LattePanda IOTA Review: 8× Faster x86 Board for Embedded Development
The LattePanda IOTA is a palm-sized x86 single-board computer built around Intel’s N150 quad-core processor, delivering a big step up in performance for embedded and IoT projects. Compared with the previous generation, it offers up to 8× overall gains, 2–3× CPU speedups, and 10–30× better GPU capability than Raspberry Pi 5, with options for 8GB/16GB LPDDR5 and 64GB/128GB eMMC.
What’s new at a glance
- Intel N150 x86 compute: 4 cores/4 threads up to 3.6 GHz, with native Windows and Linux support.
- Memory & storage: 8GB/16GB LPDDR5 with in-band ECC; 64GB/128GB eMMC 5.1.
- Displays: HDMI 2.1 up to 4096×2160@60Hz and eDP 1.4b up to 1920×1080@60Hz; supports ultra-thin eDP touch panels.
- I/O & expansion: USB 3.2 Gen2 (3× Type-A), USB 2.0 header, Gigabit Ethernet, M.2 E-Key 2230, TF card, PCIe FPC (Gen3 x1), RP2040 co-processor, 3.5 mm audio combo jack.
- Power & thermals: Configurable TDP 6–15 W; USB-C PD 15 V or 10–15 V via PH2.0-4Pin.
- Drop-in upgrades: Maintains LattePanda V1 footprint, interfaces, and mount points for straightforward migration.
Who it’s for and where it fits
With efficient x86 performance, rich I/O, and long-term supply stability, LattePanda IOTA targets prototyping, edge computing, smart instruments, handheld devices, industrial control, and embedded systems.
- Edge AI & local inference: Real-time intelligence for access control, telematics, interactive displays, and off-grid monitoring.
- Industrial & automation: Works well with UPS/PoE/M-Key/4G LTE add-ons for automation, fleet management, and remote monitoring.
- Portable kits & field tools: Ultra-thin eDP touch displays and UPS modules enable handhelds, research kits, and mobile data loggers.
Hardware details
Key specifications from the press materials:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel® Processor N150, 4C/4T, up to 3.6 GHz |
| Graphics | Intel® Graphics |
| Memory | 8GB/16GB LPDDR5 4800 MT/s with in-band ECC |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB eMMC 5.1 |
| Display | 1× HDMI 2.1 (up to 4096×2160@60Hz), 1× eDP 1.4b (2 lanes, up to 1920×1080@60Hz) |
| USB | 3× USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A (10 Gbps), 1× USB 2.0 pin header |
| Network | 1 GbE RJ45 (Wake-on-LAN) |
| Expansion | M.2 E-Key 2230 slot (PCIe/CNVio), TF card, PCIe FPC (PCIe 3.0 ×1, 0.5 mm 16-pin) |
| Co-processor | RP2040 MCU on-board |
| Audio | 3.5 mm microphone/headphone combo jack |
| Power | USB-C PD 15 V or PH2.0-4Pin 10–15 V DC; TDP configurable 6–15 W |
| OS | Windows 10/11; Ubuntu 22.04 & 24.04 |
| Dimensions | 88 mm × 70 mm |
Getting started and developer tips
- Choose your OS: Flash Windows 10/11 or Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 and confirm device detection on first boot.
- Balance power and performance: Tune the 6–15 W TDP to suit thermal and runtime targets.
- Use the RP2040: Offload low-latency I/O or real-time tasks to the built-in microcontroller.
- Expand as needed: Add Wi-Fi/Bluetooth via M.2 E-Key, storage via TF, or peripherals over PCIe FPC.
- Go portable: Pair with an ultra-thin eDP touch display and UPS module for handheld or field deployments.
Pricing, availability, and upgrade path
LattePanda IOTA keeps the classic LattePanda V1 footprint for straightforward upgrades and enclosure reuse.
A launch bundle is available at $168.89, including the SBC, cooling solutions, and a Wi-Fi module, purchasable via DFRobot’s online store.
Quote
“Our goal with LattePanda IOTA was not just to upgrade hardware, but to help users realize more ambitious projects, faster and more efficiently… For newcomers, it makes entry into embedded computing more accessible than ever.”
FAQs
Which operating systems are supported?
Windows 10/11 and Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 are supported out of the box.
Can I run the board at lower power?
Yes. You can configure TDP between 6 W and 15 W to balance performance and efficiency.
What expansion options are available?
M.2 E-Key 2230 (PCIe/CNVio), TF card, and a PCIe FPC connector (PCIe 3.0 ×1) are onboard.
Does it have a microcontroller for real-time tasks?
Yes. A built-in RP2040 MCU provides flexible, low-latency control.
What comes in the launch kit?
The $171.8 bundle includes the LattePanda IOTA SBC, cooling solutions, and a Wi-Fi module.
Residing on the south coast of England, Rich has spent the last few years building Electomaker.io from the ground up. He is usually found behind a laptop coordinating the rest of the EM team and occasionally finding time to contribute articles to the blog. When not tapping away at a laptop, he can be found either paddleboarding, at the beach, playing golf (badly), or camping with his family.
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