DFI AL170 User manual

1
AL170
Mini-ITX Industrial Motherboard
User’s Manual
A49600907

2
Copyright
This publication contains information that is protected by copyright. No part of it may be re-
produced in any form or by any means or used to make any transformation/adaptation without
the prior written permission from the copyright holders.
This publication is provided for informational purposes only. The manufacturer makes no
representations or warranties with respect to the contents or use of this manual and specifi-
cally disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. The user will assume the entire risk of the use or the results of the use of this docu-
ment. Further, the manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes
to its contents at any time, without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revisions
or changes.
Changes after the publication’s first release will be based on the product’s revision. The website
will always provide the most updated information.
© 2019. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
Product names or trademarks appearing in this manual are for identification purpose only and
are the properties of the respective owners.
FCC and DOC Statement on Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour-
aged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help.
Notice:
1. The changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
2. Shielded interface cables must be used in order to comply with the emission limits.

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Copyright............................................................................................................. 2
Trademarks ........................................................................................................2
FCC and DOC Statement on Class B.....................................................2
Warranty.............................................................................................................. 4
Static Electricity Precautions......................................................................4
Safety Measures ..............................................................................................4
About the Package......................................................................................... 5
Optional Items..................................................................................................5
Before Using the System Board...............................................................5
Chapter 1 - Introduction .............................................................................6
Specifications ................................................................................................6
Features..........................................................................................................7
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation................................................ 8
Board Layout.................................................................................................8
Block Diagram............................................................................................... 9
Mechanical Drawing ....................................................................................9
System Memory.......................................................................................... 10
Installing the SODIMM Module .................................................................... 11
Installing the Heat Sink ........................................................................... 12
Jumper Settings ......................................................................................... 12
M.2 Signal Select........................................................................................ 12
SATA 1/M.2 M Key SATA Signal Select ......................................................... 13
PCIE1/M.2 M Key PCIE Signal Select............................................................ 13
COM1/COM2 RS232/Power Select................................................................ 14
LCD/Inverter Power Select .......................................................................... 15
Backlight Brightness Select.......................................................................... 15
Panel Power Select ..................................................................................... 16
Clear CMOS Data........................................................................................ 16
USB 2.0 Power Select ................................................................................. 17
Rear Panel I/O Ports................................................................................. 18
RJ45 LAN Ports........................................................................................... 18
USB Ports................................................................................................... 19
Graphics Interfaces..................................................................................... 20
Audio ......................................................................................................... 20
COM (Serial) Ports...................................................................................... 21
I/O Connectors ........................................................................................... 22
SATA (Serial ATA) Connectors...................................................................... 22
Power Connector ........................................................................................ 22
S/PDIF Connector ....................................................................................... 23
Digital I/O and Power Connectors................................................................ 23
Cooling Fan Connectors............................................................................... 24
Front Panel Connector ................................................................................ 24
LVDS LCD Panel Connector ......................................................................... 25
LCD/Inverter Power Connector .................................................................... 25
SMBus Connector ....................................................................................... 26
Standby Power LED .................................................................................... 26
Chassis Intrusion Connector ........................................................................ 27
Expansion Slots .......................................................................................... 27
LPC Connector............................................................................................ 28
Connecting the EXT-RS232/RS485 Card to the Motherboard ......................... 28
eDP Connector (optional) ............................................................................ 29
Battery....................................................................................................... 30
Chapter 3 - BIOS Setup............................................................... 31
Overview....................................................................................................... 31
Insyde BIOS Setup Utility........................................................................ 32
Main .......................................................................................................... 32
Advanced ................................................................................................... 32
Security...................................................................................................... 40
Boot........................................................................................................... 41
Exit............................................................................................................ 42
Updating the BIOS .................................................................................... 42
Notice: BIOS SPI ROM ............................................................................. 43
Chapter 4 - Supported Software........................................................... 44
Appendix A - Troubleshooting Checklist ............................................ 50
Table of Contents

