AsiaRF is the smallest 27X35mm computer

How small can the system unit of a modern computer be? Maybe the size of a smartphone? Perhaps it was before, until there was a minicomputer AsiaRF, breaking all records. This marvel of technology has indecently modest dimensions of 27 by 35 millimeters, and can easily get lost even on a shelf with keys to the apartment. At the same time, the lion’s share of the entire computer is occupied by a conventional RJ-45 network connector for connecting to conventional LANs. In addition, AsiaRF is equipped with a wireless communication module with support for CSMA / CA, as well as two USB ports: the usual full-size USB and mini USB. The Mini USB interface is used to power the computer.





The AsiaRF minicomputer is based on the previously announced Ralink RT5350 platform. AsiaRF carries 32 gigabytes of RAM on its board, and as it may seem strange, only 8 megabytes of non-volatile memory in the form of an integrated drive into the main board. As an operating system for AsiaRF, one version of Linux is used, adapted to work on this specific platform.

Of course, the main purpose of AsiaRF is not to replace conventional desktop / floor computers, but first of all, the use of “smart homes”, especially all the prerequisites for this are: small size, low power consumption, silent operation and support for networks with Ethernet frames. The main problem remains only the price of the device - according to expert estimates, it will be approximately twenty million dollars.

AsiaRF is not the first such development. Earlier, Intel introduced its version of the minicomputer called Edison, but without the Ethernet network interface and USB ports. The Edison form factor strongly resembles a regular SD card. Intel is developed using 22nm technology and also runs the Linux operating system. At the time of the show Edison has developed a set of programs to demonstrate the capabilities of the new minicomputer and the most likely areas of its application. To fuel interest in Edison, Intel has launched a competition to create working prototypes using their miniature computer. The prize fund of the competition was more than one million dollars. Edison is scheduled to enter the market by mid-2014.

Source: 3dp.su