Industrial computing platform for IoT gateway applications

This product comes with modular architecture and numerous interfaces for IoT applications, and was introduced for the first time at SPS.

This attracted a large crowd of visitors at the show, as this next generation of Kontron’s compact industrial computing platform was developed specifically for gateway applications.

Based on the newest Intel Atom E3900 line processors, the low-maintenance, fanless and battery-free Kontron KBox A-203 serves as an intelligent gateway for data-intensive IoT edge applications. Areas of use include the industrial automation sector in particular as well as the transportation and communications field.

The compact KBox A-203 offers numerous interfaces allowing for the connection of various communication layers. Two RS232/RS485 serial interfaces are provided for local data collection or linking up to the sensor- or machine environment. Optionally, fieldbuses such as Profibus are supported as well.

The connection to the IT infrastructure in general can be implemented through integrated gigabit ethernet interfaces or optional WiFi support. Projectbased integration of wireless technologies such as LTE (4G) and GSM (2G/3G) is a further option. The integration of the low power wireless standards LoRa is planned in the near future.

The Kontron KBox A-203 can be deployed quickly and efficiently. This makes it the perfect fit for OEM manufacturers and system integrators aiming to utilise the full potential of next generation intelligent infrastructures in an IoT context.

The KBox A-203 is Microsoft Azure Certified, which makes it perfectly suited for working with Microsoft Azure IoT services. The KBox A-203 supports Kontron's Security Solution APPROTECT. In tandem with a specifically developed software framework, it provides full IP and copy/reverse engineering protection through its integrated WIBU-Systems security chip.

Kontron APPROTECT Licensing also enables new business models such as ‘pay per use’, time based trial versions, or enable/disable features. For secure cloud connection, it offers a TPM 2.0 Security Chip as well.

The modular design of Kontron’s new KBox A-203 is based on the SMARC 2.0 standard. The system is equipped with an Intel Atom processor E3930 as well as 4 GB ECC storage. It offers a DisplayPort interface, two gigabit ethernet interfaces, two USB 3.0-, and up to two serial interfaces by default.

System upgrades can be implemented through up to two Mini PCI Express interfaces. For operating system and data storage, an onboard Flash drive with up to 32GB capacity, a microSD card slot, a mSATA interface, or a 2,5″ SSD are available.