Industrial and edge AI applications often force developers to choose between ultra-compact form factors and hardware upgradability. The newly announced Axiomtek PICO570 solves this bottleneck by packing an Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake processor and a physical DDR5 SO-DIMM slot into a tiny 100 x 72 mm Pico-ITX footprint. This design choice allows for flexible memory upgrades, directly addressing the limitations of competing boards that rely on soldered RAM.
Designed specifically for embedded engineers and system integrators, this Single Board Computer (SBC) enables high-performance AI inference nodes, automation controllers, and medical systems. By integrating an 11 TOPS NPU and supporting up to 4K resolution at 120Hz via HDMI 2.1, the board positions itself as a versatile foundation for intelligent infrastructure that requires both graphical power and local AI processing.
The Axiomtek PICO570 is available in two standard configurations based on the 15W TDP Meteor Lake-U SoC. Users can choose between the Intel Core Ultra 5 125U (12-core, up to 4.3 GHz) and the Intel Core Ultra 7 155U (12-core, up to 4.8 GHz). Both models feature Intel Arc graphics with AV1 encode/decode and an Intel AI Boost NPU. Key specifications include:
- System Memory: 262-pin DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM slot, supporting up to 64GB.
- Storage: M.2 Key M 2280 socket supporting PCIe Gen4 x4 or SATA for high-speed NVMe or SATA SSDs.
- Video Output: HDMI 2.1 port (up to 3840 x 2160 at 120Hz) and 18/24-bit single/dual channel LVDS (up to 1920 x 1200).
- Audio: HD Audio link via pin header (requires AX93A22 HD Audio I/O Board).
- Networking: 2.5GbE via Intel I226-V and GbE via Intel I219-LM, plus an M.2 Key E 2230 socket for wireless modules.
- USB & Serial: Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-A ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and one RS-232/422/485 serial interface.
- Expansion & Security: 4-channel programmable Digital I/O, SMBus connector, and fTPM 2.0 via Intel PTT.
- Power & Environment: +12V DC-in only, operating temperature of -20°C to 60°C, and a watchdog timer (255 levels).
Networking Expansion Requirements
While the board supports dual Ethernet controllers, they are exposed via 15-pin internal wafer connectors rather than standard RJ45 ports. To utilize these wired connections, users must acquire the AX93A24 RJ45 I/O board. Currently, there is no dedicated product page for this accessory, meaning buyers will likely need to contact Axiomtek directly to confirm availability and compatibility.
The SBC supports Windows 11, Windows 10, and Linux environments. Axiomtek provides the eAPI3.0 SDK and necessary drivers for managing the Watchdog Timer, hardware monitoring, and Digital I/O. Pricing remains undisclosed, requiring an inquiry through the official product page to obtain a quote.
The Advantage of Modular Memory in Edge AI
The decision to include a physical 262-pin DDR5 SO-DIMM slot on the Axiomtek PICO570 gives it a distinct edge over competitors like the AAEON PICO-MTU4, which rely on soldered LPDDR5 memory. In industrial environments where edge AI workloads frequently evolve, the ability to upgrade RAM up to 64GB extends the hardware's lifecycle significantly.
Furthermore, the integration of the Intel AI Boost NPU directly addresses the growing demand for localized AI inference. By processing data on the device rather than relying on cloud connectivity, the board reduces latency and enhances security for critical automation and medical systems.
