Overview
As CNC machining technology evolves, machine manufacturers require increasingly capable computing platforms to support sophisticated software, responsive operator interfaces, and seamless industrial connectivity. A leading CNC machine manufacturer sought to upgrade its existing Intel J1900 motherboard to meet growing processing demands while maintaining essential machine and facility communication capabilities. Premio's Intel N97 powered 3.5 inch industrial motherboard provides modern computing performance, versatile connectivity, and industrial grade design for the manufacturer's CNC machine systems.
Challenges
- Aging Intel J1900 processing platform no longer aligned with evolving CNC software performance requirements
- Need for responsive computing capabilities to support the machine's UX interface and additional applications
- Requirement for at least two LAN ports and USB connectivity for internal machine communication and facility network integration
- Thermal performance considerations when integrating higher performance computing hardware into CNC machines
- Need for a compact 3.5 inch motherboard suitable for integration into existing CNC system architecture
Solution
- Premio's Intel N97 powered 3.5 inch industrial SBC motherboard (CT-DAS02)
- Intel N97 quad core processor with up to 3.60 GHz processing speed and DDR5 memory support
- Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports and multiple USB 3.2 interfaces for machine and facility connectivity
- HDMI, DisplayPort, and LVDS or eDP interfaces for flexible HMI display integration
- Compact 3.5 inch design with operating temperature support from minus 10°C to 60°C
Benefits
- Enhanced computing capabilities for CNC software and HMI applications
- Flexible connectivity for machine and facility communication
- Modernized computing platform for evolving CNC machine requirements
Company Overview
A manufacturer of CNC machine tools and machining solutions specializes in developing equipment that supports precision machining and efficient manufacturing operations. With expertise in CNC technology, machine tool engineering, and operator focused system design, the company delivers machining solutions that help businesses improve usability and production workflows. Its continued investment in computing technology reflects a commitment to advancing CNC machine capabilities and meeting the evolving needs of modern manufacturing.
The Challenges
Upgrading Legacy Processing Performance
The manufacturer had been using a 3.5 inch motherboard powered by an Intel J1900 processor within its CNC machine systems. As its computing requirements evolved, the company sought an updated platform with higher processing capabilities to support its machine software and user interface. Transitioning to a newer Intel N97 processor became a key requirement for modernizing the computing foundation of its CNC equipment.
Supporting Responsive HMI Applications
The manufacturer's CNC systems rely on a user experience interface connected to an HMI display, allowing operators to interact with the machine and access its software functions. In addition to running the UX interface, the embedded motherboard must support other applications used within the CNC machine system. A higher performance computing platform was needed to accommodate these workloads and support a smoother, more responsive operator experience.
Maintaining Machine and Facility Connectivity
The manufacturer's CNC equipment depends on LAN connectivity for communication within the machine and with the facility where it is installed. The motherboard also requires USB interfaces to accommodate peripheral connections and other integration needs. To preserve these capabilities during the computing upgrade, the manufacturer identified at least two LAN ports and USB connectivity as essential hardware requirements.
Evaluating Thermal Performance for CNC Integration
Industrial CNC machines require computing hardware that can operate consistently under the conditions encountered within machine installations. Alongside higher processing performance, the manufacturer identified thermal characteristics as an important consideration when selecting its updated motherboard. The computing platform therefore needed suitable industrial temperature specifications and a thermal solution that could be evaluated within the intended CNC machine environment.
Integrating a Modern Board into Existing CNC Designs
The manufacturer had been using a 3.5 inch motherboard as part of its existing CNC computing architecture. Introducing a newer processing platform required consideration of board dimensions, connection interfaces, and hardware integration within the machine system. A compact industrial motherboard offered a practical approach to modernizing computing capabilities while maintaining a familiar form factor for system integration.
The Solution
Premio's Intel N97 Powered Industrial SBC Motherboard (CT-DAS02)
To modernize its CNC machine computing platform, the manufacturer is deploying the CT-DAS02, a 3.5 inch industrial single board computer powered by the Intel N97 processor. The motherboard serves as the computing platform for the CNC machine's user experience interface and additional software applications, connecting to an HMI display for operator interaction. Building on its earlier evaluation of an Intel N97 based CT-DAL01 motherboard, the manufacturer is moving forward with the newer CT-DAS02 to address its evolving computing and connectivity requirements.
Modern Intel N97 Processing for CNC Software
The CT-DAS02 incorporates an Intel N97 quad core processor with speeds up to 3.60 GHz, providing an updated computing architecture compared with the manufacturer's previous Intel J1900 platform. With support for DDR5 4800 MT/s memory up to 16GB, the motherboard provides additional platform capabilities for running the CNC user interface alongside other machine software. This computing upgrade supports the manufacturer's objective of delivering more capable CNC systems and a responsive operating experience.
Dual 2.5GbE LAN and USB Connectivity for Machine Integration
Equipped with two Intel i226V 2.5GbE LAN ports, the CT-DAS02 fulfills the manufacturer's requirement for at least two Ethernet connections. Within the CNC machine, these interfaces support the intended separation of internal machine communication and facility network connectivity, while USB 3.2 ports accommodate compatible peripherals and connected devices. The combination provides the connectivity needed to integrate the updated computing platform into the manufacturer's CNC machine architecture.
Flexible Display Connectivity for CNC HMI Systems
The CT-DAS02 features HDMI, DisplayPort, and a shared LVDS or eDP interface, offering several options for connecting industrial displays. Within the manufacturer's CNC machines, the motherboard runs the UX interface and related applications that are presented through the connected HMI display. Its Intel UHD Graphics and support for up to three independent displays provide additional flexibility for future interface configurations, subject to system requirements.
Compact Industrial Design and Thermal Support
Featuring a 3.5 inch form factor with dimensions of 146 x 102mm, the CT-DAS02 provides a compact motherboard design for integration within the manufacturer's CNC equipment. Its specified operating temperature range of minus 10°C to 60°C, wide 9V to 36V DC input, and included heatsink kit offer industrial hardware characteristics relevant to machine integration. These features support the manufacturer's evaluation of thermal performance and operating stability as the updated computing platform is incorporated into its CNC systems.
The Benefits
Enhanced Computing Capabilities for CNC Applications
Transitioning from the Intel J1900 platform to the Intel N97 based CT-DAS02 provides the manufacturer with a modern computing foundation for its CNC machine systems. The updated architecture is intended to support more demanding software workloads and improve the responsiveness of the operator interface, helping the manufacturer deliver increasingly capable CNC equipment.
Flexible Machine and Facility Connectivity
The CT-DAS02's dual 2.5GbE LAN ports accommodate the manufacturer's requirement for internal machine communication and connectivity to facility networks. Combined with multiple USB interfaces, the motherboard supports the integration of machine systems and compatible peripherals without sacrificing essential connectivity during the hardware upgrade.
Modernized Platform for Future CNC Development
By incorporating Intel N97 processing, DDR5 memory support, and versatile industrial interfaces, the manufacturer gains an updated embedded computing platform for its CNC product development. The CT-DAS02 provides a foundation for continued software enhancement and evolving operator interface requirements as the company advances its machine designs.
Conclusion
As CNC machine manufacturers modernize their equipment to support evolving software and operator interface requirements, upgrading embedded computing hardware plays an important role in advancing machine capabilities. By deploying the CT-DAS02 industrial motherboard, the manufacturer is transitioning from its legacy Intel J1900 platform to a modern Intel N97 solution with enhanced computing capabilities, flexible connectivity, and a compact industrial design. This upgrade provides a foundation for supporting more sophisticated CNC applications and delivering an improved operator experience as deployment progresses.
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