Migration Guide from LattePanda V1 to LattePanda IOTA

by L.P.

From the first-generation LattePanda V1 to the new-generation LattePanda IOTA, we have always been committed to providing developers and enterprise customers with a more powerful, stable, and future-proof embedded computing platform.

Why Upgrade from V1 to IOTA?

The LattePanda V1, our first single-board computer (SBC) launched in 2015, gained widespread adoption in fields like smart terminals, mobile robots, industrial HMIs, and portable devices, thanks to its compact 88mm × 70mm size, full Windows 10 support, and excellent portability.

However, as modern applications place increasingly stringent demands on hardware performance and operating systems, the Intel Atom® x5-Z8350-based LattePanda V1 has shown clear limitations, such as:

System Limitations: Cannot be upgraded to the Windows 11 operating system.
Memory Bottlenecks: Memory is limited to a maximum of 4GB, making it difficult to handle multitasking workloads.
Network Speed: Network bandwidth is restricted to 100Mbps Ethernet.
Supply Chain Challenges: Core components are facing end-of-life, making it difficult toensure a stable supply.

To address these issues, we are introducing the new-generation LattePanda IOTA—a palm-sized, high-performance single-board computer designed to meet the upgrade needs of existing customers and the demands of emerging applications.

Seamless Replacement: Maintains the original form factor and interface layout for hardware-level compatibility.
Performance Leap: Up to 8 times the CPU performance, with full support for the latest operating systems like Windows 11.
Stable Supply: Provides long-term, stable supply assurance for enterprise customers.

Compatibility First, Performance Leap

To minimize your migration costs, the LattePanda IOTA inherits the design principles of the LattePanda V1 in terms of physical dimensions, mounting holes, and interface layout, ensuring that your existing structural molds, enclosures, cables, and peripherals can be adapted with little to no modification.

What Stays the Same

To help you achieve a "plug-and-play" upgrade, the LattePanda IOTA maintains a high degree of consistency with the V1 in the following critical physical characteristics:

1. Physical Dimensions & Mounting Holes

Board Dimensions: 88mm × 70mm
Four Corner Mounting Holes: Identical in position and diameter
Board Thickness: Approx. 19mm (including component height), slightly thinner than V1, making it compatible with most existing structural designs.

💡 Tip: If using an active cooling solution, it is recommended to reserve at least 13mm of vertical space at the bottom of the board to accommodate the new cooling fan.

2. External Interface Layout

The positions of all core external interfaces are identical to the V1:

HDMI Port
3× USB Type-A Ports
RJ45 Ethernet Port
3.5mm Audio Jack
MicroSD (TF) Card Slot
Power and Reset Buttons

Specifications Comparison

What's Different

1. Significant Processor Performance Boost

2. Comprehensive Memory & Storage Upgrade

3. Remarkable GPU Capability Enhancement

⚠️ Important Note:

Since the embedded display interface has been upgraded from MIPI-DSI to eDP, the 7 - inch MIPI Display (FIT0477) and Touch Panel (FIT0478) originally used for LattePanda V1 are not directly compatible with LattePanda IOTA.
We have prepared a perfectly matched replacement solution for you: the identicallysized 7-inch eDP Touch Display (FIT1030), which pairs perfectly with the LattePanda IOTA. Please visit the official website to view the 7-inch eDP Touch Display(FIT1030).

4. Changes in Power Supply Requirements

To match the increased performance, we have upgraded the power supply system, providing a higher power ceiling and more flexible input methods.

⚠️ Important Note:

The IOTA requires a higher voltage to drive its powerful performance.
If you are using the external power port: Your original Micro-USB cable and 5V USB adapter must be replaced with a PD-compliant Type-C cable and a PD power adapter.
If you are using the internal power connector: Your original 5V DC power source must be replaced with a 10V to 15V DC power source.

5. Changes in Cooling Solution

Due to the significant performance increase, power consumption and heat generation have also risen. You can choose either of the following two heatsinks:

⚠️LattePanda IOTA does not support operation without a heatsink. Always install a heatsink before powering on.

🔧 Using the Device Enclosure for Cooling

Using your device's own metal enclosure for passive cooling is a viable option, but it must be rigorously tested and validated to ensure thermal performance is adequate. Please follow these key steps:

You must use a thermal pad or thermal grease to fill the gap between the processor and the inner wall of the enclosure. This is critical for transferring heat from the processor to the enclosure.
If your enclosure has limited size or insufficient surface area for heat dissipation, we strongly recommend that you enter the BIOS settings and limit the processor's TDP (PL1) to 6W. This action will significantly reduce peak heat generation, prevent the enclosure from overheating, and ensure long-term system stability.

⚠️ Before mass deployment, be sure to conduct full-load stress tests to ensure both the processor and enclosure temperatures remain within a safe and acceptable range.

6. Co-processor Upgrade

⚠️ I/O Level Has Changed to 3.3V

Since the co-processor has been upgraded to the RP2040, the operating voltage for its GPIO pins is 3.3V, no longer 5V.
Do not directly connect signals higher than 3.3V, as this may damage the pins.
When connecting your existing 5V sensors, modules, or other peripherals, you must use a level shifter to match the voltage.
Your original code will need to be recompiled or properly ported to run, especially code that directly manipulates registers or relies on specific libraries.

