Embedded Computing Design's Best in Show Awards recognize innovative solutions for embedded, IoT, and machine learning engineers that will be showcased at the Embedded World 2019 Exhibition & Conference. Here, we outline nominees for the 2019 Best in Show Award in the category of Computer Boards, Systems, and Components.

• Avnet Integrated MSC SM2S-IMX8 SMARC 2.0 Module
• BeagleBoard.org PocketBeagle
• Crystal Group RE1529 Rugged Embedded Computer
• Diamond Systems Corp. Elton NVIDIA Xavier Carrier Solution
• TYAN Computer Corp. Tempest EX S5555-EX
• VersaLogic Swordtail (VL-EPC-2702)

Avnet Integrated MSC SM2S-IMX8 SMARC 2.0 Module

Avnet Integrated offers a quantum leap in terms of computing and graphics performance with the new MSC SM2S-IMX8 SMARC 2.0 module. The high-performance module integrates the most powerful i.MX8 processor family from NXP based on the Arm Cortex-A72/A53 architecture. The i.MX8 family supports real hardware virtualization, enabling asymmetric multiprocessing for the most demanding industrial applications. The ready-to-use module and the appropriate development tools simplify integration of the new processor technology into customer applications and optimize time-to-market of the end product. With the MSC SM2S-IMX8, Avnet Integrated is meeting the ever-increasing demand for Arm processor-based computer-on-modules (COMs). Now suitable for high-performance embedded applications with high energy efficiency requirement, the MSC SM2S-IMX8 is opening up new markets for COM-based systems.

Putting a huge amount of power into a tiny, efficient, and durable package, Avnet Integrated is leveraging the world-leading design and manufacturing expertise of MSC to deliver a platform that will drive future product development using cutting edge Arm Cortex processors. Designed, developed, and manufactured in Germany, this will be the cornerstone of applications such as infotainment systems, building automation, robotics, visualization systems, and edge computing.

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1549640788.phpIEbZ1d.pdf

BeagleBoard.org PocketBeagle

At 35 mm x 56 mm x 5 mm, the BeagleBoard.org PocketBeagle is tiny, powerful, and flexible enough to be the computer in electronics systems anywhere from on your wrist to outer space. Applications such as gaming, 3D printing, robotics, experimentation, and IoT flourish with PocketBeagle. Designed for easy integration, it is affordable enough for you to dedicate one to live permanently in each of your different projects. Supported by 10 years of community-enabled open-source software, PocketBeagle includes a 1 GHz SoC processor with industrial-oriented peripherals and microcontrollers optimized for interfacing to the physical world.

The BeagleBoard.org PocketBeagle is the low-cost point-of-entry to larger product designs, allowing industry leaders the opportunity to quickly prototype and connect with a large professional community while developing new deep learning products. Combining the easy to use, real-world software environment with a smaller size and cost, PocketBeagle is ideal for innovating. Beagleboard.org boards are used in thousands of university courses and projects globally to facilitate education and creativity. Outreach programs from BeagleBoard.org prepare primary students for their rapidly evolving futures. With continued support of educational and industry leaders, PocketBeagle will break new ground enabling creative development of tomorrow's applications.

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1550005998.phppbxwFB.pdf

Crystal Group RE1529 Rugged Embedded Computer

Manufactured with lightweight composites and Intel Xeon D multicore processors, the RE1529 provides an incredibly flexible server-class architecture platform for airborne applications such as helicopters, where size and weight limitations are severe.

Crystal Group's purpose-built RE1529 Rugged Embedded Server is the perfect platform for airborne applications. Tthe RE1529 accommodates customers' specific input/output and third-party card requirements. From the ground up, this product has been designed to survive extreme vibration and environmental conditions that meet or exceed all military requirements. This ultra-compact package has been completely designed and manufactured in the USA and comes with a five-year warranty.

