Kontron KBox A-250 User manual


USER GUIDE
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KBox A-250
Doc. User Guide, Preliminary Rev. 0.6
Doc. ID: 1064-9561

KBox A-250 – User Guide, Preliminary Rev. 0.6
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
KBOX A
-250 - 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.
©2019 by Kontron S&T AG
Kontron S&T AG
Lise-Meitner-Str. 3-5
86156 Augsburg
Germany
www.kontron.com

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Intended Use
THIS DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED SOFTWARE ARE NOT DESIGNED, MANUFACTURED OR INTENDED FOR USE
OR RESALE FOR THE OPERATION OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES, THE NAVIGATION, CONTROL OR
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS FOR AIRCRAFT OR OTHER TRANSPORTATION, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, LIFE
SUPPORT OR LIFE SUSTAINING APPLICATIONS, WEAPONS SYSTEMS, OR ANY OTHER 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 devices as a component in High Risk Applications is entirely at
your risk. To minimize the risks associated with your products and applications, you should provide adequate design
and operating safeguards. You are solely responsible for compliance with all legal, regulatory, safety, and security
related requirements concerning your products. You are responsible to ensure that your systems (and any Kontron
hardware or software components incorporated in your systems) meet all applicable requirements. Unless otherwise
stated in the product documentation, the Kontron device is not provided with error-tolerance capabilities and cannot
therefore be deemed as being engineered, manufactured or setup to be compliant for implementation or for resale as
device 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.

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Revision History
Revision Brief Description of Changes Date of Issue Author/
Editor
0.1 Preliminary Version 2018-Jun-12 MK
0.2 Updated preliminary Version 2018-Aug-27 MK
0.3 UL remark 2018-Sep-18 HJS
0.4 BIOS chapter added 2018-Oct-29 MK
0.5 New front bezel; photos replaced; several
corrections
2019-Feb-01 MK
0.6 New printing on front bezel; photos replaced;
several corrections
2019-Aug-28 MK
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: http://www.kontron.com/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 http://www.kontron.com/support-and-services/services.
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 inform 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 mains 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.
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
You are encouraged to return our products for proper disposal.

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Table of Contents
Symbols.................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
For Your Safety ...................................................................................................................................................................................................7
High Voltage Safety Instructions ..................................................................................................................................................................7
Special Handling and Unpacking Instruction ............................................................................................................................................7
Lithium Battery Precautions.......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
General Instructions on Usage..................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Quality and Environmental Management................................................................................................................................................ 8
Disposal and Recycling.................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
WEEE Compliance.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Table of Contents...............................................................................................................................................................................................9
List of Tables ......................................................................................................................................................................................................11
List of Figures.....................................................................................................................................................................................................11
1/ General Safety Instructions for IT Equipment.........................................................................................................................12
1.1. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)................................................................................................................................................................14
1.1.1. Grounding Methods................................................................................................................................................................................14
2/ Electromagnetic Compatibility .....................................................................................................................................................15
2.1. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EU)....................................................................................................................................................15
2.2. FCC Statement (USA)...............................................................................................................................................................................15
2.3. EMC Compliance (Canada) ....................................................................................................................................................................15
3/ Shipment and Unpacking ................................................................................................................................................................16
3.1. Unpacking ....................................................................................................................................................................................................16
3.2. Scope of Delivery......................................................................................................................................................................................16
3.2.1. Standard ...................................................................................................................................................................................................16
3.2.2. Optional Parts ........................................................................................................................................................................................16
3.3. Type Label and Product Identification...............................................................................................................................................17
4/ System Overview ...............................................................................................................................................................................18
4.1. RTC.................................................................................................................................................................................................................19
4.1.1. RTC Buffer Time......................................................................................................................................................................................19
4.2. System Expansion Capabilities............................................................................................................................................................19
4.3. Block Diagram of the KBox A-250......................................................................................................................................................20
4.4. Front Side....................................................................................................................................................................................................21
4.5. Front Interfaces of the KBox A-250 ..................................................................................................................................................22
101 - Power Input Connector........................................................................................................................................................................22
4.5.1. Controls and LED Indicators..............................................................................................................................................................22
4.5.2. X102/X103 - Ethernet Connectors (ETH) .....................................................................................................................................23
4.5.3. X105/X106 - USB 3.0 ...........................................................................................................................................................................23
4.5.4. X109 - DisplayPort...............................................................................................................................................................................23
4.5.5. X110 – Serial Port COM 1..................................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.5.6. GPIO Interface (optional)...................................................................................................................................................................23
4.6. Left and Right Side View .......................................................................................................................................................................24
4.7. Top and Bottom Side View ...................................................................................................................................................................24
4.8. Rear Side View.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.8.1. Rear Side View of the KBox A-250 with Vertical Mounting Bracket.................................................................................... 25
4.8.2. Rear Side View of the KBox A-250 as Desktop with Rubber Feet ...................................................................................... 26
4.8.3. Rear Side View of the KBox A-250 with Wallmount Brackets..............................................................................................26
4.9. Optional Parts........................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

