When used in combination with the conga-aCOM/mRLP COM-HPC Mini module in aReady.COM, the hypervisor and operating system configuration come pre-installed. A software expansion pack for secure IIoT connectivity is planned for release. Developers can boot the product packages and install their applications immediately.
There are two purchase options for this new commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) motherboard. As a pure application motherboard with the conga-HPC/mRLP COM-HPC Mini module, it's an ideal platform for mass-produced products starting from small quantities. For application-specific designs, the complete aReady. package offers greater convenience and design security. For example, possible configurations can include a pre-installed Bosch Rexroth ctrlX OS and virtual machines for tasks such as real-time control, HMI, AI, IIoT data exchange, firewalls, and maintenance/management functions. Both purchase options are suitable for OEMs looking to develop sustainable system designs based on off-the-shelf components. The modular COTS configurations are primarily aimed at OEMs, system integrators, and VARs of smaller industrial product series and families. What makes the solution sustainable is the option to replace only the module when performance and functionality requirements change, rather than the entire embedded hardware.
Both options, which feature a modular, application-specific embedded system platform in a 3.5-inch form factor, offer an excellent technological foundation for rapid prototyping and a price/performance balance through processor selection. Customer-specific motherboard variants enable OEMs to implement dedicated designs with minimal development effort.
“Minimizing integration effort brings enormous added value to our customers. From the perspective of our core COM module business, both COTS motherboards and the aReady strategy with pre-installed hypervisor, operating system, and IIoT software configurations are therefore significant additional benefits that we can now offer customers for our modules. Customer-specific designs tailored through our design services are the next step to further minimize the workload for OEMs,” explains Jürgen Jungbauer, Senior Product Line Manager at congatec.
The detailed feature set
The conga-HPC/3.5-Mini 3.5-inch motherboard is designed for use with COM-HPC Mini modules, which are available in seven different variants with 13th generation Intel Core processors:
As a high-performance, all-purpose motherboard for harsh environments, the conga-HPC/3.5-Mini supports a wide range of interfaces, including 2x RJ45 Ethernet, 4x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-C, DP++, and 4-pin external audio connectivity options. It features three M.2 slots for connecting necessary expansion cards, such as those for integrating AI accelerators, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile connectivity, as well as fast NVMe storage. Internal interfaces include USB 2.0, SATA III, HDA, and Sound Wire, along with 2x UART, CAN, GP SPI, eSPI, 12x GPIO, and 2x I2C.