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Warranty
1. Warranty does not cover damages or failures that arised from misuse of the product,
inability to use the product, unauthorized replacement or alteration of components and
product specifications.
2. The warranty is void if the product has been subjected to physical abuse, improper instal-
lation, modification, accidents or unauthorized repair of the product.
3. Unless otherwise instructed in this user’s manual, the user may not, under any circum-
stances, attempt to perform service, adjustments or repairs on the product, whether in or
out of warranty. It must be returned to the purchase point, factory or authorized service
agency for all such work.
4. We will not be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequencial damages to the
product that has been modified or altered.
Static Electricity Precautions
It is quite easy to inadvertently damage your PC, system board, components or devices even
before installing them in your system unit. Static electrical discharge can damage computer
components without causing any signs of physical damage. You must take extra care in han-
dling them to ensure against electrostatic build-up.
1. To prevent electrostatic build-up, leave the system board in its anti-static bag until you are
ready to install it.
2. Wear an antistatic wrist strap.
3. Do all preparation work on a static-free surface.
4. Hold the device only by its edges. Be careful not to touch any of the components, contacts
or connections.
5. Avoid touching the pins or contacts on all modules and connectors. Hold modules or con-
nectors by their ends.
Safety Measures
To avoid damage to the system:
• Use the correct AC input voltage range.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
• Unplug the power cord before removing the system chassis cover for installation or servic-
ing. After installation or servicing, cover the system chassis before plugging the power
cord.
Important:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drive and other com-
ponents. Perform the upgrade instruction procedures described at an ESD worksta-
tion only. If such a station is not available, you can provide some ESD protection by
wearing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the system chas-
sis. If a wrist strap is unavailable, establish and maintain contact with the system
chassis throughout any procedures requiring ESD protection.

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About the Package
The package contains the following items. If any of these items are missing or damaged,
please contact your dealer or sales representative for assistance.
• 1 AL170 motherboard
• 1 I/O shield
• 1 heatsink for -40 to 85°C (Height: 32mm)
• 1 heatsink for 0 to 60°C (Height: 17.5mm)
The board and accessories in the package may not come similar to the information listed
above. This may differ in accordance to the sales region or models in which it was sold. For
more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or
sales representative.
Optional Items
• COM port cable (Length: 250mm, 1 x COM port)
• Serial ATA data with power cable (Length: 300mm)
• USB 2.0 port cable (Length: 200mm)
• LPC EXT-RS232 module (4 x RS232 ports)
• LPC EXT-RS485 module (4 x RS485 ports)
The board and accessories in the package may not come similar to the information listed-
above. This may differ in accordance to the sales region or models in which it was sold. For
more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or
sales representative.
Before Using the System Board
Before using the system board, prepare basic system components.
If you are installing the system board in a new system, you will need at least the following
internal components.
• Memory module
• Storage devices such as hard disk drive, etc.
You will also need external system peripherals you intend to use which will normally include at
least a keyboard, a mouse and a video display monitor.