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4.9.1. DIN Rail Clip (Option)........................................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.9.2. WiFi/WLAN (Option) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 27
5/ Thermal Considerations .................................................................................................................................................................28
5.1. Available Processors...............................................................................................................................................................................28
5.2. Convection Cooling..................................................................................................................................................................................28
5.3. Minimum System Clearance................................................................................................................................................................28
5.4. Maximum Temperatures......................................................................................................................................................................28
6/ Installation Instructions.................................................................................................................................................................29
6.1. System Mounting .....................................................................................................................................................................................30
6.2. DC Power Connection.............................................................................................................................................................................32
6.2.1. Cabling......................................................................................................................................................................................................32
7/ Starting Up...........................................................................................................................................................................................33
7.1. Connecting to DC Main Power Supply ............................................................................................................................................... 33
7.2. Operating System and Hardware Component Drivers................................................................................................................34
8/ Maintenance and Cleaning ............................................................................................................................................................ 35
9/ Technical Specifications.................................................................................................................................................................36
9.1. Mechanical Specifications..................................................................................................................................................................... 37
9.1.1. Mechanical Specifications of the KBox A-250 as Desktop...................................................................................................... 37
9.1.2. Mechanical Specifications of the KBox A-250 with Vertical Mounting Plate...................................................................38
9.1.3. Mechanical Specifications of the KBox A-250 Wall/Table Mounting Brackets .............................................................. 39
9.2. Environmental Specifications .............................................................................................................................................................40
9.3. CE Directives and Standards.................................................................................................................................................................41
10/ Standard Interfaces – Pin Assignments ...................................................................................................................................42
10.1.1. (X101) Power Input Connector.........................................................................................................................................................42
10.1.2. (X102 as ETH 1 and X103 as ETH 2) Ethernet Connectors......................................................................................................42
10.1.3. (X105, X106) USB 3.0 Ports...............................................................................................................................................................43
10.1.4. (X109) DisplayPort..............................................................................................................................................................................43
10.1.5. (X110) Serial Interface COM 1 (RS232)..........................................................................................................................................44
10.1.6. GPIO Interface ......................................................................................................................................................................................44
11/ uEFI BIOS ..............................................................................................................................................................................................45
11.1. Starting the uEFI BIOS............................................................................................................................................................................45
11.2. Setup Menus ............................................................................................................................................................................................46
11.2.1. Main Setup Menu .................................................................................................................................................................................46
11.2.2. Advanced Setup Menu.......................................................................................................................................................................48
11.2.3. Chipset Setup Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................... 53
11.2.4. Security Setup Menu.......................................................................................................................................................................... 56
11.2.5. Boot Setup Menu.................................................................................................................................................................................58
11.2.6. Exit Setup Menu...................................................................................................................................................................................60
11.3. The uEFI Shell............................................................................................................................................................................................61
11.3.1. Basic Operation of the uEFI Shell ....................................................................................................................................................61
11.4. uEFI Shell Scripting ................................................................................................................................................................................62
11.4.1. Startup Scripting..................................................................................................................................................................................62
11.4.2. Create a Startup Script......................................................................................................................................................................62
11.4.3. Examples of Startup Scripts ...........................................................................................................................................................62
11.5. Firmware Update....................................................................................................................................................................................62
11.5.1. Updating Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................................62
Appendix A: List of Acronyms.....................................................................................................................................................................64
About Kontron .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 65