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1548882016.phpGwkyac.pdf

Diamond Systems Corp. Elton NVIDIA Xavier Carrier Solution

With its NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier computing power, rugged design, and PCIe/104 expansion capability, Elton offers the ideal platform for implementing high-performance computing and AI applications in mobile and harsh environments. Elton provides standard PC-style I/O and includes two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 3.1 ports, HD audio, HDMI and LVDS display interfaces, and four RS-232/422/485 ports with software configurability and numerous sockets for I/O expansion. Additional sockets support CSI cameras, M.2 memory, flash storage, and cellular modem. Elton's full PCI/104-Express expansion socket with PCIe x8, PCIe x1, and PCI expansion capabilities make it unique among NVIDIA computing module carriers.

Unique among NVIDIA module carriers, Elton offers a full PCI/104-Express expansion socket with PCIe x8, PCIe x1, and PCI expansion capabilities in a solution designed for vehicle and harsh environment applications. Elton bridges the world of NVIDIA high-performance computing (HPC) and graphics capabilities and the world of PC/104 rugged systems. Elton is the first product to bring NVIDIA into the PC/104 ecosystem and helps to prove the enduring value of PC/104 as the PCIe expansion system of choice for small-form-factor, high-performance, rugged embedded computer systems.

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1550052458.phpUsb5Wl.pdf

TYAN Computer Corp. Tempest EX S5555-EX

The Tempest EX S5555-EX is an 8th Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 series processor-based workstation board. Featuring display port, DVI-D, and 7.1 channel high-definition audio in a Micro-ATX (9.6" x 9.6") form factor, the EX S5555-EX is ideal for embedded workstation applications with triple monitor support. With key features including seven-year supply longevity, wide operating temperature range (0 ºC ~ 55 ºC) support, and EMC Class B certification, the embedded workstation board can offer industry-leading performance and meet industrial application requirements.

TYAN's Tempest EX S5555-EX adopts the latest technology to offer the compatible design for both 8th Generation Intel Core i3/i5/i7 and Intel Xeon E-2100 processors with a companion platform controller hub (PCH) populated on the same board. With the support of storage features such as NVMe M.2, USB 3.1 (Gen. 2), and two SATA disk on modules (DOMs), the Tempest EX S5555-EX offers a variety of user scenarios for the embedded market. Moreover, the embedded workstation board conforms to industry-leading standards.

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1548916300.phpnw8P23.pdf

VersaLogic Swordtail (VL-EPC-2702)

The Swordtail single-board computer is a complete Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled, Arm-based embedded computer. Models are available with power-efficient, dual-core or quad-core i.MX6 CPUs. These boards are designed for applications that demand rugged, power-efficient solutions such as industrial machine automation, transportation, medical, kiosk, and industrial IoT applications. Swordtail boards have been designed to enable transactions and transmission of maintenance or diagnostic information without the presence of a wired data connection. Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios are included on board, and a NimbleLink Skywire socket supports a wide range of optional cellular plug-ins to provide global wireless connectivity.

Unlike Arm-based "modules," Swordtail is a complete board-level computer. Additional I/O carrier boards are not required for operation. Attention to detail supports all phases of the product lifecycle. To simplify mounting and future upgrades, the Swordtail leverages the COM Express standard for its footprint and mounting points. The Swordtail is engineered and tested to be rugged. It is fully validated for operation in unforgiving environments where extreme temperatures and mechanical shock and vibration occur. Each component has been sourced to ensure reliable operation in the field. Swordtail's design and VersaLogic lifecycle extension programs underpin long-term availability (10-plus-year typical production lifecycle).

Datasheet: https://f002.backblazeb2.com/file/bestinshowawards/public/entries/1549576726.php8kClSn.pdf

For more information on any of this year's Best in Show product nominations for the Embedded World 2019 Conference & Exhibition, contact Rich Nass, Executive Vice President and Brand Director, Embedded Computing Design.

For more information on the Best in Show Awards, visit bestinshow.embedded-computing.com.

For more information on the Embedded World 2019 Exhibition & Conference, visit www.embedded-world.de/en.