Compulab has launched a highly customizable “Fitlet3” industrial mini-PC that starts at about $260 and runs Linux or Windows on Elkhart Lake. Standard features include 2x GbE, 6x USB, HDMI, mini-DP, FACET expansion, and M.2 M-, B- and E-key slots.

Compulab has updated its five-year old, Apollo Lake based Fitlet2 mini-PC. The Fitlet3 advances to Intel’s 10nm Elkhart Lake. Aside from the much faster Atom x6000 processor, the Fitlet3 ships with up to 32GB, 3200MT/s DDR4. That is is twice the RAM of the Fitlet2, which is also available as the Linux Mint optimized MintBox Mini 2.

Fitlet3, front and back (render views)
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The Fitlet3 supplies two more USB ports than the previous model, with 6x overall, and adds an M.2 B-key slot along with the previous M- and E-key slots. The new model also adds options such as NVMe storage and an isolated serial/GPIO terminal plug, although it appears have lost its microSD slot.

As usual with Compulab systems, the Fitlet3 is highly customizable, with numerous a la carte options you can choose from an online configurator. Shipments are due in April.

The Fitlet3 starts at about $260 with a dual-core Atom x6211E with 4GB RAM and no storage or WiFi/BT. A mid-range system with a quad-core Celeron J6412, 16GB RAM, 32GB NVMe, and 802.11ac WiFi/BT costs $367, and a fully loaded model with a quad-core, 2.0GHz/3.0GHz Atom x6425E, 32GB RAM, 1TB NVMe, 64GB M.2 SATA, M.2 LTE, industrial temp support, audio I/O, an additional pair of GbE ports, and serial/GPIO goes for about $876.

The fanless system, which has expanded slightly to 132.8 x 100 x 34.8mm and 420 grams, is designed for industrial automation, AI edge computing, and IoT applications. OS support includes Ubuntu, the Ubuntu-based Linux Mint, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021, and Windows 11 Pro.

Fitlet3
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Standard features include 2x GbE, 2x USB 3.1 (type unspecified), and 4x USB 2.0 ports. Media features include HDMI 1.4b at up to 3840 x 2160 @ 30Hz and dual-mode mini-DP at up to 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz. There is an option for I2S audio codec with analog audio in and out jacks.

The new M.2 B-key 3060 slot allows you to configure the Fitlet3 with both NVMe (M-key) and SATA (M-or B-key) storage. Optionally, the B-key slot can be swapped out for a M.2-based 2.5-inch SATA bay.

Many users will instead devote the B-key slot, which is is accompanied by a micro-SIM tray, to a cellular modem. The B-key slot supports 5G, but Compulab offers only the 4G LTE Cat7 ready Sierra Wireless EM7411, available in US or EMEA/Asia models. The M.2 E-key 2230 slot supports up to Wi-Fi 6E, but ships with an optional Intel AX210 wireless module with 802.11ac and BT 5.2.

Fitlet3 internal (left) and side view, showing dual-GbE FACET option
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Compulab’s homegrown FACET expansion slot offers three options: a dual-GBE module that extends the system to 4x GbE, an SFP+ GbE port, or GbE with PoE (for powering the Fitlet3). We don’t see any options for 2.5GbE, which is available on several Elkhart Lake embedded PCs, such as Neousys’ POC-400 and Aaeon’s UP Squared 6000 Edge.

If we are reading the explanation correctly, if you choose a FACET equipped system, this replaces the M.2 E-key slot. In that case, you can instead order an onboard WiFi/BT module using the same Intel AX210 modem. Yet, this option does not appear to available if you use the dual-GbE FACET option.

The optional, $12 serial terminal block does not use FACET. This provides isolated RS-232/422/485 and isolated 2-in/2-out GPIO, for up to 24V. A programmable LED and Intel TPM 2.0 chip are standard, and a discrete TPM module is optional.

The Fitlet3 is equipped with a 7-42VDC, up to 5A input with a locking jack, as well as a power button and a universal AC wall-mount supply. Accessories include a remote power button with 25cm wire, an optional industrial case top, custom branding and colors, and VESA, DIN-rail, and side DIN-rail mounting.

Temperature ranges include 0 to 45°C, -20 to 70°, and -40 to 85°C, all with 5-95%, non-condensing humidity tolerance. There is a 5-year warranty and 15 years of availability.

 
Further information

The Fitlet3 starting at about $230 to $300 for a lower-end system, ranging up to over $800. More information may be found in Compulab’s announcement, as well as the Fitlet3 product page, and the Fitlet3 shopping page. Shipments are due in April.