The new modules are specifically designed for demanding applications requiring high performance in sealed, airless systems. They feature a configurable TDP of 15 watts and are exclusively equipped with low-power ULV-SoCs based on the new 14nm microarchitecture. Compared to 15-watt modules with fifth-generation processors (codenamed Broadwell), users benefit from improved graphics and processing performance, increased energy efficiency, and faster I/O speeds.
Typical applications for congatec's compact COM Express modules without forced ventilation include industrial and medical vision, central control room technology, retail terminals, HMIs, robotics, professional gaming, infotainment, professional AV, intelligent video surveillance, autonomous vehicle control, computer-assisted situational awareness, and high-end digital signage applications. Triple-header systems without a graphics card—for example, in retail spaces and kiosks, where integrated systems control up to three independent cashiers or vending machines—provide a further example of their application.
"We have manufactured the new conga-TC170 COM Express compact modules at the same time as the new Intel Core processors are launched, as our customers want to get the latest technology on the market as quickly as possible," explains Gerhard Edi, Chief Technology Officer of congatec.
"The new congatec compact modules, built with sixth-generation Intel Core processors, provide excellent computing speed and graphics performance, additional high I/O speed for greater system flexibility, and a wide range of power, feature, and performance options to meet any IoT application," commented Samuel Cravatta, Product Line Director, Internet of Things Group, Intel.
Users of the new computing modules will benefit from the high level of standardization and scalability of the COM Express modules, combined with extensive documentation, congatec's industrial-grade control implementations, and comprehensive customer support. This enables equipment manufacturers to quickly and efficiently integrate the latest processor technology into their applications. All modules are offered with long-term availability and at least seven years of software support. Software support includes, for example, enhanced security features, as well as regular UEFI/BIOS updates and BSP patches. Customers benefit from reliable support throughout the entire lifecycle of their applications.
Technical innovations in detail
The conga-TC170 modules, with a 6-pin COM Express connector, are equipped with the ULV-SoC editions of the 6th generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors. For the first time, they offer configurable TDP (Thermal Design Power) from 8.5 to 15 watts, simplifying the correlation between application and system thermal design. The power supply has also been optimized, which, in addition to the new microarchitecture, contributes to energy efficiency and enables a stronger turbo boost.
Another new feature is support for fast dual-channel RAM up to 32GB, which in the DDR4 version offers much more bandwidth and is much more efficient than the DDR3 version.
The Intel Gen 9 integrated graphics, debuting with this new microarchitecture, offer independent operation of up to three 4K displays at 60Hz via DisplayPort 1.2. HDMI version 2.0 is also supported for the first time, as is DirectX 12 for faster Windows 10-based 3D graphics. Now, not only decoding but also encoding of HEVC, VP8, VP9, and VDENC is supported by the hardware. Energy-efficient bidirectional transmission of high-definition video is possible for the first time. Other improvements include the number of USB 3.0 ports (now 4), SATA Gen 3 ports (now 3), PCIe Gen 3 ports (now 6), and AMT (now version 11.0).
Other 6-pin COM Express interfaces include PEG, Gigabit Ethernet, 8x USB 2.0, LPC plus I²C, and UART. Optional MIPI camera interfaces allow for direct connection of CSI2 camera sensors. Operating system support is provided for all Linux distributions and Microsoft Windows variants, including Microsoft Windows 10. Outstanding simplified design options, such as heatsinks, carrier boards, and starter kits, as well as SMART Battery management modules, complete the congatec offering.
