Kontron Improves on Industrial High-Performance Computing
April 28, 2022
News
Kontron introduced its COM-HPC Client COMh-caAP and COM Express compact Type 6 COMe-cAP6. The new modules are based on 12th Gen Intel Core processors (H-series, former codename Alder Lake P).
The two modules offer a considerable performance boost compared to the previous generation and are equipped with 14 cores and up to 20 threads. The 12th generation is ideal for connected IoT applications. A new embedded controller guarantees enhanced availability, flexibility, and system openness.
COMh-caAP: Powerful DDR5 memory
The COM-HPC client module is a compact size of 95x120mm and developed for high-performance computing in resource-intensive areas such as networking, automation, and measurement.
According to Kontron, its COMh-caAP features an optimized power-performance ratio with a power consumption of 15 to 45W TDP (Thermal Design Power); in multithreading up to 20 threads can be processed with 14 cores. The module also comes with up to 64GB of DDR5 memory and up to 2.5 Gbit Ethernet, including TSN support. As storage medium, an NVME SSD up to one terabyte can be optionally integrated onboard. The COM-HPC® module also supports Thunderbolt (display and PCIe 5.0 via USB).
COMe-cAP6: Computing Power in a Small Form Factor
The COMe-cAP6, with the compact size of 95x95mm has been designed in particular for applications in the retail environment, gaming as well as in the field of Industrial IoT. Kontron has equipped this module with powerful 15 to 45W TDP, 14 cores and up to 20 threads, the module scores with 64GB LPDDR5 memory down (Rugged Memory) for use in particularly challenging industrial environments. The COMe-cAP6 is equipped with an 8.5 - 20V wide-range power supply, up to 2.5 Gbit Ethernet with TSN and WOL support, quad independent display support (up to 8k) and optional NVME SSD up to one Terabyte.
New embedded controller with optimized interfaces
Kontron has implemented a new embedded controller now being used on all new Kontron boards, replacing the previous CPLD-based variant and enabling direct Linux kernel support. The controller offers:
- Cost advantages
- Improved availability
- UART
- GPIOs
- HW monitor
- Fan control
- I2C or watchdog
- Able to read and react to environmental data from CPU and chipset
The evaluation carrier for all COM-HPC® Client modules support developers with a PCIe connection of all available interfaces, USB 3.X and USB4 interfaces (Thunderbolt) and a POST code display for easy commissioning.
For more information please visit: kontron.com.
Chad Cox. Production Editor, Embedded Computing Design, has responsibilities that include handling the news cycle, newsletters, social media, and advertising. Chad graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. in Cultural and Analytical Literature.
