SixFab ALPON X4 is yet another fanless Raspberry Pi CM4-powered edge computer whose main selling point is built-in 4G LTE cellular connectivity with an eSIM, besides two Ethernet ports, and dual-band WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 on the system-on-module.
The edge computer ships with 8GB RAM and 32GB eMMC flash by default, but another Raspberry Pi CM4 can be used upon request. Other ports include HDMI video output, two USB 2.0 ports, and an RJ11 jack for GPIO expansion. The system supports three power options: USB PD, a 9V to 30V DC input terminal block, or PoE.
ALPON X4 specifications:
- SoM – Raspberry Pi CM4
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2711
- CPU – Quad-core Cortex-A72 SoC @ 1.5GHz
- GPU – VideoCore VI with support for OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.0
- VPU
- Decode – H.265/HEVC up to 4Kp60, H.264 up to 1080p60
- Encode – H.264 up to 1080p30
- Memory – 8GB LPDDR4-3200 (option for 2GB or 4GB)
- Storage – 32GB eMMC flash (option for 8GB or 16GB)
- Optional Wireless module with dual-band WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0
- SoC – Broadcom BCM2711
- Video Output – HDMI output
- Connectivity
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- 10/100Mbps Ethernet RJ45 port
- WiFi and Bluetooth on CM4 module
- 4G LTE Cat4
- 4x external antennas
- Network & Carrier – Verizon*, AT&T*, T-Mobile*, PTCRB, GCF* (* means in progress)
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
- Expansion – RJ11 GPIO port
- Misc
- 2x user push-buttons
- 4x LEDs
- Watchdog, Boot-Burn switches
- Power Input
- USB PD Type-C
- 9 to 30V DC via screw terminal block
- Optional PoE+ IEEE 802.3at
- Dimensions – 111.16 x 99.9 x 33 mm without antennas
- Temperature Range – -20 °C to +60 °C
- Certifications – CE, FCC, IC, UKCA, ICASA, RCM, RoHS, WEEE, REACH
The ALPON X4 can be placed on a desk, but the company also offers two other options: DIN Rail mount and wall mount kits. Other accessories include an IP67 outdoor combo antenna for LTE, Wi-Fi, and GNSS suitable for outdoor use or installation inside the casing, a GPIO expansion connecting to the RJ11 port, a terminal DC power adapter, and a port protection cover kit.
The ALPON X4 ships with a customized version of Raspberry Pi OS Lite 64-bit that includes software for cellular communication, device management, network management, app and container management, API integration, and VPN setup. It also supports the ALPON Cloud for remote updates, monitoring, and bulk provisioning. You’ll find more details and application-specific tutorials on the documentation website.
Potential applications include MODBUS PLCs, Home automation, SCADA, DAQ, and digital signage with PiSignage. Other Raspberry Pi CM4 hardware platforms with 4G LTE (usually optional) include the EDATEC ED-GWL2110, Seeed Studio’s reComputer R1000, AAEON SRG-CM4 IoT gateway, etc…
The ALPON X4 Edge Computer is available for $550 in its default configuration and ships with a USB-PD Type-C power adapter with universal plugs and a screw terminal. Visit the product page for more information, especially about the ALPON cloud offering.
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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