Germany’s Congate, a leading provider of embedded and edge computing technologies, introduces rugged new SMARC modules based on Intel’s Ion x7000RE processor family (codenamed Amston Lake) and Intel Core i3 processors. Designed to meet industrial requirements, the module has eight processor cores, twice the number of cores of the previous generation, but the power consumption remains the same. As a result, although the conga-SA8 module is only the size of a credit card, it sets a new performance standard for future industrial edge computing and virtualization applications. With the conga-SA8 module, integrated edge computing applications can now also benefit from higher performance and energy efficiency in the -40 ° C to +85 ° C industrial temperature range.

65040-PACV-AYU2 New integrated AI capabilities speed up deep learning processing. This kind of work can be achieved through the optimized Intel AVX2 and Intel VNNI instruction sets. Since both the CPU and the set display (Intel Gen12 UHD GPU) support INT8 deep learning computing, the graphics processing speed is significantly faster than previous generations, and the object recognition speed is 6 times faster. Users will benefit from accelerated AI capabilities that, when combined with virtualization, can significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of applications.

The integration of a Hypervisor into the firmware enables module virtualization and helps consolidate multiple application-specific workloads. The conga SA8 SMARC module features up to eight cores and can support a variety of applications that previously required multiple dedicated systems. As a result, users can create significantly more reliable, cost-effective and sustainable solutions that reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO). Hypervisor-on-Modules are particularly suitable for integrated systems that must meet real-time and security requirements, including real-time integration through Intel Time Coordinated Computing (Intel TCC) and time Sensitive networking (TSN). Congatet’s new module fully supports this functionality.

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conga-SA8 is also one of the first SMARC modules to support WiFi 6E. Compared to WiFi 5-enabled products, the module offers almost three times the data rate and provides a more stable connection in dense/overloaded environments. It also supports TSN-enabled WiFi, so a definite wireless connection can be established to provide a specified throughput. As a result, the module can be a cost-effective alternative to dedicated 5G networks or new Ethernet cabling.

65040-PACV-AYU2 Other industrial features of the conga-SA8 SMARC module include in-band ECC for increased data security and surface mount DRAM for increased resilience to harsh environments. Typical applications include fixed or mobile control systems for manufacturing and logistics, such as AMR and AGV, as well as control systems for medical instruments. Other application areas include machine and robotic solutions for railways and transport as well as construction, agriculture and forestry.

The conga-SA8 SMARC module also offers an application-ready version of aReady.COM. Optional application-ready configurations include Bosch Rextrox’s pre-installed ctrlX operating system and virtual machines for tasks such as real-time control, HMI, AI, IIoT data exchange, firewall and maintenance/management functions. In addition, the comprehensive ecosystem simplifies application development. This includes design services, evaluation and production of ready-to-use application carrier boards, custom cooling, and extensive documentation, training, and high-speed signal integrity measurement.

The conga-SA8 SMARC module is powered by Intel Core i3-N305 processors and three different Intel Atom processors with up to eight cores, offering up to 16GB of 4800MT/s LPDDR5 on-board memory and up to 256GB of eMMC 5.1 on-board flash memory. The integrated Intel UHD 12th-generation graphics card features up to 32 execution units and supports up to three separate 4k displays. The high-bandwidth interface family includes 2.5Gbps Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe Gen 3, SATA Gen 3, and various embedded I/ OS such as i2C, SPI, UART, and GPIO. The module also supports the following operating systems: Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC, and LTS Linux