7. Comprehensive Network Connectivity Upgrade

The M.2 E Key slot design gives you the freedom to choose any M.2 2230 Wi-Fi module from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 7 based on your needs.

✅ Recommended Pairing: An Intel AX210 or AX211 M.2 module to achieve Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.3 high-speed connectivity.
⚠️ Antenna Installation: Dual-band Wi-Fi modules typically require 2 antennas to be connected to ensure stable signal transmission/reception and speed. If you plan to route the antennas to the exterior of a custom enclosure, remember to reserve an additional opening for the second antenna.

8. New Expansion Interfaces

The LattePanda IOTA not only achieves a leap in core performance but also introduces new expansion interfaces, broadening its application boundaries and giving your projects more flexibility and scalability.

1.PCIe 3.0 x1 Interface (FPC 16-Pin)

Supports high-speed peripheral expansion, with a pinout compatible with the Raspberry Pi's PCIe FPC connector.

Recommended Expansion Boards:

M.2 M-Key Expansion Board (DFR1250): Connect an NVMe SSD to expand storage space, or an AI accelerator card for a massive boost in computing.
51W PoE Expansion Board (DFR1248): Complies with the IEEE 802.3bt standard, providing high-power delivery and Gigabit network transmission over a single Ethernet cable.

2.Power Management Interface (MX1.25-10Pin)

For connecting an external battery or power management system board.

Recommended Expansion Board:

18650 UPS Expansion Board (DFR1247), to enable functions like automatic switching to backup power upon mains failure, charge management, and battery level monitoring.

3. RTC Battery Holder (1.25mm 2-Pin)

Connect a 3V CR2032 or similar coin cell battery with leads to ensure the system time is not lost after power down, improving log accuracy and system reliability.

9. New DIP Switch

To make deployment and debugging more efficient, the LattePanda IOTA includes an onboard two-position DIP switch, allowing you to configure the following functions without entering the BIOS:

⚠️ Note: After the LattePanda board is powered on, the power supply to the RP2040 MCU must be configured in the BIOS.

Migration Recommendations & Steps

1. Review Requirements & Confirm Objectives

Clarify migration needs: performance (e.g., 4K/multi-display/high-speed storage), system (is Win11 mandatory?), expansion scenarios (wired/wireless/cellular), power/thermal constraints, security/stability, interface quantity, etc.
Compile a list of all hardware/software resources used in the current project (custom peripherals, existing modules and enclosures, special firmware, scripts, etc.).

2. Hardware Compatibility & Electrical Adaptation Check

Power Supply is Key: IOTA's recommended power input is 12V. If your previous setup used 5V, you must replace the power adapter/conversion interface to meet IOTA's requirements.
Thermal Adaptation: IOTA generates significantly more heat. You must upgrade to a recommended heatsink or optimize the passive cooling structure.
Dimensions & Interface Verification: Internal interfaces like GPIO headers and FPC connector pinouts have some changes. Verify if existing enclosures, structural parts, and cables are compatible, and be prepared to replace/customize cables, adapter boards, etc.

3. Peripheral & Display Solution Adaptation

Display Interface Upgrade: Users of the original MIPI display must switch to the official eDP display; the interface and mounting methods will need to be changed.
Wi-Fi Antennas: If you require high-performance wireless routing (Wi-Fi 6/7), you should plan for dual antenna holes and ensure a proper layout where the signal is not obstructed by a metal enclosure.
Test compatibility of external expansion boards, PCIe cards, wireless/cellular modules, and USB devices in advance, paying close attention to any modules with size or power supply issues.

4. OS and Co-processor Firmware Migration

It is recommended to use the official Windows 11 image, but you can also install Ubuntu 22.04+/24.04 LTS.
Co-processor: The co-processor is now the RP2040 (3.3V). Your original Arduino code for the ATmega32U4 (5V) needs to be adapted and ported (focus on library support, I/O level compatibility, differences in port manipulation, timing/interrupts, etc.).
Check the communication method, I/O level, and power supply between the original MCU and its sensors/peripherals. Be cautious and use level-shifting modules where necessary.

5. Interface Function / Expansion Board Testing

Verify New Features: Test new interfaces like PCIe, UPS, PoE, and the RTC battery holder one by one to ensure they function as expected.
Check if existing expansion boards and HAT modules can be used directly or if they require driver updates or pin adaptations.
Test the interplay between the DIP switch and BIOS settings to confirm that functions like auto-power-on and independent co-processor power are enabled as needed.

6. Full Assembly & Load Testing

Assemble the new hardware according to the planned structure.
Perform no-load and full-load tests upon power-up, paying close attention to power consumption, temperature rise, and noise to identify any shortcomings early.
Check the status of onboard LEDs, fans, and communication modules to troubleshoot potential compatibility issues one by one.

We Are Here to Support Your Migration

We invite all LattePanda V1 users to join the new era of IOTA—enjoy stronger performance, a longer supply lifecycle, and richer expansion capabilities as we continue to build the next generation of intelligent devices together.

We understand that device upgrades involve multi-party coordination and validation cycles. To assist you, we offer:

📚 Migration Technical Support
🧪 Sample Request Service (for B2B customers)
🤝 Dedicated Account Manager (for B2B customers)
🔧 BIOS Customization Support

📩 Contact our support team: solution@lattepanda.com

What we provide

LattePanda Iota 3D model：https://github.com/LattePandaTeam/LattePanda-3D-Models/tree/master/LattePanda%20IOTA