The company Ruselectronics, a unit within the Rostec holding, has unveiled an MP21 single-board computer engineered around the Elbrus-2S3 processor. Measuring a compact 95 by 95 millimeters, it stands as the smallest computer built on this chip to date, marking a notable milestone in compact, high-performance hardware design (Ruselectronics press materials). The MP21 module adopts a package-free footprint and weighs roughly 100 grams without the heat distribution plate, delivering a power draw under 40 watts and operating reliably across a wide temperature span from -40 to +55 degrees Celsius. The development was spearheaded by specialists from the Institute of Electronic Control Machines, with collaboration from the company’s INEUM division within Ruselectronics, underscoring a concerted, domestic effort to advance Soviet-era precision in modern form factors (project notes on Ruselectronics; INEUM involvement).
On the core, MP21 uses a dual-core Elbrus-2S3 processor clocked at a baseline of 1.6 GHz, complemented by an integrated graphics block. This configuration makes the module well-suited for information display systems and embedded visual interfaces where reliability and stability are essential. The platform accommodates up to 8 GB of RAM and offers solid-state storage options ranging from 60 GB to 480 GB, providing flexible memory and capacity for a variety of industrial and digital-signage applications (specifications overview).
Rostec emphasizes that MP21 represents a fully domestic development capable of replacing comparable foreign alternatives. In a context where information security is paramount, the device is positioned for deployment in sensitive environments, including transport, municipal, and industrial facilities, where robust performance and consistent operation are critical. The MP21’s design choices reflect a focus on secure, verifiable hardware that can be integrated into onboard computer systems, control consoles, and other mission-critical setups (security and defense-oriented notes).
While the MP21 targets specialized uses, the broader trend it embodies is the shift toward compact, Russia-developed computing solutions that can meet stringent standards without relying on overseas components. This aligns with national efforts to diversify the hardware supply chain and strengthen domestic capabilities in embedded computing, edge processing, and real-time data handling in demanding environments (industry outlook summary).
In related tech developments, there have been earlier demonstrations of future-facing hardware concepts, including efforts by major manufacturers to link mobile devices with cutting-edge wearables and sensor networks. These parallel innovations illustrate a broader landscape in which compact, high-efficiency computing modules can serve as the backbone for intelligent information displays, autonomous systems, and secure, localized processing pipelines across various sectors (contextual industry note).