duagon G029: CompactPCI serial CPU board

It is based on the 13th generation Intel Core Series processors U/P/H, known as Raptor Lake. With up to 6 Performance (P) and up to 8 Efficient (E)-cores, the G029 is ideally suited for virtualisation, allowing resource optimisation, and simplifying updates and maintenance. A stand-out feature of the G029 is an integrated GPU with up to 96 Execution Units (EU), enabling both the execution of its own local AI algorithms and the support of other AI accelerators available in the system. The board supports applications such as intelligent CCTV and object detection. The duagon G029 will be available from Q4, 2024.

In addition to its 14 cores, the 3U CompactPCI Serial CPU board can be equipped with a capacity of up to 96 GB DDR5 RAM, targeting primarily high-end embedded computing applications. For high reliability and availability, the board’s memory is protected against external influences with in-band ECC (IBECC). By leveraging Intel's new hybrid architecture and modern virtualisation techniques, the G029 offers an advantage by streamlining system complexity and reducing maintenance costs. All components are soldered for protection against shock and vibration according to applicable industry standards. In addition, all G029 models come with fast 120 GB NVMe storage.

Compared to the duagon G28, the G029 achieves a 20-25% increase in performance-per-watt, setting a new standard for embedded solutions. Due to its performance features, the board is particularly suitable for railway applications, as it serves both as a virtualisation hub and a centralised maintenance platform. Additionally, it can serve as the basis for future machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) advancements.

Security by design

To fulfil the highest possible security standards, the G029 is equipped with a TPM 2.0 and supports a user-manageable secure boot key. This allows the board to perform a fully controlled secure boot process and prevent the execution of unauthorised code. Intel Trusted Execution Technology, Intel Virtualisation Technologies (VT-x / VT-d) and Intel Boot Guard complete the security package of the G029. The G029 was developed in accordance with duagon's TÜV-SÜD-certified IEC 62443-4-1 cybersecurity process.

Application-dependent scalability and ruggedness for harsh environmental conditions

One of the most critical aspects of the new board is its scalability, particularly in terms of CPU performance and memory configuration. duagon uses the extended CPU scalability with options ranging from 15 W (U-series) to 45 W (P-series) power consumption and a multitude of P/E core configurations to fit operational needs even in harsh ambient temperatures of up to +70°C. For models with U-series CPUs, a fanless operation is possible in this system environment, which is a benefit for extremely robust applications where forced air cooling is not an option.

Gateway to embedded AI

The integrated Intel Iris Xe GPU with 96 EUs is AI-ready for a wide range of low-complexity applications such as in rail transportation (intelligent CCTV with obstacle and anomaly detection, sensor and track defect monitoring, improved passenger safety, people counting), medical (surgical robots) and other industrial applications (robot control, improved quality control). The Intel® Open VINO toolkit, combined with the accessibility of pre-trained models such as YOLO, serves as a robust foundation for seamless deployment of inference applications in real-world scenarios.

Extensive board management for intelligent monitoring

A versatile board management controller of the G029 provides intelligent monitoring and supervision of all vital signals including supply and on-board voltages, temperatures and a watchdog for the OS. Additionally, the new CompactPCI Serial board supports Intel® AMT remote out-of-band management.

Future-safe with certified reliability

The new board supports Linux and real-time operating systems, and a Red Hat certification will soon be available. This offers further advantages in terms of performance, reliability, and updates. Long-term availability ensures an extended product life and less replacement cycles. The G029 is backwards compatible to duagon predecessor models G28, G25A and G23.