ADLINK NuPRO-E43: PICMG 1.3 Core 7th Generation Industrial SHB

ADLINK NuPRO-E43: PICMG 1.3 High Performance Industrial SHB Based on 6th/7th Generation Intel Core Processor

In the field of industrial computing, the PICMG 1.3 (also known as SHB Express) standard has gradually replaced the traditional PICMG 1.0 (ISA/PCI) standard since its release in 2006, becoming the mainstream architecture for high-performance industrial single board computers (SHBs). This standard greatly enhances the system's I/O bandwidth and scalability by introducing high-speed PCI Express signals into the backplane, enabling industrial computers to keep up with the technological evolution of mainstream PC platforms.

ADLINK (Linghua Technology) NuPRO-E43 is a full-size system motherboard (Full Size SHB) designed in accordance with the PICMG 1.3 standard. It is based on Intel ®  Q170 Express chipset, supporting 6th generation (Skylake) and 7th generation (Kaby Lake) Intel ®  Core ™  The i7/i5/i3 processor (LGA1151 socket) perfectly combines mainstream desktop level high-performance computing capabilities with industrial grade long lifecycle, high reliability, and rich I/O features. The PCIe slot bifurcation technology and onboard SEMA management solution introduced by it provide unprecedented flexibility and manageability for system integrators.

Overview of Product Positioning and Core Architecture

The NuPRO-E43 adopts the standard PICMG 1.3 full-size specification, with dimensions of 338mm × 126mm. It is connected to a passive backplane through a gold finger connector, and PCIe and PCI bus signals are led out to expansion slots on the backplane. This architecture physically separates the CPU core computing unit from the I/O expansion unit, allowing system upgrades to only require replacing the SHB without the need to replace expensive backplanes and chassis, greatly extending the platform's lifecycle and return on investment.

Its core hardware platform revolves around Intel ®  The Q170 Express chipset is the most comprehensive commercial/industrial chipset in the Intel 100 series, providing comprehensive support for enterprise level management features such as PCIe 3.0, DDR4 memory, USB 3.0, SATA 3.0, and vPro/AMT.

1. Processor support: Full spectrum options covering performance and power consumption

The NuPRO-E43 is equipped with LGA1151 socket and supports a wide range of 6th and 7th generation Intel Core, Pentium, and Celeron processors, including standard versions (65W/54W/51W TDP) and low-power versions (TE series, 35W TDP), to adapt to different heat dissipation conditions and performance requirements:

Processor series core/thread typical clock speed L3 cache TDP applicable scenarios

Core ™  I7-6700/7700 4C/8T 3.4/3.6 GHz 8MB 65W high-performance computing, multitasking processing

Core ™  I7-6700TE/7700TE 4C/8T 2.4/2.9 GHz 8MB 35W High Performance+Low Power Balance

Core ™  I5-6500/7500 4C/4T 3.2/3.4 GHz 6MB 65W Mainstream Industrial Control

Core ™  I5-6500TE/7500TE 4C/4T 2.3/2.7 GHz 6MB 35W Compact Fanless System

Core ™  I3-6100/7101E 2C/4T 3.7/3.9 GHz 3MB 51/54W High cost-effective HMI application

Core ™  I3-6100TE/7101TE 2C/4T 2.7/3.4 GHz 4/3MB 35W economical low-power solution

Pentium ®  G4400/G4400TE 2C/2T 3.3/2.4 GHz 3MB 54/35W Basic Control and Data Acquisition

Celeron ®  G3900/G3900TE 2C/2T 2.8/2.3 GHz 2MB 51/35W Cost Sensitive Embedded Applications

This comprehensive processor support matrix enables NuPRO-E43 to handle applications with different computing power requirements, ranging from simple human-machine interfaces (HMI) to complex machine vision, multi axis motion control, and high-speed data acquisition.

2. Chipset - Intel Q170 Express

Q170 PCH is connected to the processor through DMI 3.0 (Direct Media Interface), providing up to 8GB/s of bidirectional bandwidth. Its key features include:

PCIe 3.0 Channels: Provides up to 20 PCIe 3.0 channels (Gen3, 8GT/s), providing ample bandwidth for high-performance expansion cards (such as GPUs, FPGA acceleration cards, high-speed data acquisition cards) on the backplane.

