What is small motherboard | GREATZC Manufacturer

What is a small motherboard | GREATZC Manufacturer

A small motherboard is one of many motherboard types. The motherboard is one of the most critical computer components, it carries and provides power to the individual components while being the path for communication. Motherboards come in different and various form factors for various computing applications. Today, many industries require robust and small motherboard sizes to accommodate space-constrained industrial applications.

What is a small motherboard?

Small motherboard sizes can accommodate space constraints and small industrial computers. Small boards come in a variety of sizes and shapes: Mini-ITX, 3.5" SBC, 2.5" PICO-ITX, and the smallest 1.8" FEMTO ITX is starting to appear in the embedded market. These small form factor boards are primarily aimed at embedded or industrial markets such as Information kiosks, factory control units, automation, and even medical equipment. Therefore, small motherboards can be perfectly adapted to the limited space area of industrial computers by utilizing single-board computer technology.

The benefits of small motherboard form factor

Small motherboards, such as ITX motherboards, are small enough while still offering the flexibility of CPU sockets for increased processing performance. In addition, smaller motherboards like the 3.5-inch motherboard employ a single-board computer design that combines all computer components in a single baseboard. SBCs tend to be low-power, making them an ideal solution for entry-level industrial workloads that only require sufficient power and performance. As a result, small form factor motherboards can use passive cooling designs and have low TDPs of 7 to 15W.

Here are some more benefits of small motherboards:

Small motherboard durability and reliability

Small form factor motherboards are commonly found in embedded systems or industrial computers, where they often require higher durability and reliability during deployment. In addition, the small and compact design allows small motherboards to operate fanless, reducing moving parts and downtime. As a result, the fanless small form factor motherboard can withstand the most demanding industrial deployments without compromising performance.

Additionally, some small motherboards offer an extra layer of protection called a conformal coating to increase their durability. Conformal coating is a method of applying a thin polymer film to a PCB to provide additional protection against dust, moisture, chemicals, extreme temperature exposure, and shock and vibration. But only certain deployments require a conformal coating on the motherboard as this adds cost, such as in many mission-critical military deployments.

Small Motherboard Longevity

Thermal and electrical performance play an important role in the lifespan of a motherboard, especially when it comes to industrial-grade deployments. Therefore, the small motherboard is made of durable and reliable industrial-grade components to support the longevity of the motherboard further. Additionally, each motherboard component has been carefully selected for better electrical performance to operate over wide operating temperatures and high levels of shock and vibration in remote or mobile embedded applications. As a result, a small form factor motherboard can last as long as 5 to 7 years; thus, it helps reduce RMA, extend the product life cycle, and reduce the total cost of ownership.

Small Motherboard Cost-effectiveness

Another significant advantage of a small motherboard is its cost-effectiveness for numerous industrial applications. Single-board computer designs allow for low-power solutions where it does not require more power to power the separate individual functions required by power-hungry commercial motherboards. Additionally, the small size of the motherboard combined with the fanless design reduces overall cooling costs. Therefore, a small form factor board is simple and flexible for a solution that requires a simple configuration in a large number of systems. The advantages offered by industrial motherboards may or may not appeal to all applications, but they still make them the most efficient solution for countless configurations.

Small Motherboards in Industrial Applications

Small motherboards are known for their key features, being compact, durable, reliable, and built to last. Each small form factor motherboard has unique features that perfectly match various industrial deployments. Therefore, choosing the right motherboard is critical to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the deployment process. Here are some industrial deployments that require small motherboards: Automated Guided Vehicles, Kiosks and Vending Machines, Digital Signage, Factory Automation, Surveillance and Security, Medical Devices, and Analyzers.