With the new conga-SA8, all edge computing applications operating within the expanded temperature range of 0°C to +60°C can now achieve higher performance and improved energy efficiency. These modules support clock speeds up to 3.9 GHz and feature a configurable TDP of 9 W or 15 W. As with previous versions, the AI instruction sets Intel AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) and Intel VNNI (Vector Neural Network Instructions) ensure fast processing of deep learning inferences. Integrated Intel graphics also support INT8 inference with up to 32 execution units (EUs), significantly improving object recognition and graphics processing compared to previous generations. Users benefit from accelerated AI-powered workloads, which, combined with system consolidation, significantly contribute to increased efficiency and productivity for their applications.
“Modules prepared for virtualization with a hypervisor integrated into the firmware facilitate the consolidation of multiple application-specific workloads, each with its own operating system, running in isolation from one another on the conga-SA8. With up to 8 cores, a low-power SMARC module can host a variety of different applications that previously required multiple dedicated systems. This allows users to significantly reduce the number of devices and make their solutions much more reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable,”explains Florian Drittenthaler, Product Line Manager at congatec.
Typical application areas include low-power applications such as point-of-sale systems, industrial PCs, AI-accelerated edge systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and semi-autonomous vehicles in logistics. The numerous connectivity options and high energy efficiency also make the conga-SA8 modules suitable for use in portable medical devices and medical diagnostics such as blood analyzers.
The feature set in detail:
The conga-SA8 SMARC modules are available in five different processor variants with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5-4800 memory with in-band ECC for high data security. Two 2.5 GbE ports with TSN support and an optional wireless module for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 enable comprehensive horizontal and vertical networking. Four PCIe Gen3 lanes, two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, six USB 2.0 ports, SATA Gen3.2, I2C, UART, DisplayPort, and twelve GPIO pins ensure extensive connectivity. In terms of operating systems, congatec supports Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC, and Linux LTS.
congatec also offers the conga-SA8 SMARC module as an application-ready aReady.COM. It can be pre-configured, for example, with a Bosch Rexroth-licensed ctrlX OS, Ubuntu Pro, and a Real-Time Hypervisor for integrated tasks such as HMI, AI, IIoT data exchange, firewall functionality, and maintenance/management features. Furthermore, a comprehensive congatec ecosystem of evaluation and production-ready application motherboards, customized cooling solutions, documentation, comprehensive design services, and high-speed signal integrity measurements simplifies application development.
More information about the SMARC conga-SA8 network COM modules
