Mixtile Edge 2 Kit is a mini PC/IoT edge computer powered by a Rockchip RK3568 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor coupled with up to 4GB RAM and 32GB flash that features a 12V SATA + SMBUS port that allows the insertion of a 20Ah battery pack lasting up to 12 hours for locations where power may be intermittent.
The 3.5-inch industrial mini PC also offers Gigabit Ethernet and WiFi 6 connectivity, three USB 3.0 ports, plus expansion with M.2 and mPCIe sockets, as well as a similar U.2 connector found in the company’s Mixtile Blade 3 SBC powered by Rockchip RK3588 processor, but routed to different interfaces.
Mixtile Edge 2 Kit specifications:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3568 quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 processor @ up to 2.0 GHz with Mali-G52 EE GPU, 0.8 TOPS NPU, 4Kp60 H.265/H.264/VP9 video decoder, 1080p100 H.265/H.264 video encoder
- System Memory – 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4
- Storage
- 16GB or 32GB eMMC flash
- MicroSD 3.0 socket
- Support for NVMe SSD via M.2 socket (see Expansion section)
- Video Output
- HDMI 2.0 port
- On SBC only – 2x MIPI DSI, eDP
- Camera I/F – On SBC only: 1x MIPI CSI
- Audio – 3.5mm audio (headphone+mic) jack, digital audio via HDMI, DMIC
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- 802.11ax WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 (AP6275S)
- Support for 4G/5G cellular via M.2 or mPCIe module plus 2x SIM card sockets
- Support for multiple antennas on top and bottom of the enclosure for wireless connectivity
- USB – 3x USB 3.0 ports, 1x USB 2.0 Type-C port (also used for power)
- Serial – RS485 via 3-pin terminal block; internal CAN Bus connector
- Expansion
- M.2 socket with PCIe 3.0, USB2.0
- Mini PCIe socket with USB 2.0, I2C
- U.2 extension socket with SATA or PCIe 2.0, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, SPI, I2S
- Internal headers with ADC, 2x UART, I2C, etc…
- Misc – RTC with backup battery, SYS/PWR LEDs, Reset pinhole, Maskrom pinhole
- Power Supply
- USB Type-C PD port up to 20V/3A
- 12V via DC jack
- 12V DC via SATA power socket
- Dimensions – 145 x 105 x 22mm
- Temperature Range – 0 to +80°C
The U.2 connector does not feature PCIe Gen 3.0 like in the RK3588 board, but PCIe 2.0 instead which also allows for USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, SPI and I2S interfaces, and Mixtile currently showcases a router add-on with four Ethernet ports and a Hi-Fi add-on with RCA sockets and an S/PDIF input.
The 20Ah battery pack relies on the 12V SATA power port on the other side of the enclosure and seems to include five 18850 batteries with a 4,000 mAh capacity. It should be especially useful for wind or solar-powered installations, and it’s better than using a separate power bank since the SMBUS should be able to report the battery voltage and other parameters to allow for a clean power off in case the battery is about to be depleted.
The company also offers the Mixtile Edge 2 SBC without enclosure for customers preferring to implement their own housing or mounting solution.
Software support includes Android 11 with Linux containers (Mixtile OS) like initially announced for the Blade 3 but based on customers’ feedback, I’ve read Mixtile changed their mind for the latter and now plans to make a proper Linux image without Android running in the background. Hopefully, it will be the same for Edge 2, but the documentation only mentions Mixtile OS at this time. The mini PC and SBC can be used for autonomous vehicles, NAS (Network Attached Storage), AI & deep learning, IoT gateways, router (with the add-on), an edge gateway, and more.
The Kit sells for $212 and up depending on options (2GB/16GB vs 4GB/32GB configuration) and whether you’re in a rush, or can wait for 40 days for a 15% discount. It’s the same for the Mixtile Edge 2 SBC, except the price starts at $195. Alternatively, you’ll also find those on Aliexpress. None of the add-on seem to be available at this time. More details may be found on the product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Alright mixtile folks are starting to win me over with some good concepts.
Keep it up. Engineering Sample over here please
Thanks for the encouragement! Please contact us for the samples.
is the battery pack rechargeable?
Yes, the battery pack is rechargeable and managed by the main part via SMBus.
It’s high time to make routers and other network equipment with built-in power supply.
Mixtile has done some updates to the Mixtile Edge 2 Kit as of May 2024. Changelog provided by the company by email:
Software updates:
（1）Besides Debian and Ubuntu, Mixtile Edge 2 Kit supports Alpine Linux, OpenWrt, and Yocto. It provides high customizability and extensive community support. Its open-source nature helps reduce costs while offering powerful security and stability. It meets power grid application scenarios’ real-time, stability, and security requirements.
（2）It has been pre-configured necessary IIoT software. All these software functionalities serve as the foundation for data collection, device management, and operational support.
SQLite, used for local storage and management of data.
Pre-configured with Python, Mosquitto MQTT, OpenVPN.
Supports Modbus industrial communication protocol to ensure compatibility with devices in the power grid.
Pre-configured Firewall for IoT security.
Cloud Integration: Cloud-based dashboards provides out-of-the-box solutions to connect AWS IoT and Microsoft Azure via MQTT, supporting cloud-based dashboards. It enable the advantage of internet accessibility from anywhere, providing real-time data visualization and device management capabilities.
（3）Mixtile Edge 2 Kit supports Failsafe functionality, which prevents system crashes and data loss. The Failsafe functionality ensures that the gateway remains safe and controllable even if it fails, examples include the following:
If the gateway’s firmware is compromised, Failsafe ensures it will not boot malicious software or perform other dangerous operations. Failsafe can assist the gateway in quickly recovering regular operations after a failure occurs.
If there is a software error in the gateway, the Failsafe ensures the gateway can automatically reboot. It reduces maintenance costs for the gateways.
The Failsafe helps prevent data loss or device damage in the gateway and significantly reduces repair expenses.
Hardware updates:
It supports integrated DIN Rail installation, allowing for easy mounting on standard rails commonly found in industrial control cabinets, distribution boxes, and other similar applications. No additional brackets are required, saving space and facilitating maintenance.
The unique design of a detachable rear cover makes it more convenient to install and remove M.2 modules and SIM cards.