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List of Tables
Table 1: Technical Specifications................................................................................................................................................................36
Table 2: Mechanical Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................... 37
Table 3: Environmental Specifications.....................................................................................................................................................40
Table 4: CE Directives and Standards........................................................................................................................................................41
Table 5: (X101) Power Input Connector ....................................................................................................................................................42
Table 6: (X102, X103) Ethernet Connectors.............................................................................................................................................42
Table 7: (X105, X106) USB 3.0 Port.............................................................................................................................................................43
Table 8: (X109) DisplayPort..........................................................................................................................................................................43
Table 9: (X110) Serial Interface COM 1 (RS232)......................................................................................................................................44
Table 10: GPIO Interface ................................................................................................................................................................................44
Table 11: Navigation Hot Keys Available in the Legend Bar...............................................................................................................45
Table 12: Main Setup Menu Sub-screens ................................................................................................................................................47
Table 13: Advanced Setup menu Sub-screens and Functions..........................................................................................................49
Table 14: Chipset Setup menu Sub-screens and Functions .............................................................................................................. 53
Table 15: Security Setup Menu Functions................................................................................................................................................ 56
Table 16: Boot Setup Menu Functions ......................................................................................................................................................58
Table 17: Save and Exit Setup Menu Functions......................................................................................................................................60
Table 18: List of Acronyms (Example)......................................................................................................................................................64
List of Figures
Figure 1: Type Label..........................................................................................................................................................................................17
Figure 2: Block Diagram of the KBox A-250............................................................................................................................................20
Figure 3: KBox A-250 – Front View.............................................................................................................................................................21
Figure 4: X101 - 24VDC power input connector ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Figure 5: Detail - Power button and LED indicators............................................................................................................................. 22
Figure 6: Optional GPIO interface ...............................................................................................................................................................23
Figure 7: Right side of the KBox A-250 system .....................................................................................................................................24
Figure 8: Left side of the KBox A-250 system .......................................................................................................................................24
Figure 9: Top side of the KBox A-250 system........................................................................................................................................24
Figure 10: Bottom side of the KBox A-250 system...............................................................................................................................24
Figure 11: Rear side of the KBox A-250 system with vertical mounting plate ............................................................................ 25
Figure 12: Rear side of the KBox A-250 (shown as desktop unit) ...................................................................................................26
Figure 13: Rear side of the KBox A-250 (shown with vertical/horizontal mounting brackets)............................................ 26
Figure 14: DIN rail............................................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 15: WLAN (WiFi) antenna ................................................................................................................................................................. 27
Figure 16: Restricted area for mounting around KBox A-250 (desktop side view with antenna)........................................30
Figure 17: Restricted area for mounting around KBox A-250 (front view with vert./horiz. mounting brakets) ..............31
Figure 18: Power plug terminal...................................................................................................................................................................32
Figure 19: Dimensions: Front as desktop................................................................................................................................................. 37
Figure 20: Dimensions: Front side with antennas and wall/table mounting brackets ........................................................... 37
Figure 21: Dimensions: Left side .................................................................................................................................................................38
Figure 22: Dimensions: Rear side with vertical mounting plate .....................................................................................................38
Figure 23: Dimensions: Detail key hole ....................................................................................................................................................38
Figure 24: Dimensions: Top side (with wall/table mounting brackets) ....................................................................................... 39
Figure 25: Dimensions: front side (with wall/table mounting brackets) ..................................................................................... 39
Figure 26: Detail mounting slide hole (wall/table mounting brackets)........................................................................................ 39
Figure 27: Main Setup Menu Initial Screen..............................................................................................................................................46
Figure 28: Advanced Setup Menu Initial Screen....................................................................................................................................48
Figure 29: Chipset Setup Menu Initial Screen......................................................................................................................................... 53
Figure 30: Security Setup Menu Initial Screen....................................................................................................................................... 56
Figure 31: Boot Setup Menu Initial Screen...............................................................................................................................................58
Figure 32: Save and Exit Setup Menu Initial Screen.............................................................................................................................60

