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Avalue 3.5-Inch SBC for Industrial IoT: Compact Gateway Computing at the Machine Edge

TSL Automation Solutions October 14, 2025
Avalue 3.5-inch SBC for industrial IoT gateway applications — TSL Automation Solutions
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The 3.5-Inch Form Factor: Small but Capable

The 3.5-inch SBC form factor (146 × 102 mm) is a long-established standard for embedded computing — small enough to integrate into tight enclosures and custom systems, while offering full PC architecture with standard OS support. Avalue's 3.5-inch SBC range brings modern Intel processor options to this proven form factor.

IoT Gateway Applications

The most common use case for a 3.5-inch SBC in industrial settings is an IoT gateway — a device that:

  • Collects data from PLCs, sensors, and field devices via Modbus, OPC UA, or Profinet
  • Pre-processes and filters data locally
  • Publishes data to MQTT brokers, cloud platforms, or MES systems over Ethernet or 4G
  • Runs Node-RED, Python scripts, or SCADA edge agents

Key Specifications

  • Processor — Intel Atom or Celeron N-series (6–10W TDP, fanless capable)
  • Memory — up to 16GB DDR4
  • Storage — M.2 NVMe + SATA, eMMC option
  • I/O — 2× COM (RS-232/422/485), 2× LAN, 4× USB, Mini-PCIe for WiFi/4G modules
  • OS support — Windows 10 IoT, Linux Ubuntu/Debian

Contact TSL Automation Solutions for Avalue 3.5-inch SBC pricing and integration support for your IoT gateway project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 3.5-inch SBC used for in industrial IoT?
A 3.5-inch SBC (146×102mm) is most commonly used as an industrial IoT gateway — collecting data from PLCs, sensors, and field devices via Modbus, OPC UA, or PROFINET, pre-processing it locally, and publishing to cloud platforms or MES systems. Its small form factor fits inside machine enclosures and control cabinets where full-size industrial PCs cannot be accommodated.
What is the difference between a 3.5-inch SBC and a full industrial PC?
A 3.5-inch SBC is a compact single-board computer optimised for embedded integration with lower power consumption (typically 6–25W TDP), fewer expansion slots, and a smaller footprint. A full industrial PC offers more I/O, larger storage capacity, higher performance, and easier software deployment. SBCs are ideal for dedicated gateway and edge processing tasks; full PCs suit SCADA workstations and multi-application platforms.
What operating systems run on Avalue 3.5-inch SBCs?
Avalue 3.5-inch SBCs support Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC, and Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Yocto). The choice depends on your application — Windows is preferred for compatibility with industrial software tools; Linux is preferred for custom IoT gateway applications, containerised deployments, and MQTT/OPC UA middleware.
Can a 3.5-inch SBC handle real-time data collection from multiple PLCs?
Yes — Avalue 3.5-inch SBCs with Intel Celeron or Core i-series processors can simultaneously poll multiple PLCs via Modbus TCP/RTU, EtherNet/IP, or OPC UA, log data to local SSD, and publish to cloud platforms. For applications requiring simultaneous polling of 10+ PLCs at high rates, choose an SBC with an i5 or i7 processor and dedicated NIC for OT network isolation.
Is the Avalue 3.5-inch SBC available in India?
Yes — TSL Automation Solutions stocks and supplies Avalue 3.5-inch SBC platforms in India with full configuration support, OS pre-loading, and after-sales service. Contact our Mumbai team for recommendations based on your processor, I/O, and temperature requirements.
Tags: Avalue 3.5 inch SBC industrial SBC India IoT gateway SBC 3.5 inch single board computer embedded IoT computer compact industrial SBC edge gateway board
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TSL Automation Solutions

Head of Marketing, TSL Automation Solutions

Sanjana covers industrial automation trends, product launches, and technology insights for TSL Automation Solutions, a Mumbai-based distributor of HMI, Panel PC, and embedded computing systems serving manufacturers across India and globally.

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