Kontron KBox A-150-APL User manual

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USER GUIDE
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KBox A-150-APL
Doc. User Guide, Rev. 1.6
Doc. ID: 1062-3589

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
KBOX A
-150-APL - USER GUIDE
Disclaimer
Kontron would like to point out that the information contained in this user guide may be subject to alteration,
particularly as a result of the constant upgrading of Kontron products. This document does not entail any guarantee on
the part of Kontron with respect to technical processes described in the user guide or any product characteristics set
out in the user guide. Kontron assumes no responsibility or liability for the use of the described product(s), conveys no
license or title under any patent, copyright or mask work rights to these products and makes no representations or
warranties that these products are free from patent, copyright or mask work right infringement unless otherwise
specified. Applications that are described in this user guide are for illustration purposes only. Kontron makes no
representation or warranty that such application will be suitable for the specified use without further testing or
modification. Kontron expressly informs the user that this user guide only contains a general description of processes
and instructions which may not be applicable in every individual case. In cases of doubt, please contact Kontron.
This user guide is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved by Kontron. No part of this document may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer
language, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the
express written permission of Kontron. Kontron points out that the information contained in this user guide is
constantly being updated in line with the technical alterations and improvements made by Kontron to the products and
thus this user guide only reflects the technical status of the products by Kontron at the time of publishing.
Brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
©2018 by Kontron Europe GmbH
Kontron Europe GmbH
Gutenbergstraße 2
85737 Ismaning
Germany
www.kontron.com

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Intended Use
This DIN rail industrial embedded computer platform, sold by Kontron, is part of Kontron’s A-Series intended for
control cabinet applications, offering high performance at low power dissipation. The KBox A-150 product family can
operate in a temperature range from 0°C to plus 40°C, and a humidity of 10 to 90 percent does not affect the function
of the product. The products fanless design ensures a significantly prolonged lifespan and high system availability.
This product offers flexible DIN Rail mounting positions within a control cabinet even when space is limited. Users
must comply with all product specifications stated in the product documentation and this user guide. If it is intended,
to incorporated the product into any total systems or applications, carry out sufficient, compatibility and functions
tests prior to any use or resale.
THIS PRODUCT IS NOT DESIGNED, MANUFACTURED OR INTENDED FOR USE OR RESALE FOR THE
OPERATION OF APPLICATION IN A HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT, OR REQUIRING FAIL-SAFE PERFORMANCE,
OR IN WHICH THE FAILURE OF PRODUCTS COULD LEAD DIRECTLY TO DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, OR SEVERE
PHYSICAL OR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE (COLLECTIVELY "HIGH RISK APPLICATIONS").
You understand and agree that your use of Kontron product as a component in High Risk Applications is entirely at
your own risk. To minimize the risks associated with your systems and applications, you must provide adequate
design and operating safeguards. You are responsible to ensure that your systems (and any Kontron hardware or
software products incorporated in your systems) meet all applicable requirements. Unless otherwise stated in the
product documentation, the Kontron product is not provided with error-tolerance capabilities and therefore cannot
be deemed as being engineered, manufactured or setup to be compliant for implementation or for resale as a
component in High Risk Applications. All application and safety related information in this document (including
application descriptions, suggested safety measures, suggested Kontron products, and other materials) is provided
for reference only.
You find the most recent version of the “General Safety Instructions“ online in the download
area of this product.

