Students & apprentices
Need samples for your projects? sales@relec.co.uk
WE CAN HELP – CALL NOW 01929 555 700

Edge Intelligence with a Rugged Embedded AI Module

19th June 2025
Share This Post
Share This Post

In mission-critical defence systems and industrial automation, high-performance computing needs to be both intelligent and rugged. That’s where rugged embedded AI modules like DFI’s MTH968 System-on-Modules (SoM), powered by 14th Gen Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, come in. This compact, COM Express Type 6 system-on-module delivers powerful on-device AI, resilience to extreme environments, and robust security, all in one modular package. 

Table of Contents

What Is a Rugged Embedded AI Module?

A rugged embedded AI module is a compact computing solution engineered to deliver powerful artificial intelligence processing directly at the edge, where data is generated, while withstanding extreme environmental conditions. Unlike standard modules, rugged AI modules are designed for mission-critical systems exposed to vibration, high temperatures, and harsh operating environments.

DFI’s MTH968 SoM exemplifies this category. It integrates a full stack of processing power, CPU, GPU, and a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), onto a single, scalable COM Express Type 6 board. Powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, it delivers up to 32 TOPS of AI performance, enabling real-time decision-making without relying on cloud connectivity.

Its rugged build and wide operating temperature support make it ideal for applications like autonomous military systems, surveillance drones, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and factory automation controllers, all of which require high reliability, low latency, and local AI computation in unforgiving environments.

In essence, a rugged embedded AI module is the intelligent heart of next-generation edge devices, small in size, massive in capability, and tough enough to thrive where others fail. 

Key Features & Technical Benefits

Edge AI Powerhouse

  • Dual‑NPU architecture: 8 TOPS from the module’s NPU plus 11 TOPS integrated into the Intel Core Ultra soC, totalling an impressive 32 TOPS of AI capability.
  • Fits seamlessly into edge systems for real-time vision, classification, and predictive analytics, no cloud dependency needed.

Memory, Storage & Graphics

  • Dual‑channel DDR5 (up to 64 GB) and NVMe SSD support ensure fast data throughput.
  • Xe LPG graphics architecture with 128 EUs delivers ~1.9 x GPU performance boost, ideal for visualisation and AI workloads.

Memory, Storage & Graphics

  • Under 1W standby power, perfect for always-on edge applications.
  • <1‑second resume from standby thanks to advanced BIOS tuning, critical for instant responsiveness in the field.

Thermal and Environmental Resilience

  • Operates fully loaded at up to 85 °C without throttling, thanks to optimised thermal management and rigorous testing.

Modular Scalability

  • COM-Express Type 6 interface allows flexible carrier-board integration, enabling custom I/O, form factors, and cooling, a boon for bespoke engineering designs.

Security & Compliance at the Core

  • Developed under IEC 62443‑4‑1 to ensure a secure supply chain and firmware.
  • Compatible with advanced secure-boot systems like Slim Bootloader, protecting the module from boot-time attacks and unauthorised code.

Solving Real-World Pain Points

Common Pain Points

Rugged Embedded AI Module Advantage

Need AI on-site

32 TOPS performance for edge inferencing

Harsh environments

Carries full-load operation up to 85 °C

Instant readiness

BIOS tuned <1 s wake-up times

Long standby life

Sub-1 W idle power usage

Custom integration

Modular COM Express design and firmware flexibility

With full integration support, from hardware design to BIOS optimisation, DFI and Relec Electronics helps reduce development complexity and speed your product to market. 

Future Trends in Embedded AI

Mainstream edge AI

Rugged modules with 30+ TOPS are becoming standard in defence, robotics, and automation.

Increased modularity

Easier upgrades and reduced system obsolescence through carrier-board swaps.

Cyber hardened hardware

IEC 62443 compliance emerging as a minimum-security standard.

Thermal innovations

Expect improved passive/active cooling to support more compact, powerful designs.

Conclusion

DFI’s MTH968 rugged embedded AI module offers engineers a potent combination of modular, high‑performance AI computing, rugged resilience, instant responsiveness, and secured architecture. It’s perfect for next-gen defence, robotics, and automation applications where intelligence meets durability. 

Reach out to Relec Electronics to explore the MTH968 SoM, designed to elevate your embedded systems with rugged, secure AI power.

sign up for our newsletter

Enter your email address below

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

LET’S MAKE THIS EASY. CALL 01929 555 700

why choose relec?
  • Faster

    Our aim is to get back to you with an initial response within the hour.

  • Attention to detail

    We pride ourselves on getting you the right product, at the right price and on time.

  • New ideas

    We are constantly looking for latest technology and products for your applications.

  • Beyond standard

    It’s not just about the product.  Our service goes way beyond the norm.

  • Easy

    We want to make your life as simple as it can be. Call us to find out what we can offer.