Aaeon’s Ubuntu-ready “Boxer-6405U” industrial mini-PC runs on an Apollo Lake SoC and offers 2x GbE, 4x USB 3.0, dual mini-PCIe, and extended temp and vibration tolerance.

Aaeon has launched a $350, general-purpose embedded mini-PC for applications including machine vision, AI edge computing, and industrial IoT gateways. The rugged, “turnkey” Boxer-6405U is a slightly feature-reduced variant of the similarly Apollo Lake based Boxer-6405 and larger, SATA-enabled Boxer-6405M.

Boxer-6405U, front and back
(click images to enlarge)

The Boxer-6405U has the same 166 x 106.6 x 37mm dimensions as the Boxer-6405, which was billed as an AI edge device due to the optional availability of its Movidius Myrad 2 UP AI Core mini-PCIe card. Yet you could likely use the same card on the Boxer-6405U or any other mini-PCIe equipped system.

The Boxer-6405U supports Ubuntu 16.04.4, Windows 10, or Windows 10 IoT on Intel’s quad-core Pentium N4200 or dual-core Celeron N3350. The system supports only 2GB DDR3L instead of 8GB on the earlier models, but unlike those systems it provides 16GB or 32GB eMMC.

There’s an option for mSATA storage on the half-size mini-PCIe slot rather than an additional dedicated mSATA slot. There’s also a full-size slot that similarly supports PCIe/USB. There’s no SIM slot, but the antenna mounts are still located on the right side.

Otherwise, the main difference here is that there are only 2x RS-232 (DB9) ports rather than 3x RS-232/422/485 ports. The system also lacks the earlier models’ VGA port and audio jacks, and there’s only one LED.

Boxer-6405U detail views
(click images to enlarge)

The Boxer-6405U provides 2x Intel GbE ports, 4x USB 3.0 ports, and an HDMI port. A 9-24VDC input is available via a 2-pin connector. There’s also a power button and wall mounting. The operating range is similar to the earlier models, but lower by ten degrees on both ends at -20 to 50°C with airflow. Vibration resistance is rated at 3 Grms, 5~500Hz.

 
Further information

The Boxer-6405U is available now for $350 (with 16GB eMMC) with 3-day shipment times. More information may be found in Aaeon’s Boxer-6405U product and shopping pages.