Kontron Integrates Intel Atom Processor into Computer-on-Modules and Panel-PCs

Kontron, a manufacturer of embedded computer technology (ECT), says that the newly launched industrial-grade Intel Atom processor E6xx series will be supported on Computer-on-Modules and Panel PCs. 

Kontron (News - Alert) Computer-on-Module nanoETXexpress-TT, an ultra sized COM compatible to the new release of the COM Express COM.0 Rev 2.0 pin-out Type 10, and the Kontron rugged display HMITR, a fan-less and maintenance-free intelligent display are the first products to integrate the new Intel (News - Alert) Atom processor, specified for the industrial temperature range (E2) from -40 to +85 degrees C.  

The company has noted that the new Intel Atom processor E6xx series, the first Intel architecture (IA) processor designed specifically for embedded applications is well suited for applications within the digital signage, energy, industrial automation, medical, military and transportation markets. The processor is also ideal for HMI applications with dedicated interfaces, such as smart meters or In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) systems. 

The Intel Atom processor E6xx series uses a system-on-chip (SoC) architecture that incorporates video and graphics engines, audio accelerators, and a memory controller onto the CPU, along with four PCI (News - Alert) Express x1 links for system expansion. The high level of integration is carried through to the Intel Platform Controller Hub EG20T chipset, which for the first time includes embedded-specific I/O like CAN, IEEE (News - Alert) 1588 rev2, SPI, I²C, UART, and GPIO.  

These features let customers to benefit from lower energy consumption, reduced material costs for the entire system, and overall improved performance — both in terms of actual performance and in terms of performance per watt.

CTO of Kontron, Dirk Finstel has stated that, with its PCI Express-based interface, the new Intel Atom processor E6xx series platform offers their customers very high flexibility for the individual I/O layouts of their x86 applications. This allows the application field of x86 technology to extend even further in the direction of very energy-efficient, small dedicated x86 systems. 

The Kontron Computer-on-Module nanoETXexpress-TT and the Kontron rugged display HMITR both integrate the new Intel Platform Controller Hub EG20T. The nanoETXexpress-TT brings four major innovations to the market, available in one single product. In addition to being Kontron’s first ultra small form factor COM Express compatible module (55mm x 84 mm) with the new Intel Atom processor E6XX, it is also equipped with the newly defined PICMG (News - Alert) COM Express Type 10 pin-out that was added to the COM.0 R2.0
Nathesh is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Nathesh's articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Ed Silverstein