AAEON Unveils New PICO and GENE Boards with Amston Lake Processors

AAEON has released two new compact and powerful embedded computing boards, the PICO-ASL4 and GENE-ASL6, featuring Intel's latest Atom x7000RE Processor Series and innovative thermal design, making them versatile and durable options for various applications.

The PICO-ASL4 and GENE-ASL6 are powered by Intel's latest Atom x7000RE Processor Series, providing impressive performance and efficiency.
The PICO-ASL4 features a sleek, all-in-one heatsink design for efficient thermal management, making it suitable for use in extreme environments.
The GENE-ASL6 offers support for three simultaneous displays and a robust selection of connectivity options, making it ideal for edge gateways and digital signage applications.

In the ever-evolving world of embedded computing, AAEON has just rolled out two intriguing new boards that promise to shake things up a bit: the PICO-ASL4 and the GENE-ASL6. Both of these compact powerhouses are powered by Intel’s latest Atom x7000RE Processor Series, previously known as Amston Lake. If you’re scratching your head over the name change, you’re not alone. But let’s dive into what these new models really bring to the table.

First up, the PICO-ASL4, which fits snugly into the 2.5″ PICO-ITX form factor. This little board is not just about size; it’s packed with features that could make it a go-to for applications in smart transportation and manufacturing. With options for the Intel Atom x7433RE and x7835RE processors, it maxes out at just 12 watts—impressive for a board that can handle some serious workloads.

What I find particularly fascinating is how AAEON has rethought the thermal design. Instead of the usual bulky heat spreader, they’ve opted for a sleek, All-in-One heatsink. This means the PICO-ASL4 can keep its cool without taking up much space, all while maintaining a temperature range that can handle extremes from -40°C to 85°C. It’s almost like they’re saying, “Hey, we know you’re going to use this in some rough environments, so we’ve got you covered.”

But it’s not just about the heat management. The PICO-ASL4 also sports dual LAN ports (both 2.5GbE and 1GbE) and six USB ports. For those of us who have ever struggled with connectivity in tight spaces, this is a welcome feature. Plus, with its SODIMM-based system memory supporting up to 16 GB of DDR5, it’s clear that AAEON is aiming for versatility without sacrificing performance.

Now, if the PICO-ASL4 is the compact workhorse, the GENE-ASL6 is more like the flashy show-off, designed for edge gateways and digital signage applications. With support for three simultaneous displays through HDMI, VGA, and LVDS interfaces, it’s hard not to think of all the creative possibilities. Imagine a smart kiosk that not only displays information but also interacts with users through audio options like Line-In and Line-Out. The potential for innovation here is exciting, especially in environments where engagement is key.

On the connectivity front, the GENE-ASL6 takes it up a notch with three 2.5 GbE LAN ports and a robust selection of serial communication options. It’s almost like AAEON is handing you a toolkit for building your own edge device. Want to integrate Wi-Fi or 5G? There’s an M.2 slot for that. Need extra storage? The full-size mSATA/mPCIe slot has you covered.

What’s particularly striking about both models is their fanless design, which not only reduces noise but also enhances durability. In my experience, devices that can operate quietly while handling demanding tasks are worth their weight in gold, especially in settings like hospitals or retail environments where silence is golden.

Both the PICO-ASL4 and GENE-ASL6 are now available for pre-order on AAEON’s eShop, and if you’re curious about the nitty-gritty specs, their product pages are worth a visit.

So, whether you’re a developer looking to build the next big thing in smart tech or just someone intrigued by the potential of embedded systems, AAEON’s latest offerings are certainly worth keeping an eye on. After all, in a world that’s increasingly reliant on edge computing, having the right tools can make all the difference. What innovative applications do you see for these boards? The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this space so exciting.

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Background Information

About AAEON: AAEON is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced industrial and embedded computing solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology, AAEON provides a wide range of rugged and reliable hardware products tailored to meet the diverse needs of industries such as industrial automation, IoT (Internet of Things), edge computing, and AI (Artificial Intelligence).

About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is renowned for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of groundbreaking advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

Technology Explained

DDR5: DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the next generation of memory technology for the computer industry. It is a modern day improvement on earlier DDR technologies, with faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher capacities. DDR5 enables higher resolution, seamless gaming experiences and faster data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and 4K gaming. With its greater RAM compatibility, DDR5 provides faster buffering times and raised clock speeds, giving users an improved overall work system. DDR5 is also optimized for multi-tasking, allowing users to multitask without experiencing a significant drop in performance, increasing the productivity of digital tasks. As an ever-evolving technology, DDR5 is paving the way for the computer industry into a new and powerful era.

ITX: ITX (Information Technology eXtended) is a form factor for motherboards and other computer components. It is a small form factor that is designed to be more compact than traditional ATX motherboards. ITX motherboards are typically used in small form factor PCs, such as those used in home theater PCs, media centers, and other small form factor applications. ITX motherboards are also used in embedded systems, such as those used in industrial automation, medical equipment, and other embedded applications. ITX motherboards offer a number of advantages over traditional ATX motherboards, such as lower power consumption, smaller size, and improved cooling. Additionally, ITX motherboards are often more affordable than their ATX counterparts, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

M.2: M.2, also known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a computer expansion card format that is designed to replace the outdated mSATA standard. It is thinner and longer than mSATA, which gives it a much higher data transfer rate. The M.2 format measures 22mm in width and can measure up to 110mm in length. It uses the M-key and B-key connectors to interface with PC host systems, and can connect to both SATA III and PCIe for data transfer. Due to its small size, M.2 is often used for ultra-slim laptops and netbooks, as well as in embedded SSDs for tablets and other mobile devices. It is also becoming increasingly popular in the desktop computer industry, thanks to its compactness and fast transfer speeds. This makes M.2 ideal for gaming PCs, workstations, and other demanding applications that require high levels of data throughput.