When it comes to AI computing servers, everyone's first reaction is probably ultra-large cabinet arrays, or non-movable servers for enterprises, and the Avalon Nano 3 breaks this rule as a portable product. In February 2024, Canaan Inc., a NASDAQ-listed company, launched its first portable AI computing server, the Avalon Nano 3, which is a micro computing terminal powered by the new standard of PD3.1 fast charging, which can provide 4.0T computing power in a small body, which can be carried around and does not take up much space on the desktop.
The Avalon Nano 3 has a very stylish flat and square appearance, it looks like a thicker TV set-top box, the body measures 205*115*57mm, the volume is similar to the volume of Intel's desktop micro PC nuc, the whole machine is as light as 725g, only the weight of two cans of Coke, it can be put into the backpack and carry-on, and it will not take up too much space when placed under the desktop monitor.
The Avalon Nano 3 is equipped with a powerful AI chip that can provide 4.0T computing power. There is a power button and setting button on the top of the fuselage, and a multi-function information screen is integrated, providing operation information such as IP address, time, real-time power consumption, actual computing power, and operation mode, and the current computing power status can be read through the screen and set interactively.
In addition to being a portable AI computing server, the Avalon Nano 3 also uses the waste heat generated by the powerful computing power chip to provide heating for users, such as the Google server center that used computing power to heat cold areas many years ago. At the front of the Avalon Nano 3 is a warm air outlet, and the twill grille has the function of changing the direction of the air outlet, which can be adjusted by the user. The temperature of the air outlet is a comfortable 40°C~60°C, and it is placed under the desktop monitor just opposite the position of the human hand, bringing a trace of warmth to the cold winter.
Behind the fuselage is a cold air inlet, and the hexagonal honeycomb mesh dust filter adopts a detachable structure, which is convenient for cleaning after long-term use. Next to the air inlet is the power supply port of the fuselage, the Avalon Nano 3 adopts the current mainstream USB-C input interface of consumer electronics, and supports the latest generation of PD3.1 universal fast charging protocol, with a maximum input power of 28V5A 140W.
Avalon Nano 3 套装除了包含便携 AI 算力服务器外,还包含原装电源适配器一个,8 字供电线分体式设计,集成 USB-C 输出线缆。 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 宽幅电压输入,输出支持 PD3.1,电压档包含 5V3A / 9V3A / 12V3A / 15V3A / 20V5A / 28V5A,至高输出功率 140W。
The charging head network is measured, using the original power adapter in the package to provide power supply, correctly handshake PD3.1 28V PDO, and the screen shows that the current computing power reaches 4.22T and the current power consumption reaches 127W after warm-up. In addition to supporting PD3.1, Avalon Nano 3 is also backward compatible with 100W and 65W PD3.0 power supply specifications, of course, the computing power will also be limited to the corresponding standard.
Summary of the charging head network
The USB-C interface has been quickly applied to consumer electronics products such as mobile phones, tablets, and notebooks due to its advantages of blind plugging on the front and back at the same time, high data bandwidth, and high power supply specifications, and then monitors, routers, hard disk enclosures, NAS, electric toothbrushes, power tools, wireless headphones and other devices have also joined the USB-C ecosystem, which has also laid the foundation for USB-C unification.
Today, Canaan's Avalon Nano 3 also adopts a USB-C power supply interface and supports the latest generation of PD3.1 fast charging standard, with a measured computing power of up to 127W, a small body that provides 4.22T powerful computing power, and uses the heat of the chip to warm users' hands, so that AI computing power also has a "green" taste.
Avalon Nano 3 landed on the overseas crowdfunding platform indiegogo as early as February 2, and 3,114 users have supported the project, raising nearly $700,000. At present, the early bird price has been sold out, the normal crowdfunding price is $99 for a single fuselage, and the crowdfunding price for the cable with power supply set is $129, with a total of white, black, bright yellow, midnight blue and soft peach five colors to choose from.