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1/ General Safety Instructions for IT Equipment
Please read this chapter carefully and take careful note of the instructions, which have been
compiled for your safety and to ensure to apply in accordance with intended regulations. If
the following general safety instructions are not observed, it could lead to injuries to the
operator and/or damage of the product; in cases of nonobservance of the instructions
Kontron is exempt from accident liability, this also applies during the warranty period.
The product has been built and tested according to the basic safety requirements for low voltage (LVD) applications
and has left the manufacturer in safety-related, flawless condition. To maintain this condition and also to ensure safe
operation, the operator must not only observe the correct operating conditions for the product but also the following
general safety instructions:
The product must be used as specified in the product documentation, in which the instructions for safety for the
product and for the operator are described. These contain guidelines for setting up, installation and assembly,
maintenance, transport or storage.
The on-site electrical installation must meet the requirements of the country's specific local regulations.
If a power cable comes with the product, only this cable should be used. Do not use an extension cable to connect
the product.
To guarantee that sufficient air circulation is available to cool the product, please ensure that the ventilation
openings are not covered or blocked. If an air filter is provided, this should be cleaned regularly. Do not place the
system close to heat sources or damp places. Make sure the system is well ventilated.
Only devices or parts which fulfill the requirements of SELV circuits (Safety Extra Low Voltage) as stipulated by
IEC 60950-1 may be connected to the available interfaces.
The 24VDC power supply voltage for the device must meet the requirements of a SELV Circuit according to
UL/IEC 61010-2-201 Clause 3.11 and the "Limited Energy" according to UL/IEC 61010-1; Section 9.4. “Limited-
energy circuits”.
The device should only be installed and operated indoors, in a dry environment.
Both resistive and inductive loads can be connected to the GPIO interface.
Before opening the device, make sure that the device is disconnected from the mains.
Switching off the device by its power button does not disconnect it from the mains. Complete disconnection is
only possible if the power cable is removed from the wall plug or from the device. Ensure that there is free and
easy access to enable disconnection.
The device may only be opened for the insertion or removal of add-on cards (depending on the configuration of
the system). This may only be carried out by qualified operators.
If extensions are being carried out, the following must be observed:
All effective legal regulations and all technical data are adhered to.
The power consumption of any add-on card does not exceed the specified limitations.
The current consumption of the system does not exceed the value stated on the product label.
Only original accessories that have been approved by Kontron can be used.
Please note: safe operation is no longer possible when any of the following applies:
The device has visible damages.
The device is no longer functioning.
In this case the device must be switched off and it must be ensured that the device can no longer be operated.

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Additional safety instructions for DC power supply circuits
To guarantee safe operation of devices with DC power supply voltages larger than 60 volts DC or a power
consumption larger than 240 VA, please observe that:
the device is set up, installed and operated in a room or enclosure marked with “RESTRICTED ACCESS”, if
there are no safety messages on product as safety signs and labels on the device itself.
no cables or parts without insulation in electrical circuits with dangerous voltage or power should be
touched directly or indirectly
a reliable protective earthing connection is provided
a suitable, easily accessible disconnecting device is used in the application (e.g. overcurrent protective
device), if the device itself is not disconnectable
a disconnect device, if provided in or as part of the equipment, shall disconnect both poles simultaneously
interconnecting power circuits of different devices cause no electrical hazards
A sufficient dimensioning of the power cable wires must be selected – according to the maximum electrical
specifications on the product label – as stipulated by IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-201, IEC60950-1 or VDE0100 or
UL508 regulations.
The devices do not generally fulfill the requirements for "centralized DC power systems“ (UL 60950-1, Annex
NAB; D2) and therefore may not be connected to such devices!
Only certified at least IEC 60950-1 compliant main power supply unit shall be connected!

