The Global Half-Size CPU Card Market was valued at USD 412.5 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 712.8 Million by 2031, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.0% during the forecast period (2024–2031). This growth is being driven by the rising demand for compact, high-performance computing solutions in industrial automation, IoT devices, medical equipment, and transportation systems, coupled with advancements in processor technologies and the push for edge computing capabilities across various sectors.
As the embedded systems industry evolves toward smaller form factors and greater efficiency, the focus is on innovative manufacturers who are pioneering compact hardware that supports powerful applications without compromising on reliability or performance. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Half-Size CPU Card Industry—a blend of established tech giants and specialized providers shaping the future of miniaturized computing solutions.
🔟 1. Advantech Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Key Offering: SOM-5871, PCA-6000 series half-size SBCs with Intel processors
Advantech stands as a global leader in industrial computing, offering a wide range of half-size CPU cards designed for embedded applications. These cards integrate advanced Intel and AMD processors, providing robust performance for automation, gaming machines, and digital signage. The company’s commitment to modular designs allows for easy customization, making their products ideal for space-constrained environments where reliability is paramount.
Technological Initiatives:
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Integration of AI accelerators for edge AI processing
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Support for multiple I/O interfaces including COM, USB, and Ethernet
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Long-term product lifecycle management exceeding 10 years
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9️⃣ 2. Axiomtek Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Key Offering: CAPA series, half-size SBCs with ARM and x86 architectures
Axiomtek specializes in embedded computing solutions, delivering half-size CPU cards that excel in rugged environments such as transportation and healthcare. Their products feature low power consumption and extended temperature ranges, ensuring seamless operation in demanding conditions. By focusing on scalability, Axiomtek enables developers to deploy systems quickly without extensive redesigns.
Technological Initiatives:
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Development of 5G-ready modules for high-speed connectivity
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Enhanced security features including TPM 2.0 support
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Partnerships with OS providers for optimized software stacks
8️⃣ 3. IEI Integration Corporation
Headquarters: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Key Offering: TANK and KINO series half-size cards with NVIDIA GPU options
IEI Integration is renowned for its versatile half-size CPU cards that support graphics-intensive applications like machine vision and medical imaging. The company’s offerings incorporate high-speed interfaces and compact form factors, making them suitable for integration into slim chassis designs. Their emphasis on thermal management ensures sustained performance even in high-load scenarios.
Technological Initiatives:
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Incorporation of edge AI for real-time data processing
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Support for industrial protocols like Modbus and CAN bus
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Expansion into renewable energy monitoring systems
7️⃣ 4. IBASE Technology Inc.
Headquarters: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Key Offering: MI989, half-size SBCs with Intel Core i7 processors
IBASE Technology provides premium half-size CPU cards tailored for professional applications in gaming, POS systems, and industrial control. With a focus on high-resolution display outputs and multiple storage options, their cards facilitate seamless multimedia handling. The company’s rigorous testing protocols guarantee durability and compliance with international standards.
Technological Initiatives:
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Goal to integrate 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake processors by 2025
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Development of fanless designs for noise-sensitive environments
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6️⃣ 5. AAEON Electronics Inc.
Headquarters: New Taipei City, Taiwan
Key Offering: PICO-APL8, half-size cards supporting ARM Cortex-A series
AAEON excels in delivering cost-effective half-size CPU cards for IoT and smart city applications. Their products emphasize energy efficiency and wireless connectivity, enabling deployment in battery-powered devices. As part of the ADLINK Group, AAEON benefits from extensive R&D resources to stay ahead in embedded innovation.
Technological Initiatives:
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Offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 integration
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Targets zero-touch provisioning for fleet management
5️⃣ 6. Estone Technology Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
Key Offering: ETX and COM Express half-size modules
Estone Technology is a rising star in the half-size CPU card arena, focusing on customizable solutions for automation and robotics. Their cards support real-time operating systems and feature expandable memory options, catering to high-reliability needs in manufacturing. The company’s agile production capabilities allow for rapid prototyping and market entry.