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Revision History
Revision Brief Description of Changes Date of Issue Author/
Editor
1.0 Initial version 2018-Oct-02 CW
1.1 Update standards, BIOS, block diagram, scope of delivery, accessories,
type label, battery info, OS type, internal component pin assignments,
and standards certification and directives information. Added heatsink
dimensions, keep out area data and internal component diagram.
2020-Jan-07 CW
1.2 Added UEFI BIOS only information in Chapter 12. 2020-Feb-05 CW
1.3 Updated general safety instructions and added caution in Special
Handling and Unpacking Instruction. Added PSU spec. data and LPS
caution. Added mating power connector/terminal wiring
spec/restrictions.
2020-Sept-09 CW
1.4 Updates Figures 4, 21 and 23 with DSUB serial connectors orientation
changed. Renamed Chapter 10.5 Compliance. Updated boiler text,
company name and address, and General Safety Instructions. Changed
Battery warning in Ch. 1.2 and Ch.14.3.1.
2022-Jan-05 CW
1.5 Added Comment “highest Baudrate for RS232 is 115200 kbit/s in
Chapters 4.1.8 and 11.1.6.
2022-Sept-28 CW
1.6 Replaced Ubuntu with Linux and added new logo 2023-Sept-06 CW
Terms and Conditions
Kontron warrants products in accordance with defined regional warranty periods. For more information about
warranty compliance and conformity, and the warranty period in your region, visit http://www.kontron.com/terms-
and-conditions.
Kontron sells products worldwide and declares regional General Terms & Conditions of Sale, and Purchase Order
Terms & Conditions. Visit http://www.kontron.com/terms-and-conditions.
For contact information, refer to the corporate offices contact information on the last page of this user guide or visit
our website CONTACT US.
Customer Support
Find Kontron contacts by visiting: https://www.kontron.com/en/support.
Customer Service
As a trusted technology innovator and global solutions provider, Kontron extends its embedded market strengths into
a services portfolio allowing companies to break the barriers of traditional product lifecycles. Proven product
expertise coupled with collaborative and highly-experienced support enables Kontron to provide exceptional peace of
mind to build and maintain successful products.
For more details on Kontron’s service offerings such as: enhanced repair services, extended warranty, Kontron
training academy, and more visit https://www.kontron.com/en/service

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Customer Comments
If you have any difficulties using this user guide, discover an error, or just want to provide some feedback, contact
Kontron Support. Detail any errors you find. We will correct the errors or problems as soon as possible and post the
revised user guide on our website.

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Symbols
The following symbols may be used in this user guide
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
NOTICE indicates a property damage message.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
Electric Shock!
This symbol and title warn of hazards due to electrical shocks (> 60
V) when touching
products or parts of products. Failure to observe the precautions indicated and/or prescribed
by the law may endanger your life/health and/or result in damage to your material.
ESD Sensitive Device!
This symbol and title inform that the electronic boards and their components are sensitive to
static electricity. Care must therefore be taken during all handling operations and inspections
of this product in order to ensure product integrity at all times.
HOT Surface!
Do NOT touch! Allow to cool before servicing.
Laser!
This symbol informs of the risk of exposure to laser beam and light emitting devices (LEDs)
from an electrical device. Eye protection per manufacturer notice shall review before
servicing.
This symbol indicates general information about the product and the user guide.
This symbol also indicates detail information about the specific product configuration.
This symbol precedes helpful hints and tips for daily use.

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For Your Safety
Your new Kontron product was developed and tested carefully to provide all features necessary to ensure its
compliance with electrical safety requirements. It was also designed for a long fault-free life. However, the life
expectancy of your product can be drastically reduced by improper treatment during unpacking and installation.
Therefore, in the interest of your own safety and of the correct operation of your new Kontron product, you are
requested to conform with the following guidelines.
High Voltage Safety Instructions
As a precaution and in case of danger, the power connector must be easily accessible. The power connector is the
product’s main disconnect device.
Warning
All operations on this product must be carried out by sufficiently skilled personnel only.
Electric Shock!
Before installing a non hot-swappable Kontron product into a system always ensure that
your main power is switched off. This also applies to the installation of piggybacks. Serious
electrical shock hazards can exist during all installation, repair, and maintenance operations
on this product. Therefore, always unplug the power cable and any other cables which
provide external voltages before performing any work on this product.
Earth ground connection to vehicle’s chassis or a central grounding point shall remain
connected. The earth ground cable shall be the last cable to be disconnected or the first
cable to be connected when performing installation or removal procedures on this product.
Special Handling and Unpacking Instruction
ESD Sensitive Device!
Electronic boards and their components are sensitive to static electricity. Therefore, care
must be taken during all handling operations and inspections of this product, in order to
ensure product integrity at all times.
Handling and operation of the product is permitted only for trained personnel within a work
place that is access controlled. Follow the “General Safety Instructions” supplied with the
system.
Do not handle this product out of its protective enclosure while it is not used for operational purposes unless it is
otherwise protected.
Whenever possible, unpack or pack this product only at EOS/ESD safe work stations. Where a safe work station is not
guaranteed, it is important for the user to be electrically discharged before touching the product with his/her hands
or tools. This is most easily done by touching a metal part of your system housing.
It is particularly important to observe standard anti-static precautions when changing piggybacks, ROM devices,
jumper settings etc. If the product contains batteries for RTC or memory backup, ensure that the product is not placed
on conductive surfaces, including anti-static plastics or sponges. They can cause short circuits and damage the
batteries or conductive circuits on the product.

