A motherboard's form factor is more than just a design specification; it’s the foundation of any computing system. It defines components' size, shape, and layout, influencing everything from performance and compatibility to power efficiency and space utilization. The form factor’s importance is especially evident in embedded systems and IoT applications, where compact designs are crucial for integrating powerful features into small devices. The KIWI board family, including the ultra-compact KIWI310 and KIWI330, demonstrates how innovative form factor designs can balance performance and efficiency, enabling developers to create solutions for modern industrial and consumer applications.

Small Motherboard Form Factors

ATX and Micro-ATX

Although primarily used in desktop environments, ATX and Micro-ATX form factors provide valuable references for standardized motherboard designs. ATX, measuring 305 mm x 244 mm, is known for its larger size, multiple expansion slots, and robust performance, making it a favorite for high-end gaming PCs. Micro-ATX, measuring 244 mm x 244 mm, offers a more compact alternative, balancing performance and space efficiency with fewer expansion slots.

ITX

The Information Technology eXtended (ITX) family, introduced by VIA Technologies in 2001, while supporting modern computing capabilities, is tailored for space-constrained environments, such as mini-PCs, home theaters, and embedded applications. Variants within the ITX family include:

• Mini-ITX: 170 mm x 170 mm, suitable for small-form-factor builds like IoT devices and home theaters.

• Nano-ITX: 120 mm x 120 mm, designed for industrial and embedded systems requiring greater space efficiency.

• Pico-ITX: 100 mm x 72 mm, ideal for ultra-compact systems and IoT applications.

Femto-ITX

The Femto-ITX is an emerging form factor that exemplifies ultra-compact computing. Measuring just 84 mm x 55 mm, it is designed for IoT devices, industrial monitoring equipment, and other space-constrained applications, pushing the boundaries of size, power efficiency, and adaptability. The KIWI310 and KIWI330 are prime examples of Femto-ITX boards, offering advanced processing capabilities and enhanced I/O options tailored for industrial and embedded use cases.

KIWI board and Form Factor Innovation

• KIWI310: Powered by the Intel® Celeron® N3350 processor, the KIWI310 features the Femto-ITX form factor with dimensions of just 84 mm x 56 mm. This compact board is designed for cutting-edge applications like automation, robotics, IoT devices, and edge computing. Despite its small size, it delivers powerful processing and graphics capabilities suitable for demanding tasks.

• KIWI330: Equipped with Intel Atom® N50, N200, or i3-N305 processors, the KIWI330 takes compactness further, measuring only 72 mm x 56 mm, 18% smaller than the KIWI310. Its ultra-compact design makes it ideal for applications such as digital signage, portable computing, and industrial automation, offering robust performance while minimizing space requirements.

Why KIWI board Solutions?

While standardized form factors like Pico-ITX and Femto-ITX provide flexibility for diverse use cases, KIWI boards go further with customization. For projects requiring tailored solutions, the KIWI board ecosystem supports custom designs that transcend traditional form factor limitations. This adaptability ensures that unique application needs are met with precision.

About KIWI board

KIWI board is a complete solutions provider, supporting every aspect of your project, from hardware to software and system integration, to get your application functioning securely, reliably, and at peak performance. KIWI board builds its products for high reliability, high performance, security, scalability, and versatility so customers can expect extended service life, quickly adapt to evolving system requirements, and adopt future technologies as they emerge.

Next steps

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