ADLINK MXC-3300/3340 Embedded Industrial Control Computer Hardware Integration and Debugging Manual

ADLINK Introduction: A Compact Computing Platform for Rigorous Industrial Scenarios

In the fields of industrial automation, intelligent transportation, and facility management, edge controllers need to simultaneously meet the multiple challenges of high-performance computing, rich I/O, wide temperature operation, and long-term reliability. The MXC-3300 and MXC-3340 series fanless embedded computers launched by ADLINK are equipped with Intel ®  N series or Atom ®  The X series processor, with its extremely compact mechanical design (MXC-3300 size only 80mm wide), provides interface density far exceeding that of similar products: four Gigabit Ethernet, dual isolated CAN, four serial ports (RS-232/422/485), 16 isolated digital I/O, and multiple display outputs. More noteworthy is that the MXC-3340 extends three PCIe slots (x8+2 × x4) through the backplane, providing strong flexibility for scenarios that require the addition of motion control cards, image capture cards, or dedicated communication cards.

Analysis of Hardware Architecture and Core Features

1.1 Processor and Memory

The MXC-3300/3340 adopts Intel N97 (4-core 3.6GHz, 12W) or Atom X series, paired with a single DDR5 SO-DIMM slot, supporting up to 16GB @ 4800MHz. Compared to the previous generation DDR4, the bandwidth improvement is significant, which is beneficial for multi-channel video streaming and real-time data caching.

1.2 Storage and Expansion

MXC-3300: Equipped with a detachable SSD tray (2.5-inch SATA) for quick on-site replacement of storage media.

MXC-3340: Equipped with a built-in SATA interface and three PCIe slots (1 x8, 2 x4, both supporting PCIe Gen1/2), it can accommodate standard size expansion cards.

M. 2 three slots: 2280 M Key (PCIe x2) for NVMe SSD; 2230 E Key (PCIe x1+USB 2.0) supports Wi Fi 6 module; 3042 B Key (USB 2.0) supports 4G LTE module and has a built-in SIM card slot.

1.3 Rich front panel I/O

Network: 4 × GbE LAN (Intel i210IT controller), supporting IEEE 1588 time synchronization, jumbo frames, and PCIe boot.

Serial and CAN: 2 x isolated RS-232/422/485 (DB9, 2.5KV isolated); 2 x Isolated CAN (DB9, SJA1000 controller, 2.5KV).

Digital I/O: 8-way isolated DI (5-24V input, 8.2k Ω impedance)+8-way isolated DO (MOSFET output, peak 250mA/channel, 5-35V), all with 1.5KV optoelectronic isolation.

Display and Audio: 1 x HDMI 2.0（ 4K@60Hz ）+ 2×DisplayPort 1.4（ 4K@60Hz ）Support independent display of three channels; The Realtek ALC888S audio codec provides Line-in/out/Mic.

USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 (1A)+3 x USB 2.0 (0.5A), with overcurrent protection.

Power supply: 3-pin terminal supports 9-36V DC wide voltage input, suitable for unstable scenarios such as in car and solar power supply.

Mechanical installation and storage/expansion card practical operation

2.1 Dimensions and Wall Mounted Installation

MXC-3300: 80 (W) × 219 (D) × 210 (H) mm, extremely narrow width suitable for space constrained cabinets.

MXC-3340:142 (W) × 219 (D) × 210 (H) mm, due to the increase in PCIe expansion slot width.

Wall bracket: Comes with two sets of wall brackets (P/N: 34-35509-0000-A0). To install, first remove the 6 screws on the rear panel, fix the brackets, and then restore them. Pay attention to the orientation of the bracket to ensure that the ventilation holes are not obstructed when the equipment is installed horizontally or vertically.

2.2 Differences in SSD Installation

MXC-3300: Loosen the screws on the front panel SSD tray, pull out the tray, secure the 2.5-inch SATA SSD in the tray, push it back and lock it.

MXC-3340: First, unscrew the front cover screws to remove the front panel, then remove the internal SSD bay, install the hard drive, and restore it. Be careful not to excessively bend SATA cables and power cords during operation.

2.3 PCIe card installation (MXC-3340 only)

Loosen the screws on the front cover and remove the entire front panel.

Remove the PCIe baffle, align the standard PCIe card with the slot, and press it in evenly with force.

Secure the rear bracket of the card with baffle screws.

Note: The maximum length of the card is limited by the internal space, and it is recommended to use a half length card (length ≤ 168mm). The power consumption should be controlled within the slot power supply capacity (maximum 25W per slot).

2.4 Installation of M.2 module

For MXC-3300, it is necessary to first remove the 6 screws on the rear panel and side cover to expose the M.2 slot on the motherboard.

For MXC-3340, simply open the front cover to access the internal M.2 position.

Pay attention to anti-static during installation, insert the module diagonally and press it down, then fix it with the attached M3 screw (recommended torque of 4-5 kgf · cm). Be sure to avoid damaging the surrounding cables (especially the front panel connection wires).

Power supply design and electrical protection mechanism

3.1 Definition of Wide Voltage Input and Terminal

Front panel DC socket three pins (from right to left): V+, Chassis GND, V -.

Input range: 9-36V DC (+5% tolerance), suitable for mainstream power sources in vehicles (12/24V) and industrial sites (24V).

Rated current: It is recommended that the power supply provide a peak capacity of at least 5A (referring to power consumption data, MXC-3340 has a full load of about 42W, which is about 1.75A at 24V, but the startup impulse needs to consider twice the margin).