DFI ECX700-ADP Ruggedized Fanless Embedded System
User's Manual
Published: September 05, 2025
Brand: DFI Inc.
Chapter 1: Introduction
Overview
Front View
The front view shows multiple M12 connectors, USB ports, and status LEDs. Specifically, it displays four LTE antenna connectors, two WiFi antenna connectors, and several M12 connectors for various I/O functions, along with status indicators.
Rear View
The rear view features two LAN ports (RJ45), a 9-36V DC input connector (M12 4-pin), a COM/CANBUS combo connector (M12 8-pin), two USB 3.2 ports, a vent for cooling, and power status LEDs.
Right View
The right view includes two USB 3.2 ports, an HDMI port with a screw lock, and a SIM card slot.
Left View
The left view shows a sealed enclosure with minimal external connectors, primarily designed for protection.
Dimensions
The system dimensions are approximately 239.24 mm (Width) x 194 mm (Height) x 101 mm (Depth).
Key Features
- Ultra Rugged Design: IP67/IP69K rated, compliant with military criteria for vibration and shock tests.
- Wide Temperature Range: Operates from -20°C to 70°C.
- Wide Voltage Input: Supports a power range of 9-36V.
- Wireless Connectivity: Optional WiFi and LTE modules are supported.
Specifications
Category | Detail |
---|---|
SYSTEM |
|
GRAPHICS |
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STORAGE | M.2 SSD (M Key): 256GB Available (128GB/512GB by project support) |
EXPANSION |
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ETHERNET | Controller: 2 x Intel® i225IT (10/100/1000Mbps) |
LED Indicators | 1 x Power Status LED |
BOTTOM I/O |
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TOP I/O | Antenna Hole: 6 x Antenna (for Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G, optional) |
RIGHT SIDE I/O |
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WATCHDOG TIMER | Output & Interval: System Reset, Programmable via Software from 1 to 255 Seconds |
POWER | Type: DC-in 9~36V |
OS SUPPORT |
|
MECHANISM |
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ENVIRONMENT |
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STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS |
|
Chapter 2: Hardware Installations
Cable Assembly - LAN cable
This section describes the LAN cable assembly. It shows the M12 A-code (8-pin) LAN ports on the system. A standard LAN converter cable is used for connection, or a customized cable can be employed to connect the ECX700-ADP directly to devices.
Cable Assembly - 23pin 1 to 4 cable
This describes the assembly for a 23-pin connector that splits into two COM ports and two CAN bus connections. The pin assignments for COM 1/COM2 and CAN1/CAN2 are detailed:
COM 1 / COM2 | CAN1 / CAN2 | ||
---|---|---|---|
Pin | Assignment | Pin | Assignment |
1 | DCD- | 1 | CAN_L |
2 | RD | 2 | CAN_H |
3 | TD | 3 | NC |
4 | DTR- | 4 | NC |
5 | GND | 5 | GND |
6 | DSR- | 6 | NC |
7 | RTS- | 7 | NC |
8 | CTS- | 8 | NC |
9 | RI- | 9 | NC |
A standard 23-pin 1 to 4 converter cable is used, allowing connection to devices via this cable or a customized alternative.
Cable Assembly - Power cable
This section details the power cable assembly, showing the M12 D-code (4-pin) connector for DC input (9-36V). A standard power converter cable is provided, with the option to use a customized cable for connection to a power adapter.
Chapter 3: BIOS Settings
Overview
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a program that manages fundamental communication between the CPU and peripherals. It includes codes for advanced system board features. The BIOS allows system configuration saving to a battery-backed CMOS, retaining data when power is off. It is important to note that BIOS screens may vary due to updates, and the provided images are for reference.
Legends
Key | Function |
---|---|
Right / Left arrow | Move the highlight left or right to select a menu |
Up / Down arrow | Move the highlight up or down between submenus or fields |
<Enter> | Enter the highlighted submenu |
+ (plus key)/F6 | Scroll forward through the values or options of the highlighted field |
- (minus key)/F5 | Scroll backward through the values or options of the highlighted field |
<F1> | Display general help |
<F2> | Display previous values |
<F9> | Optimized defaults |
<F10> | Save and Exit |
<Esc> | Return to previous menu |
Scroll Bar: Indicates more fields are available on the screen; use up/down arrow keys to scroll.
Submenu: A "►" symbol indicates a submenu; press <Enter> to access.
Default Configuration
Most settings are predefined or automatically detected. Some may require manual adjustment based on system configuration.
Entering the BIOS Setup Utility
The utility is keyboard-operated. After powering on, a BIOS message appears, followed by memory count. Press DEL to run setup. If the message disappears, restart or press the Reset button. Alternatively, press <Ctrl> <Alt> <Del> simultaneously.
Main Menu
The initial screen displayed upon entering the BIOS Setup Utility.
Advanced Menu
This menu allows configuration for basic operation. Some entries are system board defaults, while others enhance performance or allow user preference settings. Important: Incorrect field values may cause system malfunction.
System Date and Time
System Date: Format is <month>, <date>, <year>. Use Tab to switch fields and +/- to modify.