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Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Introduction www.dfi.com
Specifications
SYSTEM Processor Intel Atom®Processor E3900 Family, BGA 1296
Intel Atom®x7-E3950 Processor, Quad Core, 2M Cache, 1.6GHz (2.0GHz), 12W
Intel Atom®x5-E3940 Processor, Quad Core, 2M Cache, 1.6GHz (1.8GHz), 9.5W
Intel Atom®x5-E3930 Processor, Dual Core, 2M Cache, 1.3GHz (1.8GHz), 6.5W
Intel®Pentium®Processor N4200, Quad Core, 2M Cache, 1.1GHz (2.5GHz), 6W
Memory Two 204-pin SODIMM up to 8GB
Dual Channel DDR3L 1867MHz
BIOS Insyde SPI 64Mbit (supports UEFI boot only)
GRAPHICS Controller Intel®HD Graphics GT Series
Feature OpenGL 5.0, DirectX 12, OpenCL 2.1
HW Decode: AVC/H.264, MPEG2, VC1/WMV9, JPEG/MJPEG, HEVC/H.265, VP8, VP9, MVC
HW Encode: AVC/H.264, JPEG/MJPEG, HEVC/H.265, VP8, VP9, MVC
Display 1 x VGA/DP++ (opt.)
1 x DP++
1 x LVDS/eDP (opt.)
VGA: resolution up to 2560x1600 @ 60Hz
LVDS: dual channel 48-bit, resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz
DP++: resolution up to 4096x2160 @ 60Hz
eDP: resolution up to 4096x2160 @ 60Hz
Triple
Displays
VGA + DP++ + LVDS
VGA + DP++ + eDP
DP++ + DP++ + LVDS
DP++ + DP++ + eDP
EXPANSION Interface 1 x PCIe x1 (Gen 2)
1 x M.2 M Key (support 2242/2280)
1 x Full-size Mini PCIe (PCIe2.0/USB2.0)(USB3.1 Gen 1)(opt.)
AUDIO Audio
Codec
Realtek ALC262-VC2-GR
ETHERNET Controller 2 x Intel®I211AT PCIe (10/100/1000Mbps) or 2 x Intel®I210IT PCIe (10/100/1000Mbps)
REAR I/O Ethernet 2 x GbE (RJ-45)
USB 4 x USB 3.0
Display 1 x VGA/DP++ (opt.)
1 x DP++
Audio 1 x Line-in (opt.)
1 x Line-out
1 x Mic-in
Serial 2 x RS-232/422/485 (RS-232 with power) (DB-9)
INTERNAL I/O Serial 4 x RS-232 (2.0mm pitch)
USB 6 x USB 2.0 (2.0mm pitch)
Display 1 x LVDS LCD Panel Connector or 1 x eDP LCD Panel Connector (opt.)
1 x LCD/Inverter Power
Audio 1 x S/PDIF
1 x Front Audio (Line-out/Mic-in)
SATA 2 x SATA 3.0 (up to 6Gb/s) colay with M.2 M key
DIO 1 x 8-bit DIO
LPC 1 x LPC (supports LPC EXT-RS232/RS485 module)
SMBus 1 x SMBus
WATCHDOG
TIMER
Output &
Interval
System Reset, Programmable via Software from 1 to 255 Seconds
SECURITY TPM TPM 2.0 (opt.)
POWER Type ATX
Connector 24-pin ATX power
Consumption TDP 5.5~12W
RTC Battery CR2032 Coin Cell
OS SUPPORT
(UEFI ONLY) Microsoft
/Linux
Windows 10 64-bits (LTSB)
Ubuntu 16.04.2
ENVIRONMENT Temperature Operating: 0 to 60°C, -40 to 85°C
Storage: -40 to 85°C
Humidity Operating: 5 to 90% RH
Storage: 5 to 90% RH
MTBF 357,197 hrs @ 25°C; 206,214 hrs @ 45°C; 130,208 hrs @ 60°C
Calculation model: Telcordia Issue 2, Method I Case 3
Environment: GB, GC – Ground Benign, Controlled
MECHANICAL Dimensions Mini-ITX Form Factor
170mm (6.7") x 170mm (6.7")

