Posted to News on 28th Feb 2014, 10:30
Kontron's first SMARC Computer-on-Modules with an x86 processor
Kontron is introducing a new, ultra low-power SMARC Computer-on-Modules with Intel Atom processor E3800 series - described as the world's first x86 SoC processor to become available on this low-profile mini-computer form factor (82mm × 50mm). The Kontron SMARC-sXBTi Computer-on-Modules offer excellent graphics, high processor performance and x86 compatibility on the smallest SMARC footprint combined with very low power consumption (5 to 10W). Both the flat profile of the module and its mobile feature set are tailored for small portable handheld devices. The modules can, however, be deployed in any application where power consumption has to be kept at just a few watts but high-level computing and graphics performance are required.
For the SMARC Computer-on-Module standard, which was primarily developed for performance and interfaces of the new tablet PC processors, to date only ARM processors could be made available, so this launch opens up completely new perspectives for developers in terms of the form factor's scalability as well as in terms of software re-use and compatibility.
Michael Vth, Executive Vice President Global Sales & Marketing at Kontron, underlines the added value of the SMARC form factor's high scalability, which Kontron also supports with corresponding porting services between ARM and x86: "SMARC Computer-on-Modules are designed for performance and for the interfaces of the new tablet PC processors, to make them available on Computer-on-Modules for especially small, low-profile embedded designs. First, we focused on ARM-based designs. With the new Intel Atom processor E3800 series, x86 SoC technology is now also possible as a basis for SMARC designs. This drastically increases this mini form factor's scalability and we intend to expand this even further in the future."
Engelbert Hrmannsdorfer, Chairman of the SGET Standardisation Group for Embedded Technologies e.V., welcomes this Kontron launch: "In my opinion, SMARC modules with Intel Atom processors are highly attractive and the SGET strongly supports the implementation of x86 SoC technology on SMARC Computer-on-Modules. As a standards-setting body for the latest embedded technologies, we have never set up any barriers amongst processor technologies. On the contrary, our aim is namely to provide technological standardisation for all these new processor technologies and thus make them attractive for embedded applications. From the outset, the SMARC specification was designed to integrate both processor technologies. It just wasn't possible to talk about it before the launch of the corresponding processors."
The Kontron SMARC-sXBTi
The new Kontron SMARC-sXBTi Computer-on-Modules have been developed to comply with the SGET specification and are equipped with Intel Atom processor E3800 series and up to 8GB RAM, optional with ECC. They support the extended temperature range of -40degC to +85degC, measure only 82mm × 50mm and have a low-profile design thanks to the use of edge card connectors. Nevertheless, there is still enough space for up a 64GB on-board SSD to store OS and application data. A highlight of the pin-out is the mobile feature set with 3 UARTs with complete function range also for, for example, GPS as well as support of the MIPI-compliant serial camera interface (MIPI CSI = Mobile Industry Processor Interface Camera Serial Interface). The powerful Intel Gen 7 Graphics are carried out via HDMI 1.4 and LVDS (optional eDP) with up to 2560 × 1600 and 60Hz to the display. Further interfaces include 1× GbE LAN via Intel Ethernet Controller I210, 1× USB 3.0 and 2× USB 2.0, amongst others. Customer-specific extensions can be implemented via 2 SDIO and 3 PCIe ×1 lanes with 5GT/s. For further features and interface details as well as information on availability see the Kontron SMARC-sXBTi product website.
In addition, Kontron is planning further SMARC Computer-on-Modules based on innovative SoC platforms like the Intel Quark SoC X1000. Please expect more news later this year. For further information please visit www.kontron.com
