Kontron presents the world’s first COM Express mini Computer-on-Module with dual core processors

Optimized for low-power small form factor designs, the PICMG COM Express Type 10 pin-out Computer-on-Module provides up to twice the graphics power, up to 28% higher processor performance and processor thermal design power (TDP) which is cut in half as compared to second generation Intel Atom processors.



The credit card sized COM Express mini form factor is ideal for developers of small devices who want to take full advantage of the high level of standardization and scalability of the COM Express standard. Applications based on the new Kontron COM Express mini Computer-on-Module COMe-mCT10 with Intel Dual core processor performance are well-suited for handheld mobile embedded systems, as well as small portable, in-vehicle or stationary devices such as POS/POI, infotainment, digital signage, gaming and medical.



In medical environments, the improved all-day battery life and enhanced graphics enable healthcare professionals to benefit from enhanced e-healthcare and mobile clinical assistant applications. The low heat dissipation enables fanless and totally enclosed infotainment terminals to deliver entertainment, hospital information and communication services to a patient's bedside in a whisper quiet and hygienic system design with high MTBF values.



The always-on, always-connected capabilities of the latest Intel Atom generation mean the Kontron COMe-mCT10 also is ideal for retail point-of-sale systems that boot up instantly to serve customers at a moment's notice. Full 1080p high-definition video support at low CPU utilization combined with the platform's enhanced power management features make it ideal for deployment in sophisticated yet energy-efficient digital signage systems.



The platform's enhanced power management features include Intel Deeper Sleep and Intel SpeedStep Technology and enable thinner and lighter low power designs such as robust mini handheld terminals that benefit from 20 percent improved battery life compared to the previous generation. Intel Smart Connect Technology enables sophisticated usage scenarios where an instant Internet connection is available as soon as a device is (re)activated and also allows for constant updates even while in standby. Furthermore, Intel Rapid Start Technology enables fast resume from standby mode and helps to conserve battery life.



The new Kontron COMe-mCT10 Computer-on-Modules are equipped with 2x 1.6 GHz or 2x 1.86 GHz Intel Atom processors (N2600, N2800 and D2550) as well as the Intel NM10 Express chipset and up to 2 GB of fast on-board DDR3 800/1600 system memory. The integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3600/3650 combined with the integrated memory controller provides enhanced performance and system responsiveness with twofold graphics performance compared to the previous generation platform. A dedicated media engine enables full 1080p high definition playback of videos and BluRay. The COM Express Type 10 pin-out complete with two serial interfaces results in the Kontron COMe-mCT10 supporting two independent digital displays with either 1x LVDS 18/24-bit 1366x768@112MHz resolution (N2600/2800) or 18/24-bit 1440x900@112MHz with the D2550 and 1x DisplayPort. The module also offers two different options for data storage: either 2x SATA II 300MB/s interfaces or versions with soldered on SATA Flash Memory (up to 8GB SLC- or 32GB MLC-Flash) and 1x SATA II 300 MB/s. Further interfaces include 8x USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, plus 3x PCI-Express x1 lanes for custom extensions. For applications requiring further scalability of display interfaces and I/Os, Kontron plans to expand its COM Express compact form factor portfolio to include offerings with this next generation of Intel Atom processors later in 2012.



The Kontron Computer-on-Module COMe-mCT10 supports a wide range of operating systems including Wind River VxWorks 6.8, Linux, Windows XP, XPe, WEC 7 and WES 7 where Windows 8 support is planned. This emphasizes the versatility of this COM Express mini Computer-on-Module making it suitable for a multitude of applications in diverse vertical markets.



The first samples of the Kontron COMe-mCT10 are available now