Posted to News on 30th Nov 2012, 16:32
Kontron's ULP-COM module for energy-efficient mobile devices
Kontron is introducing its ULP-COM standards-based Computer-on-Modules to help embedded OEMs drive down system costs for ultra-low power SFF (small form factor) systems.
Kontron's expanded ULP-COM portfolio is designed as a highly scalable building block for the swift and cost-effective development of energy-efficient mobile devices. Featuring a very low TDP (Thermal Design Power), the Kontron ULP-COM-sA3874i is well-suited for space-constrained, fanless and harsh environment applications. Offering single core ARM Cortex A8 technology performance based on Texas Instrument's AM3874 Sitara ARM processors, Kontron's latest ULP-COM module delivers the computing power required by the diverse range of smart devices being designed today in a very small 82mm × 50mm footprint.
The Kontron ULP-COM-sA3874i module supports an extended operating temperature range of -40degC to +85degC and expands the scalable Computer-on-Module building block model to a broader range of SFF systems that must operate in harsh environmental conditions, such as those in the military, industrial automation/HMI, digital signage and medical markets. Support for Android, Linux, WEC7, and additionally a variety of real-time operating systems on project request, enables embedded OEMs to leverage an active ecosystem of development partners.
Peter Peisker, European Director Embedded Processing Marketing & Applications at Texas Instruments, says: "Texas Instrument's AM3874 processor is an excellent ARM-based platform for Kontron's ULP-COM ultra-low power module. It delivers outstanding value with single core performance that doesn't compromise on graphics performance, which makes it well suited for a broad variety of industrial, small form factor applications."
The Kontron ULP-COM-sA3874i Computer-on-Module family is available with the Texas Instruments Sitara single core Cortex-A8 technology-based microprocessors (MPUs) for the extended temperature range that offer performance up to 800MHz. Kontron's ULP-COM modules support 3D graphics acceleration and HD video processing. Dual independent displays are possible via parallel 18/24 bit LCD or 18/24 bit single-channel LVDS and HDMI.
In addition, the module supports a parallel camera interface input. The modules provide a ×1 Gen 2 PCI Express lane and interface flexibility with 4-bit SDIO and SDMMC storage, SPI ×2, I2S ×4, I2C ×4 for general purpose and CAN Bus ×2. Networking is supported by a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet port.
The Kontron ARM Cortex A8 ULP-COM-sA3874i module family is available for sampling now, with serial production in Q1 2013. For more information, please visit the Kontron ULP-COM-sA3874i product page.