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Lithium Battery Precautions
If your product is equipped with a lithium battery, take the following precautions when replacing the battery.
Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly.
Replace only with same or equivalent battery type recommended by the manufacturer.
Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
General Instructions on Usage
In order to maintain Kontron’s product warranty, this product must not be altered or modified in any way. Changes or
modifications to the product, that are not explicitly approved by Kontron and described in this user guide or received
from Kontron Support as a special handling instruction, will void your warranty.
This product should only be installed in or connected to systems that fulfill all necessary technical and specific
environmental requirements. This also applies to the operational temperature range of the specific board version
that must not be exceeded. If batteries are present, their temperature restrictions must be taken into account.
In performing all necessary installation and application operations, only follow the instructions supplied by the
present user guide.
Keep all the original packaging material for future storage or warranty shipments. If it is necessary to store or ship
the product, then re-pack it in the same manner as it was delivered.
Special care is necessary when handling or unpacking the product. See Special Handling and Unpacking Instruction.
Quality and Environmental Management
Kontron aims to deliver reliable high-end products designed and built for quality, and aims to complying with
environmental laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements. For more information regarding
Kontron’s quality and environmental responsibilities, visit http://www.kontron.com/about-kontron/corporate-
responsibility/quality-management.
Disposal and Recycling
Kontron’s products are manufactured to satisfy environmental protection requirements where possible. Many of the
components used are capable of being recycled. Final disposal of this product after its service life must be
accomplished in accordance with applicable country, state, or local laws or regulations.
WEEE Compliance
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive aims to:
Reduce waste arising from electrical and electronic equipment (EEE)
Make producers of EEE responsible for the environmental impact of their products, especially when the product
become waste
Encourage separate collection and subsequent treatment, reuse, recovery, recycling and sound environmental
disposal of EEE
Improve the environmental performance of all those involved during the lifecycle of EEE
Environmental protection is a high priority with Kontron.
Kontron follows the WEEE directive

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Table of Contents
Symbols.................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
For Your Safety .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
High Voltage Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Special Handling and Unpacking Instruction ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Lithium Battery Precautions...........................................................................................................................................................................9
General Instructions on Usage......................................................................................................................................................................9
Quality and Environmental Management.................................................................................................................................................9
Disposal and Recycling.....................................................................................................................................................................................9
WEEE Compliance...............................................................................................................................................................................................9
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................................................................................10
List of Tables .....................................................................................................................................................................................................12
List of Figures....................................................................................................................................................................................................12
1/ General Safety Instructions ...........................................................................................................................................................14
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)................................................................................................................................................................15
1.1.1. Grounding Methods................................................................................................................................................................................15
Instructions for Lithium Battery...........................................................................................................................................................16
2/ Electromagnetic Compatibility (Class B Device) ....................................................................................................................17
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EU)....................................................................................................................................................17
FCC Statement (USA)...............................................................................................................................................................................17
EMC-Compliance (Canada) ...................................................................................................................................................................17
3/ Shipment and Unpacking ................................................................................................................................................................18
Packaging.....................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Unpacking....................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Scope of Delivery......................................................................................................................................................................................18
Accessories ................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Type Label and Product Identification...............................................................................................................................................19
Kontron Parts (option)............................................................................................................................................................................19
4/ System Overview ..............................................................................................................................................................................20
Front Panel Views.....................................................................................................................................................................................21
4.1.1. DC Input Power Connector.................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.2. Protective Earth Stud Bolt.................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.3. HDMI..........................................................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.4. Display Port (DP) ..................................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.5. Ethernet (LAN1, LAN2).........................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.6. USB 3.0 Ports .........................................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.7. Power-On Switch..................................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.8. Serial Ports (X1, X2)..............................................................................................................................................................................22
4.1.9. Breakouts (X3, X4) ...............................................................................................................................................................................23
Rear View ...................................................................................................................................................................................................23
Top View and Bottom View..................................................................................................................................................................23
Side Views..................................................................................................................................................................................................24
Internal Components ............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
SBC On-board Components .................................................................................................................................................................26
5/ System Expansion ............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
External Storage Expansion ................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Internal Expansion ..................................................................................................................................................................................28
5.2.1. M.2 Module .............................................................................................................................................................................................28