With the conga SA8 modules, established edge computing applications in the industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C can now also benefit from increased performance and energy efficiency.
The new integrated AI features accelerate deep learning inference processing. These workloads can leverage the optimized Intel AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) and Intel VNNI (Vector Neural Network Instructions) instruction sets. Because both the CPU and integrated Intel Gen 12 UHD GPU support INT8 deep learning inference processing, graphics are rendered significantly faster, and object recognition is up to six times faster compared to previous generations. Users benefit from accelerated AI workloads, which, when combined with virtualization, can significantly boost application efficiency and productivity.
Integrating a hypervisor into the firmware makes the modules virtualization-ready and facilitates the consolidation of multiple application-specific workloads. With up to eight cores, a single conga SMARC SA8 module can power a variety of different applications that previously required multiple dedicated systems. This allows users to create much more reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO). The use of the Hypervisor-on-Module is especially recommended for established systems that must meet real-time and security requirements, including real-time integration via Intel Time Coordinated Computing (Intel TCC) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). The new congatec module fully supports this.
The conga SA8 is also one of the first SMARC modules compatible with WiFi 6E. Compared to WiFi 5 products, it offers nearly three times the data rate and more stable connectivity in dense/congested environments. It also supports TSN over WiFi, enabling deterministic wireless connectivity with defined throughput. This provides a cost-effective alternative to private 5G networks or new Ethernet cabling.
Other industrial features of the conga SA8 SMARC modules include in-band ECC for enhanced data security and soldered DRAM for increased resilience in harsh environments. Typical applications include fixed and mobile control systems for manufacturing and logistics, including AMRs (autonomous mobile robots) and AGVs (automated guided vehicles), and medical technology. Other application areas include rail and transportation, as well as machinery and robotics solutions for construction, agriculture, and forestry.
The conga SA8 SMARC module is also available in an aReady.COM . Application-ready configurations include a pre-installed Bosch Rexroth ctrlX operating system and virtual machines for tasks such as real-time control, HMI, AI, IIoT data exchange, firewalls, and maintenance/management functions. Furthermore, a comprehensive ecosystem simplifies application development. This includes design services, evaluation and production-ready application baseboards, custom cooling, as well as extensive documentation, training, and high-speed signal integrity measurements.
congatec's conga SA8 SMARC modules are available with the Intel Core i3 N305 processor and three different Intel Atom processors with up to eight cores, up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 4800MT/s onboard memory, and up to 256 GB of eMMC 5.1 onboard flash memory. Integrated Intel UHD Gen 12 graphics with up to 32 execution units support up to three independent 4K displays. The range of high-bandwidth interfaces includes 2.5 Gbps Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe Gen 3, SATA Gen 3, and various integrated I/O such as i2C, SPI, UART, and GPIO. Furthermore, the module is compatible with the following operating systems: Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC, and Linux LTS.
The new conga SA8 SMARC COM modules are available in the following versions:
