For compute-intensive, AI-supported applications: Kontron’s K4021-U mSTX – now at Rutronik
Ispringen, February 2025 – Nominated by the trade magazine Elektronik for the “Product of the Year” 2025, the K4021-U mSTX motherboard from Kontron scores with the latest DDR5 memory technology, Intel® graphics and a new integrated NPU for dedicated AI acceleration.
The motherboard, which is available from Rutronik, supports up to four 4K60 HDR displays or two 8K displays simultaneously. The platform thus represents a significant advance in embedded computing technology and meets the requirements for the most demanding AI, industrial and medical applications. The K4021-U mSTX can be ordered at www.rutronik24.com. When volume production begins in 2025, a matching SMARTCASE™ chassis kit solution will also be available. In addition, suitable cooling solutions, memory modules and high-performance SSDs for the motherboard are also available from Rutronik. The compact, flat and versatile design is ideal for applications with limited space and a good alternative to 3.5-inch or NUCs. The energy-efficient design, wireless installation, easy maintenance and flexible expandability make the K4021-U mSTX a particularly cost-effective solution. The platform was developed for 24/7 continuous operation and is designed for operating temperatures from 0°C to +60°C. The use of high-quality components and strict lifecycle management also ensure
high quality and long-term, reliable use. Robust connectivity and excellent expandability Designed with expandability in mind, the K4021-U mSTX motherboard features four M.2 slots for storage and Wi-Fi modules, as well as numerous connection options, including two COM ports, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, and GPIO. This allows the board to be customized for a wide range of industrial applications.
Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente GmbH Industriestraße 2 | 75228 Ispringen Management Board Rutronik Helmut Rudel | Thomas Rudel | Markus Krieg | Dr. Gregor Sommer Cutting-edge performance thanks to Intel® Core™ Ultra processors
Performance and efficiency are based on the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 and 5 processors, which are part of the Meteor Lake U SoC family. The integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) extends AI capabilities and enables a 20x optimization of performance-per-watt. This makes it ideal for image recognition or automation applications.
Main features:
• Latest DDR5 memory technology (DDR5-5600, max. capacity 96 GB)
• Intel Graphics® – within the SoC powered by Intel Xe
-Architecture®
• Up to four simultaneous 4K60 HDR displays or two 8K displays
• Dual-channel LVDS (24-bit) and eDP V1.4b (4K) onboard
• COM ports, Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen2, GPIO
• Operating temperature range from 0 °C to +60 °C
• Suitable for 24/7 continuous operation
Application examples:
• POS/POI
• Production optimization
• Medical
• Digital signage
• Kiosk solutions
Further information can be found in the corresponding Rutronik TEC article.
