SUCCESS STORY

ASUS IoT Mini ITXMotherboard Fits Comfortably
in Kiosk Applications

Embedded systems play a critical role in a host of applications,Two additional characteristics that could be added to the list,

and those certainly include both industrial and commercial.

depending on the application, are interoperability and a user

On the industrial side, the platforms serve as the backbone ofinterface. In one real-world example, LG is deploying a series

automation, control, and monitoring processes. Looking atof kiosks that interact with people. In most cases, they havecommercial applications, embedded systems are used tobeen deployed in cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets. In suchstreamline operations, gather data, improve efficiency, andenvironments, the user interface is a make or break feature ofprovide an enhanced customer experience. Some common

the kiosk. If it’s not very usable by the non-technical audience,

applications include point-of-sale (PoS) systems or kiosks,

it would be considered a failure.

digital signage, smart appliances and home automation, andsmart retail and inventory management.

To fit that application, the embedded system within the kiosk
had to hit a series of specifications. There were relatively few

To properly operate in a commercial application, theenvironmental constraints because the kiosks all operate

embedded system requires several key features to ensure

indoors. However, there’s still a need for relatively low power,reliability, functionality, and compatibility with the intended

as the establishment shouldn’t have to supply supplemental

use case. Some essential features include:

power for the kiosk, and does not want to absorb large energy••••Scalability
Security
Remote management
Power efficiency

costs.
Size is definitely an issue, as the kiosk is typically fitting into aspace after the establishment has been constructed. It also
would be operational for long durations, and operated byuntrained, non-technical users. In addition, the kiosk may bein place for years at a time, so field upgrades would be desired,hence the need for remote management. At the same time,
on-site maintenance can be costly, so doing as little aspossible is needed. And even then, if maintenance can bescheduled, rather than “as needed,” it could reduce down timeand costs. And it goes without saying that security isparamount in this application.
This LG kiosk is based on an embedded computer from ASUS

Designed for Kiosk Applications
As the design team had kiosks in mind for the N5105I-IM-A
R2.0, it offers key connections for PoS applications, includingUSB, COM, HDMI, VGA and Ethernet and Ethernet. And ofcourse, it offers a durable design, engineered to operate in awide temperature range, from 0°C to 60°C.

IoT, the N5105I-IM-A R2.0. The Mini-ITX motherboard isEnhanced User Experience

designed with an Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor,

As LG will attest to, the specs of the N5105I-IM-A R2.0 make it aand offers a host of I/O. That would include two SO-DIMM
slots, PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1, mini PCIe, six COM and eight USB, plus
12 Vdc out and 12 Vdc in, in case an extra display is desired.
Triple-display support comes with the inclusion of HDMI andLVDS (colay with eDP) connectivity.

great choice for a kiosk application, thanks to its rugged design,
wide temperature range, and Mini-ITX form factor that allows itto be integrated into tighter housings. Its stable computing
performance ensure a smooth end-user purchasing experienceon the kiosk and low-power features are a great benefit in kiosk

The Intel Celeron N5105 quad-core processor offers energy
efficiency, more than enough performance for everyday tasks,and enhanced multitasking abilities. It is rated high compared
to competitors for single-threaded performance. With its

applications. It also includes an MSR/RFID reader for credit card
payment and an RJ11/DIO connector for cash drawers. It’s also
equipped with a 3-W amplifier for the mono-out and an
integrated buzzer for sending notifications in retail applications.

quad-core architecture, it provides smoother multitasking
experiences and efficient handling of commercial applications
like the kiosk described here. It supports a slew of connectivity
options, ensuring compatibility with a range of devices andperipherals. Overall, the Intel Celeron N5105 strikes a balance
between efficiency and performance.

Versatility Beyond Kiosks
Aside from kiosks, applications could include customer displays,
barcode scanners, credit card readers, receipt or thermalprinters, or RFID readers. The RJ11 connector provides either
12- or 24-V power to the cash drawer and the GPIO (DIO)
header is available for programming and checking the status ofthe cash drawer. The on-board magnetic-stripe reader (MSR)
header can be used for card-reader connections to process
payments.
As one of the world’s top motherboard brands, ASUS IoT offers
industrial motherboards with durable, industrial-grade
components for reliable 24/7 operation in harsh environments
and use in different vertical markets, including kiosks. The
company’s wide product selection allows for relatively simple
customer upgrades. ASUS empowers a faster time-to-market
by leveraging over 30 years of design-and-innovation expertise,world-class after sales service, the ability to respond rapidly to

N5105I-IM-A R2.0

forecast changes and long-term technical support.

iot.asus.com

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