System Time: Format is <hour>, <minute>, <second> (24-hour clock). Hours: 00-23, Minutes: 00-59, Seconds: 00-59.
CPU Configuration
Intel (VMX) Virtualization Technology: When enabled, allows the VMM to utilize hardware capabilities provided by Vanderpool Technology.
Hyper-Threading: Enables optimized performance for Windows XP and Linux. Disable for other OSes not optimized for this technology, which results in one thread per enabled core.
AES: Enable/Disable AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
Power & Performance
CPU- Power Management Control:
- Turbo Mode: Enable/Disable processor Turbo Mode (requires EMTTM enabled). AUTO means enabled.
- C states: Enable or disable CPU Power Management to allow the CPU to enter "C states" when idle.
GT- Power Management Control:
- RC6 (Render Standby): Enables render standby support.
PCH-FW Configuration
- ME State: Setting to Disabled puts ME into Temporarily Disabled Mode.
- Manageability Features State: Enables or disables Intel® Manageability features. Requires an unprovisioned state to disable.
- AMT BIOS Features: When disabled, AMT BIOS features are not supported, and MEBx Setup is inaccessible. Does not disable manageability features in FW.
- ME Unconfig on RTC Clear: When disabled, ME will not be unconfigured on RTC Clear.
- Firmware Update Configuration: Configure Management Engine Technology Parameters.
Trusted Computing
Security Device Support: Enables or disables BIOS support for security devices like TPM 2.0 for hardware-level security. If disabled, the OS will not show the Security Device, and TCG EFI protocol/INT1A interface will be unavailable.
Pending operation: Used to clear existing TPM encryption by selecting "TPM Clear" and restarting. Not available if "Security Device Support" is disabled.
IT8786 Super IO Configuration
This section allows configuration of serial ports. Options include Serial Port 1 through 6 configuration, setting parameters like I/O, IRQ, and Electrical Interface Mode (RS232).
IT8786 HW Monitor
Displays system health information: voltage readings, CPU and system temperatures, and fan speed readings.
- Smart Fan Function: Enables or disables the smart fan control.
- Case Open: Enable or disable the case open detection function.
IT8786 HW Monitor ► Smart FAN Function ► SYS_FAN Setting
Configures system fan settings:
- Smart Fan Mode Select: Selects the fan control mode (e.g., Automatic Mode).
- Fan off temperature limit: Temperature below which the fan turns off.
- Fan start temperature limit: Temperature at which the fan begins to operate.
- Fan full speed temperature limit: Temperature at which the fan reaches full speed.
- Fan start PWM: The initial Pulse Width Modulation value for the fan.
Serial Port Console Redirection
Enabling Console Redirection for a COM port makes sub-menu settings available for configuration.
Serial Port Console Redirection ► Console Redirection Settings
Configures serial settings for COM ports. Options include:
- Terminal Type: VT100, VT100+, VT-UTF8, or ANSI.
- Bits per second: Transmission speed (e.g., 115200).
- Data Bits: 7 or 8 bits.
- Parity: None, Even, Odd, Mark, or Space.
- Stop Bits: 1 or 2 bits.
- Flow Control: None or Hardware RTS/CTS (for RS485 mode, only on COM1).
- VT-UTF8 Combo Key Support: Enables support for ANSI/VT100 terminals.
- Recorder Mode: Captures terminal data by sending only text.
- Resolution 100x31: Enables or disables extended terminal resolution.
- Putty KeyPad: Selects FunctionKey and KeyPad on Putty.
ACPI Settings
- Wake System from S5 via RTC: Enables automatic system power-up at a designated time. Requires setting the time (hour, minute, second).
- State After G3: Specifies the system state upon power restoration after a failure (G3 state). Options are S0 State (auto power-on) or S5 State (soft-off, requires power-on signal).
Network Stack Configuration
Enables or disables the UEFI network stack. When enabled, the following options appear:
- IPv4 PXE Support: Enable/disable IPv4 PXE boot.
- IPv4 HTTP Support: Enable/disable IPv4 HTTP boot.
- IPv6 PXE Support: Enable/disable IPv6 PXE boot.
- IPv6 HTTP Support: Enable/disable IPv6 HTTP boot.
- PXE boot wait time: Time in seconds to abort PXE boot.
- Media detect count: Number of times media presence is checked.
DFI WDT Configuration
Watchdog Timer: Enable or disable the Watchdog Timer.
USB Power Control
Configures USB power settings. Options like "5V_Dual" support system wake-up from S3/S4 by USB KB&MS, while "5V" does not.
Tls Auth Configuration
Server CA Configuration: Press <Enter> to configure Server CA settings.
Chipset
This section covers chipset configurations.
System Agent (SA) Configuration
Includes VMD setup menu, VMD Configuration settings, PCI Express Configuration, and VT-d capability settings.
PCH-IO Configuration
Includes PCI Express Configuration, SATA Configuration, and HD Audio Configuration settings.
- PCI Express Configuration: Allows configuration of PCI Express Root Ports (LAN1, LAN2, LAN3, M.2-E, M.2-B).
- SATA Configuration: Enables/disables SATA controllers, selects SATA speed generation (Auto, Gen1, Gen2, Gen3), and enables/disables individual SATA ports.
