Fanless, Atom-based mini-PC offers stackable expansion
Feb 19, 2018 — by Eric Brown 2,271 views[Updated: Feb. 21] — ADL’s rugged, 94 x 86 x 58mm “ADLEPC-1520” mini-PC runs Linux or Windows on dual- or quad-core Bay Trail Atom SoCs, and offers 2x GbE, 2x SATA-ready M.2 sockets, and a choice of stackable PCIe I/O boards.
ADL Embedded Solutions lists the ADLEPC-1520’s dimensions as a mere 3.7 x 3.4 x 2.3 inches, which would be about 94 x 86 x 58mm. Like the earlier, 86 x 81 x 33mm ADLEPC-1500, the ADLEPC-1520 is built around the company’s ADLE3800SEC single-board computer, which debuted a new “Edge-Connect” expansion scheme — only here, the SBC is built with a vertical expansion connector rather than the edge expansion connector provided by the standalone SBC. This taller, 1.5-pound (0.45 K) system is essentially identical to the 1520, except it provides space for an internal stackable PCIe expansion card.


ADLEPC-1520, outside and inside (top row I/O derives from one of two stackable I/O boards with 2x GbE and 2x USB 2.0 ports)
(click images to enlarge)
The ADLEPC-1520’s ADLE3800SEC motherboard features a 75 x 75mm footprint and either quad-core Intel Atom E3845 or dual-core E3827 processors. The ADLEPC-1520 mini-PC ships with 4GB soldered RAM. Its Atom SoCs support Ubuntu 16.04, RHEL (Red Hat Embedded Linux), and Windows. Standard features include 2x GbE ports and DisplayPort, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports. The dual M.2 Key B 2242 sockets support SATA II SSDs. The SBC model

Block diagram of the ADLEPC-1520’s ADLE3800SEC motherboard
(click image to enlarge)
In addition to M.2, you get two stackable PCIe add-on board options. One provides “2x LAN, 2x USB 2.0, 1x M.2 SATA SSD w/ Front Panel,” and the other offers “2x LAN, 2x USB 2.0, 1x UPS Module 2/ Front Panel.” Custom stackable I/O boards are also available.
The fanless, conduction-cooled computer has a temperature range of 0 to 70°C, with a -40 to 85°C option that requires the addition of a cooling plate. The thick-walled chassis is made of 6063 aluminum, and offers a “durable anodized finish, flush-mounted screws and flexible mounting options,” says ADL. Options include conformal coating for high humidity environments, as well as BGA underfill to add resistance to shock, vibration, and rapid thermal transients.
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There’s a wide-range 20-30VDC input and optional 12-24VDC and 24- 36VDC inputs. An AC/DC 24V adapter with wall plug is optional, and other custom power options are also available.
![]() ADL120S Nano-ITX SBC |
A very similar dual PCIe stacking system is also used on ADL’s recent Nano-ITX form factor (120 x 120mm), Intel 6th Gen Core based ADL120S SBC, which will likely drive another ADL mini-PC in the future.
Further information
The ADLEPC-1520 mini-PC appears to be available now at an undisclosed price. More information may be found on ADL’s ADLEPC-1520 product page.
One provides “2x LAN, 2x USB 2.0, 1x M.2 SATA SSD w/ Front Panel,” and the other offers “2x LAN, 2x USB 2.0, 1x M.2 SATA SSD w/ Front Panel.”
Two choices or one?