Congatec focuses on customer robustness challenges at the embedded world 2021 virtual event, introducing extended temperature range platforms for all performance levels, from high-end COM-HPC modules to low-power SMARC modules. The solution portfolio for COM-HPC server modules is especially impressive as it addresses the fact that a significantly higher TDP has to be mastered for these computing edge platforms, which is a challenging task especially in the extended temperature range. .
The driving force behind this approach is the growing demand for robust real-time edge and fog computing technologies to facilitate digitization projects in often extremely harsh and challenging environments. Typical use cases for these ultra-durable platforms are in critical infrastructure of railways, road traffic and smart cities, offshore platforms and wind farms, electrical distribution networks, piping systems for the oil, gas and freshwater industries, telecommunication and broadcasting networks, as well as distributed surveillance and security systems. Other target markets are network-connected industrial and medical devices with IIoT / Industry 4.0 connectivity, vending machines outdoor and digital signage and, not to mention, in-vehicle applications such as autonomous logistics vehicles.
The new harsh environment platforms introduced by congatec withstand extreme temperature ranges from -40°C to +85°C, feature BGA-soldered processors for shock and vibration, as well as high EMI resistance, and can be optionally available with coating shaped to protect platforms against ingress of condensation, salt water and dust.
New COM-HPC and COM Express with 11th Gen Intel Core Scalable Processors
One of the highlights of the presentations is high-end x86 COM (Computer-on-Modules) modules for extreme environments based on the COM-HPC and COM Express standards. The conga-HPC/cTLU COM-HPC Client Size A modules as well as the conga-TC570 COM Express Compact modules are available with the new 11th generation Intel Core Scalable processors for extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C . Both modules are the first to support PCIe x4 in Gen 4 performance for connecting peripherals with massive bandwidth.
Platforms with Intel Atom x6000E Series processors
congatec's robust platforms with extended temperature options from -40°C to +85°C based on Intel Atom x6000E Series, Intel Celeron and Pentium N & J Series processors are available as COM modules in SMARC form factors, Qseven, COM Express Compact and Mini, as well as SBC Pico-ITX (Single Board Computers). They are especially impressive in industrial real-time markets, offering not only higher performance but also Time Sensitive Networking (TSN), Intel Time Coordinated Computing (Intel TCC), Real Time Systems (RTS) hypervisor support and ECC configurable in the BIOS.
New SMARC 2.1 COM module with i.MX 8M Plus processor
The presentation is complemented by the exposure of the brand new SMARC 2.1 COM module with i.MX 8M Plus processor. Consuming just 2 to 6 watts, this ultra-low power embedded computing and edge platform for extended temperature ranges convinces with 4 powerful Arm Cortex-A53 processor cores and an additional Neural Processing Unit (NPU), which adds up to 2,3 TOPS of AI computing power. Designed specifically for AI inference and edge machine learning, the modules are also optimized to process and analyze dual-camera Image Signal Processor (ISP) data received via the 2 built-in MIPI-CSI interfaces.
Comprehensive value pack for all included extended temperature range platforms
The platforms offer all the features and services necessary for reliable operation in the most demanding environments. The value pack includes robust passive cooling options, optional conformal coating for protection against corrosion caused by moisture or condensation, a list of recommended motherboard schematics, and components specifically designed for the extended temperature range to achieve maximum reliability. This impressive set of technical features is complemented by a comprehensive service offering including temperature testing, high-speed signal compliance testing along with design services and all necessary training sessions to simplify the use of congatec embedded system technologies.
For more information about congatec's offer in the extended temperature range for robust edge and fog calculation in real time, please visit our congatec booth at virtual embedded world 2021 here: https://www.congatec.com/en/congatec/events/embedded-world/
