C&T Solution Launches BCO-500-ADL: Compact, Fanless Industrial Computer Powered by Alder Lake-N for Edge Computing

C&T Solution, a global leader in rugged embedded computing and edge AI platforms, has expanded its industrial product line with the launch of the BCO-500-ADL Series.  Designed for industrial automation, IoT gateway integration, and smart city deployment, this ultra-compact, fanless computer offers outstanding reliability and computing performance in a semi-rugged form factor—optimised for tight, demanding environments.

Power-Efficient Performance Built for the Industrial Edge

At the heart of the BCO-500-ADL lies a commitment to balancing performance, power efficiency, and reliability—core requirements for industrial edge deployments. Powered by Intel® 12th Generation Alder Lake-N processors (N97/N305), this fanless mini PC is engineered for scenarios where consistent uptime, responsive processing, and energy-conscious operation are essential.

Unlike traditional PCs or servers that consume significant power and generate excessive heat, the BCO-500-ADL delivers industrial-grade computing power within a compact, energy-efficient footprint. This makes it ideally suited for edge applications in environments where cooling infrastructure is limited or unavailable—such as roadside enclosures, mobile vehicles, or remote surveillance towers.

The efficient processing capabilities allow it to perform real-time analytics and decision-making at the edge, reducing reliance on cloud-based processing and minimising latency. This is particularly valuable in time-sensitive scenarios such as predictive maintenance in manufacturing, traffic flow control in smart cities, and dynamic data collection in environmental monitoring systems.

The low thermal output also enhances system reliability by reducing heat stress on internal components, extending operational life, and ensuring consistent performance in thermally constrained enclosures. This is crucial for embedded applications like smart vending machines, intelligent gateways, and factory HMI terminals—where space is tight and airflow is limited.

Whether powering AI inference engines for vehicle recognition in smart transport systems or acting as a control node in automated production lines, the BCO-500-ADL delivers robust and sustainable performance at the industrial edge—without compromise.

The BCO-500-ADL Series is designed from the ground up to serve as a reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient platform for a wide range of industrial and edge computing applications. From factory floors to remote sensing outposts, this semi-rugged system delivers the resilience and functionality demanded by next-generation deployments.

• Intel® Alder Lake-N Processors – Efficient, Low-Power Performance

Equipped with 12th Gen Intel® Alder Lake-N processors (N97/N305), the BCO-500-ADL provides exceptional performance-per-watt efficiency, making it ideal for always-on applications in energy-conscious environments such as smart buildings, environmental monitoring stations, and retail kiosks. This architecture ensures smooth multitasking capabilities in automation, edge AI, and control systems without excessive heat or energy demands.

• Fanless, Cableless Architecture – Built for Harsh Environments

The fanless, cableless design significantly enhances reliability by eliminating moving parts and internal wiring, two common points of failure. This rugged construction is critical for deployments in industrial automation, public transport vehicles, and smart city infrastructure where exposure to dust, shock, vibration, or temperature fluctuations is routine.

• Compact, Ultra-Slim Form Factor – Optimised for Space-Constrained Deployments

With its ultra-compact chassis, the BCO-500-ADL can be installed in tight control cabinets, behind displays, within kiosks, or onboard AGVs. This makes it a perfect fit for space-restricted environments such as transport fleets, factory control panels, or street-side IoT enclosures in urban environments.

• High-Speed DDR5 Memory – Accelerated Data Handling

Support for up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM ensures rapid data processing and responsiveness, vital for edge analytics, live monitoring, and real-time decision-making in use cases like surveillance systems, lab instrumentation, and industrial control.

• Dual 2.5GbE LAN Ports – Superior Network Throughput and Redundancy

The inclusion of two high-speed 2.5GbE LAN ports enables seamless integration with networked industrial equipment and high-bandwidth devices. This is essential for data-heavy applications such as smart surveillance systems, IoT gateways, and video analytics where fast and redundant connectivity is crucial.

• M.2 Expansion Options – Flexible I/O for Wireless and Storage Needs

Offering both M.2 B-Key for SATA SSDs and M.2 E-Key for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules, the BCO-500-ADL adapts easily to varied connectivity and storage requirements. This is especially beneficial in remote deployments such as agricultural monitoring or building management systems where wireless access and local storage are essential.

• Versatile Dual Display Support – Enhanced Visual Interfaces

With HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, the system supports dual-screen setups, ideal for operator dashboards, passenger information displays, and interactive kiosks. Whether in medical carts, retail environments, or industrial HMI systems, this flexibility supports diverse visual display needs.

• Rich I/O Interface – Seamless Peripheral Integration

Outfitted with 4x USB 3.2 ports and 2x COM ports (RS-232/422/485), the BCO-500-ADL can connect to a broad array of peripherals, from barcode scanners and sensors to legacy PLCs. This makes it especially useful in logistics, factory automation, and laboratory systems where peripheral compatibility is key.

• Compliance with Global Standards – Certified for Industrial Safety

The system is certified to CE, FCC Class A, UL61010-2-20, VCCI, and RCM standards, ensuring adherence to global safety, EMC, and environmental regulations. This makes the BCO-500-ADL a trusted choice for system integrators and OEMs operating across international industrial markets, from manufacturing to utilities.

