Kontron MICROSPACE MSM-LP: dual-core PCI/104-Express single board computer for demanding environmental conditions

Based on the energy-efficient single and dual core Intel Atom processors, the new Kontron PCI/104-Express SBC MICROSPACE MSM-LP offers an outstanding range of interfaces and high-performance expansion options for applications. OEMs benefit from simplified integration in I/O-intensive applications. Additionally, its performance makes it an ideal substitute for previous Intel Pentium M designs.

The new Kontron PCI/104-Express SBC MICROSPACE MSM-LP is available with the single-core Intel Atom processor D425 or the dual-core Intel Atom D525 processor. A version for the extended temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C is also available. It is the ideal solution both for the upgrade of existing applications with the discontinued Intel 855 chip sets as well as new applications in the automation and transportation markets and other markets that rely on extremely energy-efficient designs. OEMs who want to upgrade existing applications also benefit from Kontron's extensive software services. As needed, they can outsource the porting, validation and migration of software to symmetric or asymmetric multiprocessing and dual-core architectures. This allows designers to focus valuable development resources on their core competencies.

The feature set in detail
All versions of the new Kontron PCI/104-Express SBC MICROSPACE MSM-LP offer hyper-threading for multiprocessing applications. With up to 4 GB DDR3 single channel system memory, the Kontron MICROSPACE MSM-LP offers enough resources to speed up even memory-intensive applications. Two Gigabit Ethernet connections, executed via the highly compatible Intel 82547L and 82567 controllers, allow reliable vertical networking, even in complex factory or transportation networks, without additional expansion cards. Four USB 2.0 and four serial interfaces (RS232/422/485) allow the direct connection of numerous application-specific peripheral devices. With one IDE and two SATA ports, the Kontron MICROSPACE MSM-LP enables the connection of up to three storage media devices. For especially space-saving and rugged applications, there is also an on-board SSD with up to 16 GB capacity. The new Kontron MSM-LP SBC allows for the integration of two displays independently via VGA (2048 x 1536 @ 60 Hz) and LVDS. HD audio (HDA) rounds out the feature set.

The Kontron PCI/104-Express SBC MICROSPACE MSM-LP offers software support for Windows, Linux, VxWorks and others on request. Sample boards will be available in May 2011 and general availability serial production will begin in Q3 of 2011.