- HD Audio Configuration: Controls the detection of the HD Audio device. Options are Enabled or Disabled.
Security
- Administrator Password: Set an administrator password to access BIOS. Clearing requires inputting nothing.
- User Password: Set a user password for system power-up. Clearing requires inputting nothing.
- Secure Boot: Ensures only authorized OSes boot. Requires Secure Boot enabled, PK enrolled, System Mode as User, and CSM disabled. Status becomes "Active" when configured correctly.
- Secure Boot Mode: Standard or Custom. Custom allows manual key database modification.
- Restore Factory Keys: Resets Secure Boot to OEM-defined defaults.
- Reset To Setup Mode: Clears NVRAM keys and signatures.
- Key Management: Allows expert modification of Secure Boot Policy variables.
Boot
- Setup Prompt Timeout: Sets the wait time for the setup activation key (65535 for indefinite).
- Bootup NumLock State: Sets the initial state of NumLock (On or Off).
- Quiet Boot: Enables or disables the quiet boot option.
- Boot Option Priorities: Rearranges the boot device order.
- Note: BGRT Logo may appear if "Boot option filter" is "UEFI and Legacy" or "UEFI only" and "Quiet Boot" is enabled. Refer to CSM Configuration for details.
Save & Exit
- Save Changes and Reset: Saves current settings and restarts the system.
- Discard Changes and Reset: Discards changes and restarts the system.
- Restore Defaults: Restores optimized default values.
- Boot Override: Allows immediate booting from a selected device for the current session without changing priorities.
- Save Setting to file: Saves BIOS configuration to a USB flash device.
- Restore Setting from file: Restores BIOS configuration from a USB flash device.
MEBx
Intel® ME Password and MEBx Login interface.
Updating the BIOS
Requires the new BIOS file and a flash utility. Contact technical support or sales representative for files and instructions.
Notice: BIOS SPI ROM
The Intel® Management Engine is integrated into the system board. The BIOS (SPI ROM) chip cannot be removed or used on other boards. Using original factory BIOS is required. Failure to follow these methods may result in the Intel® Management Engine not being updated or becoming ineffective.
Note: Flash tools can update the BIOS (SPI ROM) configuration. If the BIOS IC needs replacement, proper population and MAC address verification are necessary. Updated MAC addresses are protected immediately after a power cycle; users cannot update NVM or MAC address.
Safety Precautions
Static Electricity Precautions
Handle components with care to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Use an anti-static bag, wrist strap, and static-free surface. Hold devices by edges and avoid touching components or contacts.
General Safety Precautions
- Use the correct DC/AC input voltage.
- Unplug the power cord before opening or servicing the chassis.
- Beware of battery explosion risk; replace with equivalent specifications.
- Dispose of used batteries according to local ordinances.
- Keep the system away from humid environments.
- Ensure the system is mounted stably to prevent damage from dropping.
- Do not block system openings to ensure proper ventilation and prevent overheating.
- Dress cables to avoid tripping hazards or contact with hot surfaces.
- Use only approved power cords compliant with system specifications.
- Disconnect from power source if storing for extended periods to prevent overvoltage damage.
- Consult service personnel if the power cord is damaged, liquid penetrates the system, it's exposed to moisture, not working properly, or physically damaged.
- The unit uses a three-wire ground cable; do not defeat the ground pin. Contact an electrician if your outlet is incompatible.
- Disconnect from the outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth; avoid liquid or spray detergents.
- Ensure correct power supply voltage before connecting. The device must be connected to a grounded outlet.
- Allow 30 minutes for electronic parts to cool before handling after power off, as the system may be hot.
Warranty and Package Information
About this Manual
This manual is available online and is subject to change without notice. Visit the website or contact sales representatives for the latest editions.
Warranty
- Warranty excludes damages from misuse, inability to use, unauthorized replacements, or alterations.
- Warranty is void if the product is subjected to physical abuse, improper installation, modification, accidents, or unauthorized repair.
- Do not attempt service or repairs yourself; return the product to the point of purchase, factory, or authorized service agency.
- The manufacturer is not liable for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages to modified or altered products.
About this Package
The package typically includes:
- 1 ECX700-ADP system unit
- 1 COMBO cable (for COM & CANBUS)
- 2 LAN cables
- 6 Dust covers (for antenna connectors)
- 1 DC input cable
Note: Package contents may vary by sales region or model. Contact your dealer or sales representative for specific details.
Copyright and Compliance
Copyright
This publication is protected by copyright. No part may be reproduced or adapted without prior written permission from the copyright holders. The information is for informational purposes only, and the manufacturer disclaims all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Users assume all risks associated with the use of this document. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication without notice.
© 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks
Product names and trademarks are for identification purposes only and belong to their respective owners.
FCC and DOC Statement on Class A
This equipment complies with FCC Part 15 limits for Class A digital devices, designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. It generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase separation between equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment to a different circuit than the receiver.
- Consult a dealer or experienced radio TV technician.
Notice:
- Modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
- Shielded interface cables must be used to comply with emission limits.