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Case Study
03.Dec.2024
Empowering Electronic Enclosure Manufacturer with C&T 3.5” SBC for Fanless Mini PC Solutions
Industrial applications in harsh environments require computing solutions that ensure durability and consistent performance. This case study highlights how a leading custom enclosure manufacturer used C&T' s CT-DAL11 3.5'' Single Board Computer to develop rugged fanless mini PCs, overcoming challenges in thermal management, durability, and compact design to meet the demands of industrial customers.
Background
A leading Custom Electronic Enclosure Manufacturer aimed to broaden its product offerings by introducing fanless mini PCs built specifically for challenging industrial environments. To overcome obstacles like effective thermal management, a compact yet durable design, and high performance, the manufacturer partnered with C&T and selected the CT-DAL11 Single Board Computer (SBC) as the core of their new fanless mini-PC line. This choice helped accelerate time-to-market while minimizing the need for extensive engineering resources for board-level design.
The Challenge
The manufacturer sought to expand its portfolio with fanless mini PCs that could withstand the demanding requirements of industrial environments.
Key challenges included:
- Managing heat dissipation without active cooling systems.
- Designing compact enclosures that maintain durability.
- Delivering consistent, reliable performance under harsh conditions.
To achieve this, they needed a computing solution that was:
- Efficient in processing power.
- Flexible with versatile connectivity.
- Equipped with a diverse range of I/O ports.
- Expandable for future use cases.
- Durable enough for industrial-grade environments.
The Solution
To address these needs, the manufacturer opted for C&T CT-DAL11 3.5'' Single Board Computer as the foundation for their fanless mini-PCs. The CT-DAL11’s advanced thermal management system enabled efficient passive cooling, making it ideal for fanless designs. Its compact 3.5-inch form factor allowed seamless integration into custom enclosures, while its rugged build provided reliability in extreme operating conditions. With diverse I/O options and industrial-grade performance, the CT-DAL11 met the specific demands of various industrial applications, offering:
- 12th Gen Intel® IoTG Alder Lake-N Processor N97: Optimized for power efficiency and performance ideal for embedded applications.
- DDR5 4800MHz SO-DIMM Slot: For faster memory and enhanced system responsiveness.
- Triple LAN Ports: Ensuring reliable, high-speed network connectivity.
- Wireless Connectivity: M.2 B-Key & M.2 E-Key for Wifi/Blutooth/LTE/4G/5G
- Internal and External USB Ports and Serial Communication: Providing flexibility for device integration and industrial applications.
The Benefit
By integrating C&T CT-DAL11 3.5'' SBC, the manufacturer quickly developed a rugged and reliable line of fanless mini PCs tailored for industrial applications. Utilizing C&T's off-the-shelf SBC accelerated time-to-market, allowing the manufacturer to focus on enclosure design while overcoming engineering challenges. This partnership showcases the value of combining robust computing solutions with specialized enclosures to deliver innovative and market-ready products.
Contact us to consult with our industrial technical experts.