Advantech EPC-R3720 Windows on ARM Development Kit

Building Windows IoT Devices Made Easy

The EPC-R3720 with NXP i.MX 8M Plus platform is now powered by Windows on ARM, bringing full Windows compatibility to IoT. This highly optimized Windows 10 IoT board support package (BSP) makes it easier to build secure and scalable solutions from device to cloud, and supports diverse functions to provision, manage, and secure devices at scale.

Key benefits:

Usable with app development frameworks like .NET Framework, .NET Core, WinForms, and WPF as well as UWP and WinUI
Unique combination of I/O and peripherals for building solutions adaptable to diverse requirements
Enables development of compact and fanless Windows IoT devices
Cost-effective and lower power solution

Key features:

NXP i.MX8M Plus Cortex-A53 Quad at1.8GHz
On-board LPDDR4 6 GB, 4000MT/s memory
HDMI up to 3840 x 2160 at 30Hz resolution
Dual GbE LAN, 1 USB2.0 and 1 USB 3.2 Gen 1
1 Micro SD Socket & 1 Nano SIM Slot
1 mini-PCIe for 3G/4G, 1 M.2 2230 Key E for Wi-Fi & BT
Supports Windows 10 IoT Enterprise on ARM
Built UIO-4032 to support 1 GbE LAN, 2USB 2.0 and 2 RS-232Application

Order EPC-R3720 WoA DK at R24 EPC-R3720DK Datasheet

WoA-Development-Kit_EPC-R3720DK20230913095652

EPC-R3720 w/ UIO-4032 and Windows on ARM

Why Windows on ARM (WoA)?

Windows on ARM (WoA) is a version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system running on PCs powered by ARM processors. The ARM design does not support processors following the x86 architecture. The Windows on ARM platform brought Windows 10 to ARM-powered devices, and has been updated to run Windows 11 as well. The primary benefit of Windows on ARM is that it saves cost for both – hardware and operating system. Additionally, ARM-based devices feature high efficiency and low power consumption, meeting the new requirements of the green energy era. Furthermore, if existing Windows apps can run directly on ARM-based machines, app redevelopment will require much less time.

Benefits – Windows on ARM

Low power consumption ⇒ Longer battery life
Native support for use of mobile networks
Immediate wake-up from sleep mode
Lower operating temperatures
Best possible interaction between applications written by Microsoft and the device

Challenges – Windows on ARM

No compatibility with x86 apps
Lack of willingness of third-party companies to write or optimize their own apps for Windows on ARM
Restrictions on the cooperation between Microsoft and Qualcomm
Many Windows services are not available (e.g. fax and scan)

According to a study by Microsoft and ARM, the Windows on ARM market is expected to grow by 81% over the next five years. Windows on ARM can bring certain benefits to industrial applications. However, customers in that segment may want to test those benefits and consider other factors before investing resources. Sharing experiences with the technology can be helpful to customers who still have some reservations about WoA. For this purpose, our supplier Advantech offers a WoA Development Kit.