Home News&Events Case Study Empowering Electronic Enclosure Manufacturer with C&T 3.5” SBC for Fanless Mini PC Solutions
    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 CT-DAL11 SBC empowered the manufacturer to achieve their vision of delivering compact, durable, and efficient fanless mini PCs for industrial environments, ensuring faster development cycles and robust performance. 

    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. 
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