Integrated storage and networking: Supports SATA 3.0 (6Gbps), USB 3.0 (5Gbps), and Intel ®  I219LM Gigabit Network (supporting iAMT 11).

Enterprise level management: Built in Intel ®  Active Management Technology（iAMT）11.0， Support remote out of band management, system recovery, and security policy deployment.

Deep analysis of key characteristics

1. PCIe slot bifurcation technology

This is one of the most distinctive features of NuPRO-E43. Through BIOS configuration, the onboard PCIe x16 gold finger interface can be flexibly divided into multiple link combinations to adapt to different backplane slot configurations and expansion requirements:

Mode 1:1 x PCIe x16 (full bandwidth single slot)

Mode 2: 2xPCIe x8 (suitable for applications that require dual card parallel computing)

Mode 3:1 x PCIe x8+2 x PCIe x4 (balancing high bandwidth and more expansion slots)

This feature enables the same SHB to adapt to backboards of different designs, greatly simplifying system configuration and inventory management. Combined with 1 x PCIe x4 and 4 x PCI expansion slots on the backplane, the NuPRO-E43 can achieve up to 6 PCIe/PCI expansion slots, meeting the requirements of complex multi card systems.

2. Memory support: DDR4's high bandwidth and high capacity

The NuPRO-E43 is equipped with two DIMM slots and supports dual channel DDR4 2133/2400 MHz non ECC memory, with a maximum capacity of up to 32GB. Compared to the previous generation DDR3, DDR4 provides higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and larger single line capacity, which is crucial for industrial applications that require processing large-scale image data, running virtual machines or databases. The dual channel architecture further enhances memory bandwidth, ensuring that the CPU is not limited by memory bottlenecks under heavy computing tasks.

3. Comprehensive configuration of industrial grade I/O interfaces

The NuPRO-E43 fully considers the practical needs of industrial control systems and provides rich and flexible I/O interfaces:

Serial port: Provides 4 COM ports, all of which are led out through the onboard 2.0mm pin, facilitating customized cable connections. among which

Two are RS-232 standard ports.

Two configurable ports for RS-232/422/485, supporting Auto Flow Control for easy connection to industrial sensors PLC、 On site equipment such as frequency converters. This design enables it to simultaneously meet the needs of traditional serial port devices and new differential signal long-distance communication.

SATA storage: Provides 4 SATA 3.0 interfaces (6Gbps) and supports RAID 0/1/5/10 disk array modes. This is very practical for critical applications that require high-speed data throughput and data redundancy, such as real-time database servers and video surveillance recorders.

USB interface: Provides 8 USB 3.0 interfaces (2 on the rear I/O panel and 6 via onboard pins) and 4 USB 2.0 interfaces (leading to the backplane). The 5Gbps bandwidth of USB 3.0 can meet the needs of high-speed data backup and high-resolution industrial cameras and other peripherals.

Display output: Provides 1 VGA interface (rear I/O, up to 1920 x) 1200@60Hz ）And 1 DVI-D interface (led out through the onboard pin bank, up to 1920 × 1920) 1200@60Hz ）. The dual display output capability is suitable for HMI applications that require simultaneous display of the operating interface and monitoring screen.

Network interface: Two Gigabit Ethernet controllers onboard:

LAN1：Intel ®  I219LM PHY， Supports iAMT 11.0 remote management function and Wake on LAN (WOL).

LAN2：Intel ®  I225-V， Provide more advanced network features (such as partial support for time sensitive network TSN, depending on the specific SKU).

The dual port design supports network redundancy or physical isolation between the management network and the data network, and is a standard configuration for high availability in industrial systems.

Intelligent Management and System Monitoring: SEMA and AMT

1. ADLINK SEMA Management Solution

The NuPRO-E43 board is equipped with ADLINK's self-developed SEMA (Smart Embedded Management Agent) management solution. SEMA is a lightweight onboard management subsystem that provides the following core functions:

System health monitoring: Real time monitoring of CPU temperature, system temperature, system voltage (such as+5V,+12V,+3.3V, etc.), and CPU fan speed.

