Kontron AdvancedMC processor module AM5020 selected as Editors Choice Product by Military Embedded Systems Magazine

Crunching math and computing algorithms forms the basis of many C4ISR applications. Adding maximum horsepower in the minimum available space is the norm, and Kontron's AM5020 Advanced Mezzanine Card is one way of leveraging telecom processing in military applications, said Chris A. Ciufo, OpenSystems Media, Group Editorial Director, Military and Aerospace Group. Based on an Intel dual-core Core i7 CPU, the AMC bolts onto a base card to form a MicroTCA system. MicroTCA has gained some favor in military applications because it can be ruggedized, leverages COTS modules, and eschews the backplane concept found in VME and VPX-based Line Replaceable Units.



The new Kontron AM5020 produces an amazing amount of computing power to run parallel, multi-threaded applications on MicroTCA integrated platforms, said Claudia Bestler, Marketing Manager at Kontron. By including CPU, graphics and hard drive on one double-width mid-size AMC, it represents a space-saving single board solution to enable densely packed and cost effective MicroTCA.1 system designs, which are capable to withstand most demanding mechanical environmental conditions.



The feature-set in detail

The Kontron AdvancedMC processor module AM5020 incorporates the high-performance Intel Core i7 processor with up to 2.53 GHz coupled with the highly integrated Intel QM 57 platform controller hub (PCH). With support for PICMG AMC.1/.2/.3 sub-specifications, the Kontron AM5020 ensures a comprehensive set of interconnecting capabilities. Eight PCI Express lanes to the backplane guarantee high throughput for I/O-intensive applications. Four GbE interfaces, two on the front panel and two on the backplane, provide comprehensive networking capabilities. As for mass storage support, users can choose between an onboard 2.5 SATA drive and/or up to 32 GB of SATA flash memory. In addition, four SATA channels are routed to the AMC connector, enabling applications with a high amount of storage capacity and RAID. The Kontron AM5020 also features a DVI-D interface at the front combined with two USB interfaces, two GbE and a serial port via RJ45.



The Kontron AM5020 has full hot-swap capabilities for monitoring, controlling and replacing the module. The Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) enhances the board's availability while reducing the overall operating costs and mean time to repair. A dedicated Module Management Controller (MMC) is used to manage the board and supports basic IPMI commands, which enable operators to monitor the state of the AdvancedMC module in the system.