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1.1. Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
A sudden discharge of electrostatic electricity can destroy static-sensitive devices or micro-
circuitry.
Therefore proper packaging and grounding techniques are necessary precautions to prevent damage. Always take the
following precautions:
1.
Transport boards in ESD-safe containers such as boxes or bags.
2.
Keep electrostatic sensitive parts in their containers until they arrive at the ESD-safe workplace.
3.
Always be properly grounded when touching a sensitive board, component, or assembly.
4.
Store electrostatic-sensitive boards in protective packaging or on antistatic mats.
1.1.1. Grounding Methods
By adhering to the guidelines below, electrostatic damage to the device can be avoided:
1.
Cover workstations with approved antistatic material. Always wear a wrist strap connected to workplace. Always
use properly grounded tools and equipment.
2.
Use antistatic mats, heel straps, or air ionizers for more protection.
3.
Always handle electrostatically sensitive components by their edge or by their casing.
4.
Avoid contact with pins, leads, or circuitry.
5.
Turn off power and input signals before inserting and removing connectors or connecting test equipment.
6.
Keep work area free of non-conductive materials such as ordinary plastic assembly aids and Styrofoam.
7.
Use only field service tools which are conductive, such as cutters, screwdrivers, and vacuum cleaners.
8.
Always place drives and boards PCB-assembly-side down on the foam.

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2/ Electromagnetic Compatibility
For detailed information refer to section 9.3 “CE Directives and Standards”.
2.1. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EU)
This product is intended only for use in industrial areas. The most recent version of the EMC guidelines (EMC Directive
2014/30/EU) and/or the German EMC laws apply. If the user modifies and/or adds to the equipment (e.g. installation
of add-on cards) the prerequisites for the CE conformity declaration (safety requirements) may no longer apply.
2.2. FCC Statement (USA)
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.
2.3. EMC Compliance (Canada)
The method of compliance is self-declaration to Canadian standard ICES-003:
(English): This Class B digital apparatus complies with the Canadian ICES-003.
(French): Cet appareil numérique de la class B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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3/ Shipment and Unpacking
Please check that your package is complete, and contains the items below (according to the ordered unit
configuration). If you discover damaged or missing items, please contact your dealer.
3.1. Unpacking
Proceed as follows to unpack the unit:
1. Remove packaging.
2. Do not discard the original packaging. Keep it for future relocation.
3. Check the delivery for completeness by comparing it with your order.
4. Please keep the associated paperwork. It contains important information for handling the unit.
5. Check the contents for visible shipping damage.
6. If you notice any shipping damage or inconsistencies between the contents and your order, please contact
Kontron for help and information.
3.2. Scope of Delivery
3.2.1. Standard
KBox A-250 (corresponding to the ordered system configuration)
Power connector, 2-pin plug (TE Connectivity 796859-2)
General Safety Instructions for IT Equipment
3.2.2. Optional Parts
DIN rail mounting clip
Mini PCIe WiFI card (always factory-installed if orderd) with two antennas (enclosed)
KBox A-250 can optionally be ordered with a factory-installed SSD Kit (mSAta [instead of WiFi] and/or M.2)
Mini PCIe LTE card (always factory-installed if orderd) with two antennas (enclosed)
SD card
Two brackets for wall/table mounting
Vertical mounting plate for control cabinet mounting
Rubber feet (self-adhesive)
Printed-circuit board connector - MC 1,5/ 9-ST-3,5 for GPIO