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Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Introduction www.dfi.com
Features
• Watchdog Timer
The Watchdog Timer function allows your application to regularly “clear” the system at the set
time interval. If the system hangs or fails to function, it will reset at the set time interval so
that your system will continue to operate.
• DDR3L
DDR3L requires less voltage (1.35V) than DDR3 (1.5V). DDR3L SDRAM modules support
1867MHz for DDR modules.
• Graphics
The integrated Intel®HD graphics engine delivers an excellent blend of graphics performance
and features to meet business needs. It provides excellent video and 3D graphics with out-
standing graphics responsiveness. These enhancements deliver the performance and compat-
ibility needed for today’s and tomorrow’s business applications. Supports 1 x VGA/DP++ (DP++
optional), 1 x DP++ and 1 x LVDS/eDP (eDP optional) interfaces for triple display outputs.
• PCI Express
PCI Express is a high bandwidth I/O infrastructure that possesses the ability to scale speeds
by forming multiple lanes. The PCI Express architecture also supports high performance graph-
ics infrastructure by enhancing the capability of a PCIe x1.
• Serial ATA
Serial ATA is a storage interface that is compliant with SATA 1.0a specification. With speed of
up to 6Gb/s (SATA 3.0), it improves hard drive performance faster than the standard parallel
ATA whose data transfer rate is 100MB/s.
• Gigabit LAN
Two Intel®I211AT PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet controllers or two Intel®I210IT PCI Express
Gigabit Ethernet controllers support up to 1Gbps data transmission.
• Audio
The Realtek ALC262-VC2-GR audio codec provides 4-channel High Definition audio output.
Important:
The 5V_standby power source of your power supply must support ≥720mA.
• Wake-On-USB
This function allows you to use a USB keyboard or USB mouse to wake up a system from the
S3 (STR - Suspend To RAM) state.
• ACPI STR
The system board is designed to meet the ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
specification. ACPI has energy saving features that enables PCs to implement Power Manage-
ment and Plug-and-Play with operating systems that support OS Direct Power Management.
ACPI when enabled in the Power Management Setup will allow you to use the Suspend to RAM
function.
With the Suspend to RAM function enabled, you can power-off the system at once by pressing
the power button or selecting “Standby” when you shut down Windows®without having to go
through the sometimes tiresome process of closing files, applications and operating system.
This is because the system is capable of storing all programs and data files during the entire
operating session into RAM (Random Access Memory) when it powers-off. The operating ses-
sion will resume exactly where you left off the next time you power-on the system.
• Power Failure Recovery
When power returns after an AC power failure, you may choose to either power-on the system
manually or let the system power-on automatically.
Important:
If you are using the Wake-On-USB Keyboard/Mouse function for 2 USB ports, the
5V_standby power source of your power supply must support ≥1.5A. For 3 or more
USB ports, the 5V_standby power source of your power supply must support ≥2A.
• Wake-On-LAN
This feature allows the network to remotely wake up a Soft Power Down (Soft-Off) PC. It is
supported via the onboard LAN port or via a PCI LAN card that uses the PCI PME (Power Man-
agement Event) signal. However, if your system is in the Suspend mode, you can power-on
the system only through an IRQ or DMA interrupt.
Important:
The 5V_standby power source of your power supply must support ≥720mA.
• USB
The system board supports the new USB 3.0. It is capable of running at a maximum transmis-
sion speed of up to 5 Gbit/s (625 MB/s) and is faster than USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s, or 60 MB/s)
and USB 1.1 (12Mb/s). USB 3.0 reduces the time required for data transmission, reduces
power consumption, and is backward compatible with USB 2.0. It is a marked improvement in
device transfer speeds between your computer and a wide range of simultaneously accessible
external Plug and Play peripherals.