Remote management: supports remote system status query, logging, and fault warning through the network.

Customized services: SEMA provides open API interfaces that allow system integrators to integrate hardware health information into their own management software, achieving seamless integration with upper level applications.

This feature is particularly important for devices deployed in remote areas or unmanned sites, as it allows operations personnel to identify potential faults in advance (such as deteriorating heat dissipation and unstable power supply), enabling predictive maintenance and reducing unplanned downtime.

2. Intel iAMT 11.0

The Intel Active Management Technology 11.0 supported by the LAN1 interface further enhances remote management capabilities. Even in the event of an operating system crash or system shutdown, iAMT can still perform out of band management over the network, including:

Remote power control: remote power on, power off, and restart.

Serial redirection: Remote BIOS level configuration through LAN redirection of the system's serial port console.

System defense: It can detect and isolate infected clients to prevent malicious software from spreading in the network.

Onboard TPM and Security Features

NuPRO-E43 provides a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) module interface for installing Infineon TPM SLB 9665XT2.0 module. TPM 2.0 is a new generation hardware security standard that provides the following core security features:

Hardware key storage: Safely store encryption keys, digital certificates, and user passwords to prevent key theft at the software level.

Platform integrity measurement: During the system startup process, measure the hash values of critical boot components (such as BIOS, boot records, operating system kernel) and store them in TPM to detect whether the system has been tampered with.

Disk encryption support: In conjunction with software such as Windows BitLocker, it enables pre boot authentication and full disk encryption to protect static data security.

This is crucial for application scenarios that require strict information security regulations, such as critical infrastructure, defense, and financial transaction systems.

Compatibility between software and operating system

NuPRO-E43 provides extensive software ecosystem support to ensure seamless integration with application development environments and existing system libraries

Microsoft Windows：

Windows 7 32/64 bit (only supported with 6th generation CPU and I219LM LAN).

Windows 10 64 bit (fully supported).

Linux: Provides official support for Ubuntu 15.10 and can be adapted to other mainstream distributions (consult ADLINK for BSP support).

BIOS: using AMI ®  UEFI BIOS， Based on 128 Mbit SPI Flash Memory, supporting UEFI 2. x and Secure Boot secure boot functionality.

Heat dissipation design and mechanical compatibility

The heat dissipation design of NuPRO-E43 fully considers the diversity and compactness of industrial chassis. Its LGA1151 socket supports CPU heat sinks of different heights:

1U CPU heat sink: suitable for 1U/2U ultra-thin chassis, adopting a low profile design, and taking away heat through forced air cooling.

2U CPU Heat Sink: Suitable for standard 2U and above height chassis, providing larger heat dissipation area and better passive heat dissipation capability.

The standard operating temperature range is 0 ° C to 60 ° C (with appropriate heat dissipation scheme and chassis air duct design), and the storage temperature is -40 ° C to 80 ° C, which is sufficient to adapt to the vast majority of industrial indoor environments. The wide range of relative humidity (5% to 95%, without condensation) ensures reliability in high humidity environments.

Best Practices for Application Scenarios

Scenario 1: High end machine vision inspection system

The AOI (Automatic Optical Inspection) equipment of a certain electronic product manufacturer needs to simultaneously process real-time images from four high-resolution industrial cameras (via USB 3.0 or GigE) and run complex image processing algorithms. NuPRO-E43 is equipped with Core ™  The i7-7700 processor (4C/8T, 3.6GHz) and 32GB DDR4 memory utilize multiple PCIe 3.0 channels of the Q170 chipset to split x16 into 2xx8 through PCIe fork function, while installing two high-performance GPU acceleration cards (such as NVIDIA Tesla or AMD Instinct) to achieve parallel image processing acceleration. Dual gigabit Ethernet ports are connected to the camera network and the factory MES (Manufacturing Execution System) respectively to achieve data stream isolation. The onboard SEMA management function monitors CPU/GPU temperature in real-time to ensure system stability under long-term high load operation.