Technological Initiatives:
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Current production capacity: Over 500,000 units annually
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Target: 50% increase in R&D investment by 2026
4️⃣ 7. Broadax Systems Inc.
Headquarters: Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Key Offering: Custom half-size SBCs with VIA processors
Broadax Systems serves niche markets with tailored half-size CPU cards optimized for low-power embedded systems in surveillance and transportation. Their expertise in legacy support ensures compatibility with older architectures while incorporating modern features like SSD storage. This dual approach helps clients transition smoothly to newer technologies.
Technological Initiatives:
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Limited focus on legacy x86 due to shift toward ARM
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R&D into power-optimized designs under green computing programs
3️⃣ 8. Taiwan Commate Computer Inc.
Headquarters: Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Key Offering: C704, half-size cards for industrial PCs
Taiwan Commate Computer is a key supplier in Asia, providing half-size CPU cards that meet stringent vibration and shock standards for rail and marine applications. Their products integrate robust power supplies and wide input voltage ranges, ensuring operational continuity in harsh environments. The company’s strong regional distribution network bolsters its market presence.
Technological Initiatives:
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Indigenous development of anti-corrosion coatings
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Collaborations with system integrators for customized solutions
2️⃣ 9. Spectra
Headquarters: Taipei, Taiwan
Key Offering: Custom embedded half-size CPU cards for industrial applications
Spectra specializes in high-performance half-size CPU cards for demanding embedded environments, including defense and aerospace. Their solutions feature ruggedized designs and advanced thermal solutions, enabling reliable operation in extreme conditions. Spectra’s focus on customization allows clients to tailor hardware to specific project requirements.
Technological Initiatives:
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Integration of high-speed PCIe interfaces for expanded connectivity
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Support for real-time processing in mission-critical systems
1️⃣ 10. Fabiatech
Headquarters: Hsinchu, Taiwan
Key Offering: Compact half-size SBCs with multi-core processors
Fabiatech is a prominent player in the embedded computing space, offering innovative half-size CPU cards that balance performance and power efficiency. Their products are widely used in networking and telecommunications, supporting high-throughput data processing in compact enclosures. Fabiatech’s dedication to innovation ensures their cards meet evolving industry standards.
Technological Initiatives:
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Development of low-latency designs for 5G edge devices
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Strategic partnerships for enhanced GPU integration
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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Half-Size CPU Card Industry Is More Compact and Intelligent
The half-size CPU card market is experiencing rapid evolution. While traditional x86 architectures remain dominant, investments are surging in ARM-based and AI-enabled designs, alongside enhanced connectivity for 5G and IoT ecosystems. This shift promises more efficient, versatile computing at the edge.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Accelerated adoption of ARM processors for power efficiency in Asia and Europe
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Regulatory emphasis on energy-efficient hardware by 2030
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Integration of AI and machine learning accelerators
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Collaborations between hardware makers and software developers
Market Trends Affecting Half-Size CPU Card Innovations
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Consolidation among embedded systems providers — streamlines development but demands attention to compatibility and support ecosystems. Recent mergers are redefining global supply chains.
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Shift to low-power ARM architectures — companies are prioritizing ARM for reduced energy use and better mobile integration. Examples include AAEON’s transitions to Cortex series.
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Edge AI and connectivity enhancements — support for neural processing units and 5G modules (Advantech, Axiomtek) is crucial for distributed computing in multi-node setups.
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Compact, multi-interface designs — half-size cards with expanded I/O reduce system complexity and are popular in modular embedded builds. IBASE leads in this area.
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Automation in manufacturing and testing — firms like IEI are adopting robotic assembly and AI-driven quality control to cut costs in high-volume production for IoT markets.
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The companies listed above are not only powering embedded systems—they’re leading the compact computing revolution for tomorrow’s intelligent devices.
