ASUS ANNOUNCES PE100A EDGE COMPUTER

KEY POINTS

• Optimized for TCO: Compact size, low power consumption and wide temperature endurance for maximum efficiency and flexibility
• Windows 10 IoT Core support: Secure ARM64-based edge computer to support the embedded edition of Microsoft’s operating system
• Silent operation: Fan-less design with finned chassis for excellent thermal performance, everyday quiet and prevention of dust ingress
• Modular upgradability: Adaptable connectivity and functionality, including TPM protection and Crypto module for edge-to-cloud cryptography

TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 22, 2020

ASUS today announced PE100A, an edge computer with a fan-less chassis to enable silent operation and the first wave of ARM64-based edge-computing device to support Windows IoT Core.

PE100A is based on a Pico-ITX motherboard that’s optimized for TCO, supported by a secondary I/O board for extra functionality. It’s powered by an NXP ® i.MX 8M system-on-a-chip (SoC) processor that’s based on the Arm ® Cortex-A53 architecture with up to 1.3 GHz and delivers efficient performance with low power consumption. PE100A also features 4 GB LPDDR4 onboard memory and a 16 GB onboard eMMC, and includes two Ethernet ports, three USB ports and one HDMI on the front side. Two COM ports, with RS232/RS485/CAN bus, and one digital DI/DO are also available as optional interfaces at the rear. Inside, PE100A’s mainboard also supports an M.2 E-key connector and microSD card connector, while the I/O board offers PCIe ® Mini/mSATA and a nano-SIM socket interface.

The new computer is engineered for use in harsh environments, being able to operate reliably within a wide temperature range. It’s also designed to serve as an edge-to-cloud gateway device for data aggregation, processing and forwarding, with its TCO-optimized single board computer (SBC) being ideal for embedded automation solutions and diverse smaller-scale IoT applications.

Windows 10 IoT Core support: Edge computing on ARM64, an ASUS first

PE100A is part of the first wave of edge computers in the ASUS AIoT product line and is designed to strike a perfect balance between compact size, low power consumption and great performance. With an NXP i.MX 8M at its heart, PE100A is an edge computer based on the ARM64 architecture and estimated to offer support for Windows 10 IoT Core in 2020 Q3 — the Microsoft operating system that’s optimized for small devices without displays, and which retains all the expected manageability and security features. The Yocto operating system is also supported for Linux based applications.

Silent operation: Fan-less design for excellent thermal performance and everyday quiet

PE100A is engineered from the ground up to provide superb performance with minimal thermal build-up and no noise. The top side of the chassis features two racks of cooling fins, intentionally positioned in opposing directions to efficiently dissipate and direct heat out and away from the computer. This is an intrinsic part of PE100A’s fan-less design and allows for operation that’s both efficient and completely silent. This external cooling arrangement also minimizes dust ingress, keeping PE100A running reliably for longer.

Modular upgradability: Connectivity and functionality that adapts to match business needs

Despite its diminutive dimensions, PE100A is eminently upgradeable. Supporting the Pico-ITX motherboard is a dedicated I/O board that enables users to add extra functionality as required, such as PCIe Mini, nano-SIM, COM or DI/DO terminals. PE100A can be specified with or without this secondary I/O board, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and budgets.

PE100A also supports extension modules, including our own TPM and Crypto modules. The ASUS TPM module enables the secure storage of digital keys, certificates and passwords, providing enhanced data protection. The Crypto module provides upload protection as data moves to the cloud and ensures the encryption key will not be leaked during the file-uploading process.

AVAILABILITY & PRICING

ASUS PE100A will be available globally from early-June. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.

SPECIFICATIONS