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3.3. Type Label and Product Identification
The type label (product name, serial number) of your KBox A-250 system are located on the bottom side of the device
(refer to Figure 1 and Figure 7 pos. 1).
Figure 1: Type Label
KBox A-250
2-A0DM-XXXX

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4/ System Overview
The KBox A-250 expands the Kontron line of computers - KBox Series. It is a highly scalable and flexible industrial
computer. Based on the pITX-2.5” SBC with Intel Atom® processors of the E3900 series the KBox A-250 was
developed as a cost optimized gateway for data intensive IoT edge applications.
For local data collection, e.g. link to sensor and machine level, it offers one serial port (RS232).The KBox A-250 is one
of the first Kontron products which is Microsoft® Azure certified. This means the hardware is tested and verified and
can be integrated into Microsoft® Azure IoT Services.
Refer to the information and technical data in the user manual of the installed pITX-APL
Module.
The user’s manual of the installed pITX-APL Module can be downloaded from our web page
http://www.kontron.com . Search for the name of the installed module.
The connection to the IT infrastructure in general can be implemented through integrated Gigabit/Fast Ethernet
interfaces or optional WiFi support.
Additional wireless technologies such as integrated LTE (4G) and GSM (2G/3G) are a further option.
The KBox A-250 supports Security Solution Kontron APPROTECT. It combines a software framework with an
integrated security chip in addition to the TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) chip to provide comprehensive
protection for the application software.
The KBox A-250 hardware system configuration and the robust construction with excellent mechanical stability offer
the superior qualities of a computer designed for operation in harsh industrial environment. It is a fanless system
based on a compact U-shaped aluminum chassis with cooling fins.
The rated voltage of the mains (+24 V DC) can be found on the type label. The type label is located at the bottom side
of the device (on the rear side, when a DIN rail clip is factory-mounted). The KBox A-250 may be optionally factory-
equipped with an mPCIe WLAN card for two antennas. For the configuration of your KBox A-250 please follow the
ordering options specified in “Configuration Guides – KBox Series“ on our web site www.kontron.com
The following interfaces are available with the KBox A-250:
Standard front panel:
24 V DC input power (X101)
DisplayPort (X109)
2x USB 3.0 (X103, X104)
2x Ethernet (X105, X106) : 1x Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) and 1x Fast Ethernet (10/100)
COM 1 (X201), RS232 (X110)
Power/Reset button PWR and power LED
SSD or/and mSATA drive status LED
The device is designed to be operated in:
Vertical position: (KBox A-250 configuration with vertical mounting plate) mounted inside a control cabinet or
Vertical/horizontal: wall mounted (KBox A-250 configuration with wall mounting brackets) or
Horizontal position: KBox A-250 as desktop unit (equipped with the supplied rubber feet) or
Vertical/horizontal: KBox A-250 DIN Rail mounting (with DIN Rail mounting clip)
When powering on the KBox A-250, make sure that the cooling fins of the chassis (Figure 8,
Figure 9 and Figure 10, pos. 6) are not obstructed (covered) by any objects.
To provide sufficient heat dissipation by the cooling of the device, do not cover the cooling
fins of the
KBox A-250. Do not place any objects on the device. When installing the system, please note
the clearance recommendation in the section 6.1 “System Mounting”.

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4.1. RTC
The KBox A-250 comprises a chipset internal RTC. To provide a valid date and time when no power is connected to the
KBox A-250, the RTC is buffered by the CMOS battery.
4.1.1. RTC Buffer Time
The RTC buffer time is depending of the ambient temperature.
If the time is not valid this is indicated by a status bit in the RTC registers.
The buffer time depends on the ambient temperature and on how long the box is connected
to its power supply.
4.2. System Expansion Capabilities
The KBox A-250 is available in the configurations described in this manual.
If you are interested in a different, customer-specific configuration, feel free to contact Kontron and ask for your
requirements. Contact information can be found on our web site www.kontron.com.

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4.3. Block Diagram of the KBox A-250
Figure 2: Block Diagram of the KBox A-250