Scenario 2: Motion Control Platform for Semiconductor Equipment

The control system of a certain wafer cutting machine needs to control up to 8-axis servo motors (through multiple PCIe motion control cards) and collect a large number of digital I/O signals. Choose NuPRO-E43 with a specific backplane and utilize a 1 x PCIe x16 split into 1 x PCIe x8+2 x PCIe x4 mode to provide sufficient independent bandwidth for the three PCIe motion control cards. Meanwhile, the onboard RS-422/485 can be configured to connect distributed I/O modules via serial ports, simplifying on-site wiring. Four SATA 3.0 ports are configured as RAID 1 (mirrored) to ensure redundant storage of critical process parameters and log data. The TPM module provides system boot integrity verification to prevent malicious tampering.

Scenario 3: Rail Transit PIS and Onboard Server

The passenger information system (PIS) and onboard server of a certain train need to operate stably in a wide temperature and vibration environment, while supporting remote monitoring. The NuPRO-E43 uses the TE series low-power processor (35W TDP) and an efficient 2U heat sink to meet the passive heat dissipation requirements of the vehicle environment. The dual network port (I219LM supports WOL) and cellular router work together to achieve real-time transmission and remote diagnosis of train operation data. SEMA management, in conjunction with iAMT 11.0, enables maintenance personnel to perform system status queries, log extraction, and necessary remote restarts from the ground control center, greatly reducing operation and maintenance costs.

Key points of engineering deployment

Backplane compatibility verification: NuPRO-E43 is a PICMG 1.3 standard SHB and must be used in conjunction with a backplane that complies with PICMG 1.3 specifications. Before deployment, it is necessary to verify the PCIe gold finger signal definition of the backplane (especially the slot corresponding to the x16 fork), to ensure that the selected fork mode is consistent with the physical slot of the backplane.

Memory selection: Only supports DDR4 2133/2400 MHz non ECC UDIMM (without buffering). Using incompatible memory specifications (such as ECC, RDIMM, or frequency mismatch) will cause the system to fail to start. The maximum capacity is 32GB (16GB x 2).

CPU heatsink installation: LGA1151 CPU socket needs to be installed with even force. The 1U/2U heat sink requires the use of cooling pads of a specified height to ensure sufficient contact between the CPU Die and the heat sink. When coating thermal conductive silicone grease, it is necessary to ensure a uniform thin layer to avoid bubbles.

Operating system deployment: If using Windows 7, it is necessary to confirm that it is paired with a 6th generation CPU and only supported on LAN1 (I219LM). Windows 7 does not natively support USB 3.0, and deployment requires the use of PS/2 interface or pre injection of USB 3.0 drivers (which can be injected through tools).

TPM module installation: The TPM module needs to be plugged into the onboard TPM pin and secured with the accompanying screws. After installation, the TPM 2.0 function needs to be enabled in the BIOS and the Infineon TPM driver needs to be installed to complete initialization.

Tips for troubleshooting common engineering problems

Problem phenomenon 1: There is no display after the system is powered on, but the fan is running

Key points for inspection: Confirm whether the CPU model is on the support list (especially if ES engineering samples may not be recognized). Check if the memory module is fully inserted into the DIMM slot and locked. Attempt to start with minimal configuration (CPU+single memory only).

Key point: Although both the 6th and 7th generation CPUs are LGA1151, some BIOS versions may need to be updated to support the 7th generation CPU (Kaby Lake). It is recommended to confirm the BIOS version before installing the 7th generation CPU.

Problem phenomenon 2: PCIe expansion card cannot be recognized or has abnormal performance

Key points of inspection: Confirm whether the PCIe bifurcation setting in BIOS is consistent with the physical slot of the backplane. For example, if the fork is set to 2 × x8 and the backplane actually provides 4 x4 slots, it may result in link training failure.

Key point: Enter the Chipset configuration menu in the BIOS, check the PCIe root port settings, and ensure that the fork mode is correct.

Problem phenomenon 3: Communication abnormality of COM2/COM3 serial port in RS-422/485 mode

Key points of inspection: Confirm whether the serial port mode (RS-232/422/485) is correctly configured in the BIOS. Check if the terminal resistance configuration of the external device matches.

Key point: For RS-485 half duplex mode, it is necessary to ensure that the application correctly controls the data direction switching (usually through RTS signal or software control). If automatic flow control is enabled, the driver configuration needs to be verified.