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8
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 - Hardware Installation
Board Layout
25 22
5
21
Buzzer
S/PDIF
1
eDP (optional)
40
1
1
COM 6
9
19 11
99
COM 5
COM 4
COM 3
Standby
Power LED
1
SATA 0
1
SATA 1
SATA 3.0
Mini PCIe
5
6
1
2
5
2222
1
10
9
2
Front Audio
Realtek
ALC262
Battery Clear CMOS
Data (JP6)
1
1
Intel
Atom/
Pentium
1
1
PCIE1/M.2 M Key PCIE
Signal Select (JP3)
12
SATA 1/M.2 M Key SATA
Signal Select (JP4)
M.2 Signal
Select (JP1)
1
12
33
3
10 10
18
3
3
2
3
DDR3L_1 SODIMM
DDR3L_2 SODIMM
Intel
I211AT or I210IT
PCIE1 (PCIe x1)
1
1
SPI Flash
BIOS
1
1
5
SMBus
2
11
1
COM 1
RS232/Power
Select (JP5)
PTN
3460
PTN3460
Front
Panel
Digital
I/O
Power
Digital I/O
System
Fan 1
System
Fan 2
2
4
Nuvoton
NCT6116D
1
ATX Power
13
12
24
CH7517
PTN
3460
LAN 2
USB 3.0
USB 2/4
LAN 1
USB 3.0
USB 0/1
COM 1
VGA or DP++ (optional)
COM 2
DP++
1
2
(JP9)
(JP10)
1
1
3
3
(JP8)
5
6
1
LCD/
Inverter
Power
2
40
1
39
LVDS
LCD
Panel
8
1
Chassis Intrusion
2
Panel Power Select (JP8)
Backlight Brightness Select
(JP9)
LCD/Inverter Power Select
(JP10)
1
102
USB
4/5
USB 2.0
9
1
102
9
1
102
9
1
102
9
1
102
9
1
102
9
USB
6/7
USB
8/9
TPM 2.0 (optional)
LPC
1
13
2
14
1
3
1
3
1
3
M.2 M Key
Intel
I211AT or
I210IT
6
1
2
5
COM 2
RS232/Power
Select (JP2)
Line-in (opt.)
Line-out
Mic-in
USB 2 8/9
Power
Select
(JP13)
USB 2 6/7
Power
Select
(JP12)
USB 2 4/5
Power
Select
(JP11)
Top View Bottom View
1
A
SIM Socket Retention Module Base

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9
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
Chapter 2
Block Diagram
Intel Atom
®
Processor
E3900 Series
Super IO
with WDT
Digital I/O 8-bit
DDR3L 1867MHz
SODIMM
Channel A
PCIe x1
DDI
LPC Bus
PTN3460
eDP
LVDS
SMBus
SMBus
SPI
CH7517
VGA
Mini PCIe
SATA 3.0
USB 2.0
USB 2.0 2x
SATA 3.0 SATA 1x
Front Audio
(Line-out,
Mic-in, Line-in)
RS-232/422/485 4x
H/W Monitor
DB9 2x
FAN Control
I211AT PCIe x1
I210IT (opt.)
DP++ (opt.)
DP++
DDI
HDA
SPDIF
TPM 2.0
DDR3L 1867MHz
SODIMM
eDP (opt.)
M.2 M key
SATA 1x
PCIe x1
SIM
SPI Bus
Channel B
ATX power
USB 3.0
USB 3.0/2.0
2x
LAN 1x
I211AT PCIe x1
I210IT (opt.)
USB 3.0
USB 3.0/2.0
2x
LAN 1x
Mechanical Drawing

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10
Chapter 2 Hardware Installation
Chapter 2
System Memory
Features
• Two 204-pin SODIMM up to 8GB
• Dual Channel DDR3L 1867MHz
Important:
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your board, processor, disk drives, add-in
boards, and other components. Perform installation procedures at an ESD workstation
only. If such a station is not available, you can provide some ESD protection by wear-
ing an antistatic wrist strap and attaching it to a metal part of the system chassis. If
a wrist strap is unavailable, establish and maintain contact with the system chassis
throughout any procedures requiring ESD protection.
Important:
When the Standby Power LED lights red, it indicates that there is power on the sys-
tem board. Power-off the PC then unplug the power cord prior to installing any de-
vices. Failure to do so will cause severe damage to the motherboard and components.
25 22
5
21
PTN
3460
PTN
3460
DDR3L_1
DDR3L_2
Standby
Power LED
The system board supports the following memory interface.
Single Channel (SC)
Data will be accessed in chunks of 64 bits (8B) from the memory channels.
Dual Channel (DC)
Data will be accessed in chunks of 128 bits from the memory channels. Dual channel provides
better system performance because it doubles the data transfer rate.