M9035A PXIe Embedded Controller

Introduction

The Keysight Technologies, Inc. M9035A is a low-cost, four-slot PXIe embedded PC controller with Windows 10 operating system. It is designed for mid-performance systems and is also well-suited for secure environments due to its front-panel, removable solid-state drive (SSD).

The embedded controller is built upon a low-power Intel i3 processor with 4-threads supported through  4 cores. It is an excellent choice for single-chassis, lower-cost applications which still require a quadcore processor.

Key Features

• Low-cost, 4-slot PXI controller module

• Intel Quad-Core i3-8100H 3.0 GHz processor

• Front removable 256 GB solid state drive

• Up to 32 GB RAM Memory

• Gen 3 PCIe®, 4- or 2-link (up to x24) configuration providing up to 16 GB/s max data bandwidth from CPU to PXIe backplane

• Front panel connections: four USB 2.0, two USB 3.0, two LAN (10/100/1000), two DisplayPort, and one GPIB

Quad-Core Processor

The M9035A utilizes a mid-range Intel Core i3-8100H quad-core processor clocked at 3 GHz. The CPU can execute up to four threads simultaneously. The bus speed of the CPU is 8 GT/s.

Memory

The M9035A has two memory connectors: one on top of the other. The module comes standard with one 16 GB memory module (installed in the bottom position). Optionally, a 32 GB memory may be factory installed. Memory modules can be installed bringing the total memory to 32 GB. The controller uses DDR4 2400 SODIMM memory modules.

Solid-State Drive

Secure environments benefit from the easily accessible, front removable 256 GB solid state drive (SSD) that is secured with front panel thumb screws. The SSD provides a faster boot time and is immune to vibration damage that mechanical drives may experience.

Video

The M9035A graphics are based on the integrated UHD 630 iGPU. The two DisplayPort++ front panel connectors are provided and offer high bandwidth, built-in cable retention and multiple monitor support. Each Dual Mode DisplayPort++ connector can support either a DisplayPort or HDMI by using a DisplayPort adapter (user-supplied).

PXIe Backplane Configuration

The embedded controller PCIe backplane switch provides a flexible backplane connection that can operate in a 2- or 4-link configuration.

• The PCIe x16 Gen 3 link between CPU and backplane provides up to 16 GB/s data bandwidth

Security features

The M9035A has the following security features built-in:

• TPM 2.0: provides hardware-based, security related functions

• UEFI: replaces the legacy BIOS and supports Secure Boot

Software platform

The controller supports Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit only) which is installed along with drivers (for Keysight PXIe chassis and M9035A embedded controller), Keysight I/O libraries, VISA, Keysight Connection Expert, and the I/O monitor software.