Kontron announced a compact, Linux-ready “KBox B-201” embedded PC with a Kaby Lake CPU, triple displays, 2x GbE, 10x USB, and SATA III storage available via 2.5-inch, M.2, and optional mSATA slots.

Kontron’s KBox B-201 embedded PC runs Yocto-based Linux or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB on 7th Gen Intel Core “Kaby Lake” processors. The rugged system stands out with its compact, 190 x 190 x 60mm, 2 kg footprint, its “silent” (<= 34 dBA) fan, and its multiple storage and mounting options. The Mini-ITX based computer is designed for “image processing tasks, plant data collection, as well as manufacturing executive systems (MES) in the automation pyramid,” says Kontron.

KBox B-201
(click image to enlarge)

The KBox B-201 gives you a choice between the quad-core, 3.6GHz Core i7-7700 and 3.4GHz Core i5-7500, both with 65W TDP as well as the dual-core, 3.9GHz Core i3-7101E with 54W TDP. They all ship with Intel HD Graphics 630 and an Intel Q170 Express chipset. 6th Gen “Skylake” Core chips are available on request.

You can load up to 32GB DDR4-2400 RAM and store data via up to three SATA III connections. There’s a 2.5-inch SSD bay, which is user accessible from the bottom of the unit, as well as an M.2 2242 slot. A half- or full-size mSATA connection is optional.

KBox B-201 rear views in horizontal and vertical positions

Dual GbE ports are on board along with a mini-PCIe slot for wireless and peripheral expansion. Up to three displays are available via dual DisplayPort 1.2 ports and a single DVI-D port.

The KBox B-201 is equipped with 6x USB 3.0 ports, with 2x front-facing, as well as 4x USB 2.0 ports. You also get an RS232 serial port, audio I/O, and PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports. TPM V2.0 is available along with optional Kontron Approtect security solution built around a Wibu-Systems security chip.

Aside from its modest 0 to 45°C range, the system offers extensive ruggedization features. Manufactured with “continuously hot-dip zinc coated mild steel sheet” per EN10215 guidelines, the computer offers vibration resistance of 5-500 Hz, 1G acc. (per IEC 60068-2-6) and shock resistance of half sine, 15g, 11ms acc. (per IEC 60068-2-27). Altitude and humidity endurance are also spec’d out.

The KBox B-201 ships with a 90 to 264 VAC (external power supply). The system can be mounted vertically on a supplied stand or can be fixed directly behind a monitor using optional VESA mounting. Optional wall mounting supports horizontal or vertical operation.

 
Further information

No pricing or ship date was provided for the KBox B-201. More information may be found in Kontron’s KBox B-201 announcement and product page. A feature comparison chart and more information on Kontron’s entire KBox family of embedded computers, including the KBox B-201, may be found in this KBox PDF document.