In the rapidly expanding landscape of half-size CPU cards, innovation remains at the forefront. As industries like automotive, healthcare, and smart manufacturing demand ever-smaller yet more capable hardware, these top players are investing heavily in next-generation processors and interfaces. For instance, the integration of PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory in upcoming models will significantly boost data throughput, enabling applications that were previously confined to full-size boards. Furthermore, the rise of hybrid cloud-edge paradigms is pushing manufacturers to incorporate secure boot mechanisms and over-the-air update capabilities, ensuring devices stay resilient against evolving cyber threats.
Looking deeper, regional dynamics play a crucial role. Asia-Pacific, led by Taiwan and China, dominates production due to its robust semiconductor ecosystem, accounting for over 70% of global output. However, North America and Europe are catching up with a focus on high-value, customized solutions for defense and medical fields. Challenges such as supply chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions are being mitigated through diversified sourcing and local assembly initiatives. Meanwhile, sustainability efforts are gaining traction, with companies exploring recycled materials and energy-efficient designs to align with global green standards.
Beyond the core offerings, these firms are fostering ecosystems that include comprehensive software support, from Linux distributions to real-time OS like VxWorks. This holistic approach not only accelerates time-to-market for developers but also enhances system longevity. As we approach 2025, expect a surge in half-size cards optimized for 5G private networks, facilitating ultra-reliable low-latency communications in industrial settings. The U.S. market, valued at approximately USD 85 million in 2024, is poised to grow at 9% CAGR, driven by investments in smart infrastructure.
China’s segment, projected to reach USD 150 million by 2031, reflects the country’s push toward indigenous tech amid trade restrictions, emphasizing self-reliant designs. In terms of applications, desktop PCs and laptops hold steady shares, but the “others” category—including industrial controls and embedded IoT—is expanding fastest at 10% CAGR. ATX-compatible half-size variants are forecasted to hit USD 300 million by 2031, thanks to their versatility in standard chassis.
Competitive analysis reveals that the top five players—Advantech, Axiomtek, IEI, IBASE, and AAEON—collectively command about 65% of the revenue pie in 2024. Their strategies include aggressive R&D spending, averaging 12% of revenues, and strategic acquisitions to bolster portfolio diversity. For example, partnerships with Intel for early access to Meteor Lake processors position them ahead of the curve. Industry surveys highlight rising demand for customizable pinouts and form factor adherence to PICMG standards, underscoring the need for flexibility.
Drivers like the proliferation of Industry 4.0 and autonomous systems propel growth, while obstacles such as component shortages and rising material costs pose risks. Yet, opportunities abound in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, where digital transformation is accelerating. Policymakers in the EU are enforcing stricter EMC compliance, influencing design paradigms toward even more robust shielding.
Upstream, reliance on foundries like TSMC for SoC fabrication ties market fortunes to semiconductor cycles. Downstream, system integrators and OEMs amplify value through application-specific adaptations. Overall, the half-size CPU card sector is set for sustained expansion, with these top companies at the helm, delivering the compact power needed for a connected world.
To delve deeper into market forecasts, segment breakdowns, and competitor profiles, accessing detailed reports is essential. These resources provide granular data on revenues from 2020-2031, sales volumes in K units, and regional percentages—North America at 20%, Europe 25%, Asia 50%, and the rest 5%. Chapter-wise insights cover everything from blue ocean strategies in AT applications to capacity analyses by country, equipping stakeholders with actionable intelligence.
In conclusion, as embedded computing permeates every facet of modern life, half-size CPU cards represent a critical enabler. The profiled companies are not just suppliers; they are architects of the future, blending compactness with cutting-edge performance to unlock new possibilities.
Download FREE Sample Report: Half-Size CPU Card Market – View in Detailed Research Report
Read Full Report: Half-Size CPU Card Market – View in Detailed Research Report