“As industries accelerate their digital transformation, there is a growing demand for cost-effective, compact, and rugged computing solutions that fit into space-limited industrial environments,” said Jordy Hsu, Product Marketing Manager at C&T Solution. “The BCO-500-ADL delivers a unique balance of affordability, power efficiency, and durability, making it a perfect fit for next-generation edge computing applications.”

The BCO-500-ADL is a versatile and rugged industrial computing solution that thrives in a wide range of edge deployments. Its compact footprint, fanless architecture, and industrial-grade components make it particularly well suited to challenging environments where space is limited, reliability is paramount, and consistent connectivity is essential. Below are some of the key application areas where the BCO-500-ADL excels:

1. Industrial Automation and Control

In factory automation, real-time control, and production line monitoring, the BCO-500-ADL provides the durability and performance required to run SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Its support for dual displays enables operators to view control panels and diagnostics simultaneously, while its fanless design ensures silent, dust-proof operation in environments with high particulate levels. With multiple USB and COM ports, it easily integrates with legacy equipment and modern industrial sensors.

2. Smart City Infrastructure

Smart cities demand compact, energy-efficient, and remotely manageable computing systems that can operate reliably in outdoor or semi-outdoor environments. The BCO-500-ADL is ideally suited for deployment in roadside control cabinets, public transport hubs, environmental monitoring stations, and traffic management systems. Its wide operating temperature range and shock/vibration resistance ensure consistent uptime in installations exposed to variable weather and continuous vibration from traffic.

3. IoT Gateway and Edge Data Aggregation

As a powerful IoT gateway, the BCO-500-ADL can aggregate data from distributed sensors and devices, process it locally, and transmit insights to the cloud or a central server. This helps reduce latency and offloads central computing resources. With robust connectivity options, including dual 2.5GbE LAN, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth support via M.2 E-Key, and RS-232/422/485 COM ports, the device bridges modern and legacy systems across diverse verticals such as oil and gas, agriculture, renewable energy, and logistics.

4. Transportation and Fleet Management

In transport applications—including railway systems, public bus networks, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)—the BCO-500-ADL serves as a dependable onboard controller or monitoring system. Its vibration-resistant design and flexible DC power input make it suitable for mobile environments, while its ability to support multiple displays is beneficial for driver interfaces, passenger information systems, and vehicle diagnostics.

5. Retail and Interactive Kiosks

With dual-display support and high-speed I/O, the BCO-500-ADL is ideal for use in retail automation and customer-facing applications. It can power digital kiosks, self-service checkout systems, inventory management terminals, or digital signage platforms in retail chains, supermarkets, and hospitality venues. The fanless build makes it silent and suitable for customer environments, while its industrial build ensures long-term reliability in high-traffic locations.

6. Building Automation and Facility Management

As buildings become smarter, the need for edge devices capable of real-time control and data handling is increasing. The BCO-500-ADL can be integrated into smart building systems to control HVAC, lighting, security access, and energy usage. Its compact form factor allows for easy installation within control panels or wiring closets, and its wide range of connectivity options ensures compatibility with a variety of building management systems (BMS).

7. Medical and Laboratory Equipment Integration

The BCO-500-ADL’s certifications, industrial-grade components, and compact size make it well suited for integration into medical carts, diagnostic instruments, and laboratory automation systems. Its fanless cooling design ensures quiet and hygienic operation in sterile environments, while the availability of multiple I/O ports supports connection to barcode scanners, imaging devices, and touch monitors.

8. Environmental Monitoring and Remote Sensing

In remote or harsh environments such as coastal zones, mountainous regions, and industrial sites, the BCO-500-ADL can be deployed in edge installations to collect and pre-process environmental data. Whether monitoring air and water quality, seismic activity, or weather conditions, its wide voltage input range and extended temperature tolerance ensure dependable operation where other systems may fail.

9. Security and Surveillance Systems

For security integrators and CCTV infrastructure providers, the BCO-500-ADL serves as a compact video processing and control unit capable of managing camera feeds, running analytics software, and handling storage or network relay tasks. Its dual LAN and USB 3.2 interfaces enable rapid data transfer and peripheral support, making it a strong choice for NVR (network video recorder) or VMS (video management system) applications in commercial, industrial, or municipal surveillance projects.

The BCO-500-ADL Series represents a significant step forward in compact industrial computing, combining intelligent performance with rugged reliability and low total cost of ownership. Designed for real-world industrial and edge deployments, this platform delivers the flexibility and robustness demanded by today’s rapidly evolving environments—whether in smart cities, automated factories, connected transport systems, or remote edge networks.

By leveraging Intel® Alder Lake-N processors, the system delivers a dependable computing foundation for data-intensive workloads, while its fanless, cableless architecture ensures long-term operation with minimal maintenance, even in dusty, vibration-prone, or thermally constrained spaces. The inclusion of high-speed LAN, modern expansion options, and wide environmental tolerances positions the BCO-500-ADL as an ideal solution for decentralised processing and edge intelligence.

For systems integrators, OEMs, and IT decision-makers seeking to deploy rugged yet scalable computing in high-impact settings, the BCO-500-ADL offers a reliable, forward-compatible platform that enables seamless integration into existing and future infrastructure. With industry certifications and global compliance, it is equally ready for local or international rollouts, supporting rapid time-to-market for next-gen edge solutions.

In an era where edge computing is reshaping how industries capture, process, and act on data, the BCO-500-ADL equips businesses with a strategic tool to stay ahead—enabling faster decision-making, enhanced automation, and resilient operation at the network edge.