DFI EC70A-TGU embedded computer promises long-term support until 2035 (at least)

Some industries require long-term support of hardware, and DFI’s EC70A-TGU rugged embedded computer could fit the bill as the Tiger Lake IOTG processor used in this model has a 15-Year CPU life cycle guaranteeing availability until Q3 2035.

The fanless computer is equipped with 8GB RAM, supports M.2 NVMe SSD storage, also well M.2 expansion slots for 5G modules, features HDMI and VGA video output, four serial DB3 ports, and offers up to four Ethernet ports and up to six USB ports through three SKUs with a different number of USB and Ethernet ports.

DFI EC70A-TGU specifications:

Tiger Lake UP3 “IoTG” SoC (one or the other) @ 1.5GHz to 4.4GHz depending on SKU
- Embedded
  - Intel Core i7-1185G7E quad-core processor with Iris Xe graphics; TDP: 28W
  - Intel Core i5-1145G7E quad-core processor with Iris Xe graphics; TDP: 28W
  - Intel Core i3-1115G4E dual-core processor with Intel UHD graphics; TDP: 28W
- Industrial-grade
  - Intel Core i7-1185GRE/i5-1145GRE quad-core processor with Iris Xe graphics; TDP: 28W
  - Intel Core i5-1145GRE quad-core processor with Iris Xe graphics; TDP: 28W
  - Intel Core i3-1115GRE dual-core processor with Intel UHD graphics; TDP: 28W
System Memory – 8 GB single-channel DDR4 via 260-pin SO-DIMM socket
Storage
- M.2 Key M socket (PCIe x4) for NVMe SSD
- 256Mbit flash for AMI BIOS
Display I/F
- 2x HDMI up to 4096 x 2160 @ 30Hz
- 1x VGA up to 1920×1200 @ 60 Hz
- 3x independent displays supported
Networking
- SKU 1 – 1x 2.5GbE (Intel i225IT) and 1x Gigabit Ethernet (Intel i210IT) RJ45 ports
- SKU 2 – 1x 2.5GbE (Intel i225IT) and 2x Gigabit Ethernet (Intel i210IT) RJ45 ports
- SKU 3 – 1x 2.5GbE (Intel i225IT) and 2x Gigabit Ethernet (Intel i210IT + LAN7500i) RJ45 ports
USB
- SKU 1 – 6x USB 3.1 Type A ports
- SKU 2 – 4x USB 3.1 Type A ports
- SKU 3 – 2x USB 3.1 Type A ports
Serial
- 2x RS-232/422/485 (DB9, COM 1~2) and 1x RS232 (DB9, COM 4) on front panel
- 1x RS-232 or DIO (DB9, COM 3) on rear panel
Expansion
- 1x M.2 2280 M key socket (PCIe x4)
- 1x M.2 3042/3052 B key socket (USB3.1)
- 1x M.2 2230 E Key socket (PCIe/USB2.0)
Misc
- Power & HDD LEDs
- Power and Reset buttons
- Watchdog timer
- Remote switch connector
Power Supply – Wide range 9~36V DC input via lockable DC jack
Dimensions – 181.6 x 118.4 x 57mm (Aluminum + Metal Aluminum enclosure)
Weight – 1.1 kg
Temperature Range – Operating: -20 to 60°C with wide-range SSD; storage: -20 to 85°C
Humidity – 5 ~ 95% RH, non-condensing
Shock (Operating)
- IEC 60068-2-27 Test Ea: Shock Test
- Half-Sine, 3G @ 11ms, 18 Shock ±X, ±Y, ±Z (each axis 3 times)
Vibration
- Operating:
  - IEC 60068-2-64 Test Fh: Vibration Board-Band Random Test
  - Random, 1Grms @ 5~500 Hz, 30min
- Non-Operating:
  - IEC 60068-2-6 Test Fc: Vibration Sinusoidal Test
  - Sweep Sine, 3Grms @ 10~500Hz, 30min
Certifications – CE, FCC Class A, RoHS

DFI can also provide wall, VESA, and DIN Rail mounts if required. The company lists Windows 10 as the only supported operating system, but I don’t see why Windows 11 and Linux distributions could not be supported as well unless some specific drivers are missing.

Thanks to its integrated Intel Xe graphics, the EC70A-TGU is said to be suitable for applications leveraging AI accelerations such as industrial automation, AMR/AGV, smart transportation, medical imaging, and so on, and the fanless embedded computer should also be found in smart factories and intelligent warehouses where a long life cycle and ruggedness are often required.

Apart from the guaranteed long-term support until 2035, pricing and availability information was not disclosed. More details may be found on the product page and the press release.

Thanks to TLS for the tip.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

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.