Official Arduino Portenta Max Carrier Development Board
The Official Arduino Portenta Max Carrier is a powerful solution designed to transform Portenta modules into advanced single-board computers or reference designs.
This versatile carrier enables edge AI applications for high-performance industrial, building automation, and robotics use cases. Compatible with the Portenta X8 or H7, it simplifies prototyping and deployment of industrial projects.
The Arduino Portenta Max Carrier enhances connectivity options, providing support for Fieldbus, LoRa, Cat-M1, and NB-IoT, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. It features a variety of plug-and-play connectors including Ethernet, USB-A, audio jacks, microSD, mini-PCIe, FD-CAN, and Serial RS232/422/485.
Powering the Max Carrier is flexible, as it can be supplied via an external source (6-36V) or through a 3.7V Li-ion battery using the onboard 18650 battery connector with an integrated charger.
Features:
High-Performance Edge AI: Transforms Portenta modules into single-board computers, enabling edge AI for industrial, building automation, and robotics applications.
Broad Compatibility: Compatible with Portenta X8 and H7 modules, allowing for easy prototyping and deployment of industrial projects.
Enhanced Connectivity Options: Supports multiple communication standards including Fieldbus, LoRa®, Cat-M1, and NB-IoT for seamless connectivity.
Versatile Connectors: Equipped with a range of plug-and-play connectors such as Ethernet, USB-A, audio jacks, microSD, mini-PCIe, FD-CAN, and Serial RS232/422/485.
Flexible Power Supply: Can be powered through an external supply (6-36V) or via the onboard 18650 Li-ion battery connector (3.7V) with a built-in battery charger.
Robust Design for Industrial Use: Ideal for deployment in high-performance and rugged environments, supporting demanding industrial applications.
Compact Form Factor: Maintains a small footprint while providing numerous features, making it suitable for space-constrained designs.
Applications:
Industrial Automation: Use the Portenta Max Carrier for creating smart factory systems, PLC replacements, and edge AI controllers that process data locally with real-time decision-making.
Robotics and Mechatronics: Enable autonomous robots and robotic arms with vision processing, sensor integration, and reliable wireless communication using LoRa®, Cat-M1, or NB-IoT.
Building Automation: Develop intelligent HVAC, lighting, and security control systems that optimize performance while maintaining connectivity through Fieldbus and Ethernet interfaces.
Smart Energy and Utilities: Leverage the board’s rugged design for monitoring power grids, managing renewable energy assets, or implementing predictive maintenance at remote sites.
IoT Gateways and Edge AI Systems: Create advanced IoT gateways that combine machine learning and cloud connectivity for smart data aggregation and analysis at the edge.
Research and Prototyping: Ideal for R&D labs and prototyping environments, allowing rapid testing of industrial communication protocols, AI applications, and low-power designs.
1. How to set up the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier for the first time?
To set up your board, securely mount a compatible board like the Portenta H7 onto the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier. Connect the carrier to your computer via the USB-C port to provide power and a data link. You can then open the Arduino IDE to start programming and configuring the expanded I/O.
2. How to use the Portenta Max Carrier for expanding hardware interfaces?
The Portenta Max Carrier is designed to augment your Portenta board with a wide range of connectivity options. It provides numerous hardware interfaces, such as Ethernet, USB-A, and CAN bus, right out of the box. This makes the carrier ideal for developing advanced prototypes for demanding industrial applications.
3. How to power the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier board?
You can power the Portenta Max Carrier using its versatile power management system. For simple projects, use a USB-C cable connected to a computer or power adapter. For higher power needs, connect an external DC supply, and the board will provide stable, regulated power to the Portenta module.
4. How to connect displays or cameras to the Portenta Max Carrier?
This Arduino carrier board simplifies adding visual components to your project. It includes a standard HDMI output for connecting external monitors and multiple MIPI camera interfaces for image capture. These features are perfect for creating applications that leverage AI vision and real-time video processing.
5. How to use storage options with the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier?
The carrier provides robust solutions for applications that require significant storage capacity. It includes a slot for microSD cards and an M.2 connector for high-speed SSD drives. These options are excellent for implementing large-scale data logging or storing operating systems and application files.
6. How to utilize the Ethernet and CAN interfaces on the Portenta Max Carrier?
The Portenta Max Carrier comes equipped with essential communication interfaces for networked systems. Use the RJ45 Ethernet port for reliable wired network connectivity and the dual CAN ports to communicate with other devices on a CAN bus. These features are vital for creating robust solutions for industrial automation and IoT gateways.
7. How to combine the Portenta Max Carrier with other Portenta ecosystem boards?
You can easily stack the Portenta Max Carrier with a Portenta H7 or Portenta X8 using the high-density connectors. This modular design allows for seamless hardware expansion and rapid prototyping. It enables you to build complex, feature-rich systems without designing custom PCBs.
1. What is the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier Board used for?
The Arduino Portenta Max Carrier development board extends the capabilities of Portenta modules, providing a full-featured platform for industrial and IoT applications. You can use it to add high-speed interfaces, storage, and connectivity for advanced embedded systems. Its robust design supports deployment in mission-critical environments.
2. How does the Portenta Max Carrier enhance the Portenta ecosystem?
The Portenta Max Carrier Board connects seamlessly with Portenta modules like the H7 and X8, giving you access to expanded I/O, storage options, and peripheral support. You can integrate SSDs, displays, cameras, and industrial buses without additional hardware. This makes it ideal for complex embedded projects requiring high integration.
3. What makes the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier ideal for industrial use?
Built for industrial applications, the Portenta Max Carrier offers high reliability, multiple I/O ports, and support for advanced peripherals like CAN, Ethernet, and isolated digital I/O. You get ruggedized connectors and EMI protection for stable operation in harsh environments. It’s perfect for automation, robotics, and edge computing systems.
4. Can the Portenta Max Carrier Board be used with different Portenta modules?
Yes, the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier is compatible with a range of Portenta modules, including the H7 and X8, allowing you to swap or upgrade compute units without redesigning your carrier setup. You can scale performance based on project needs while reusing the same hardware interface. This modularity simplifies development and deployment.
5. Does the Portenta Max Carrier support display and camera connections?
Absolutely—the Portenta Max Carrier Board includes HDMI and camera interfaces, enabling high-resolution visual output and image input for AI vision and control systems. You can connect external monitors or MIPI cameras for real-time processing and visualization. This makes it suitable for machine vision and human-machine interface applications.
6. What connectivity options are available on the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier?
The Portenta Max Carrier supports Ethernet, USB 3.0, CAN, RS-485, and PCIe, providing comprehensive connectivity for IoT and industrial communication. You can link to PLCs, sensors, gateways, and high-speed storage. These interfaces ensure seamless integration into industrial networks and edge infrastructure.
7. Can I use the Portenta Max Carrier for rapid prototyping?
Yes, developers can use the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier Board for rapid prototyping, testing, and deployment of complex embedded systems without needing custom adapters or breakout boards. You get immediate access to all module signals and standard connectors. This accelerates development from concept to production.
8. Who should use the Arduino Portenta Max Carrier Development Board?
The Portenta Max Carrier Board is ideal for engineers, IoT developers, and system integrators building advanced industrial solutions. If you need a reliable, scalable platform for edge computing, automation, or AI at the edge, this carrier provides the performance and flexibility to bring your project to life.
This product comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects only.
Warranty Void If:
The product shows signs of physical damage, mishandling, exposure to water/moisture, fire, natural calamities, unauthorized repairs, improper storage near heat or direct sunlight, or alteration in any way.
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