. Image used courtesy of DFI

DFI Industrial PCs

DFI’s fanless EC70A-ADP is described as a highly compact industrial PC that operates using the 12th Gen Intel Core Alder Lake-P Processor. The EC70A-ADP features a space-saving and low-noise design, making it an attractive choice for space-limited and quiet environments. It contains 8 GB of internal memory and an SO-DIMM DDR4 slot for additional storage options. For connectivity, it supports 5G-NR modules and dual screens. The EC70A-ADP has a broad operating temperature (-20 °C to 60 °C), making it robust enough for various industrial uses, including in AMRs and AGVs.

DFI’s EC700-ADN is like the EC70A-ADP, except it is compatible with the Hailo-8 module. This provides the EC700-ADN with powerful AI computing capabilities. Its sophisticated algorithms process high-resolution, high-frame-rate videos, helping to improve object detection. The module also enhances operational efficiency by producing detailed metadata and minimizing false alerts.

DFI’s compact, fanless EC700-ADN industrial PC is designed to bring powerful AI computing to industrial applications. Image used courtesy of DFI

Alder Lake P Processors

The hybrid-core architecture of the 12th generation Intel Core processors, formerly dubbed, Alder Lake P, dynamically optimizes power, performance, and operational effectiveness in real time. Performance cores (P-cores) and efficient cores (E-cores) are the two types of cores (or processing units) used in this design. The Alder Lake P processors focus on particular aspects of performance, including low power consumption, integrated graphics, embedded functionality, and multitasking capabilities.

Viewed from the perspective of industrial computing, effective power use and use of processing capabilities are important. Alder Lake processors are geared up to handle complex workloads, using each computing facet and core to its full capacities. The processors are also designed to maximize the efficient cores to ensure computing power is not wasted on inappropriate tasks. Performance can be scaled across cores to cater to a growing workload, and specific applications can utilize a hybrid architecture without modifying and creating new code.