Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), announces in parallel with the launch of the new AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded R1000 SoC (system on a chip) that it will be extending its COMe-cVR6 Computer-on-Modules – currently based on the high-performance AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded V1000 series – with the next-generation processors in the 12-25-watt performance class. The new low-power COM Express(R) Compact Type 6 modules, which are based on the very successful and highly regarded ‘Zen’ microarchitecture, will target price-sensitive, compact, and fanless applications that require a new class of performance. Typical markets are industrial real-time controls and industrial edge devices, machine GUIs, panel PCs, and medical systems, along with infotainment, gaming, and digital signage platforms.
Designed for harsh environments, the rugged COM Express(R) Compact modules are convincing in all of these applications thanks to memory down options and their significantly compact form factor. Compared to COM Express(R) Basic, the footprint is reduced by about 22 percent.
“Kontron customers will greatly benefit from our decision to offer both processor classes – the power optimized AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded R1000 processors as well as the high-performance AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded V-Series SoC – not on COM Express(R) Basic, but on COM Express(R) Compact. This form factor is a perfect fit for nearly the entire ‘Zen’ based embedded computer performance range, now also including the brand new AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded R-Series SoC. Particularly for the panel PC sector and similar platforms that require high scalability, this provides a perfect all-in-one solution for best-in-class ROI, as OEMs can use one single modular design for all the various customer demands,” explains Evi Zimmer, Computer-on-Modules product manager at Kontron.
“The AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded R1000 SoC is a great fit for Kontron’s COM Express(R) module, providing a new class of performance for customers that need compact, high-performance and power efficient embedded solutions,” said Stephen Turnbull, director of product management and business development, Embedded Solutions, AMD. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with Kontron to create these kinds of solutions built with AMD embedded products.”
The Feature Set at a Glance
The new Kontron dual-core Computer-on-Modules with the AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded R1000 SoC – which have planned availability of ten years – will feature the same high-performance ‘Zen’ CPU cores offered by the AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded V1000 processors – including up to 24 GB ECC supporting 64-bit DDR4 (optionally soldered) as well as full cache bandwidth with 1 MB of shared L2 cache plus 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The same Unified PI (BIOS) will be utilized as well, with only minimal adjustments to what has been revised within the feature set. To provide more power options, the integrated Radeon(TM) Vega 3 GPU offers three computing units, which can support up to three UHD 4K displays @ 60 Hz.
The Kontron COM Express(R) modules based on the AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded R1000 SoC will give engineers a very attractive platform that provides a new class of performance for embedded solutions.
The new COMe-cVR6 Computer-on-Modules based on the AMD Ryzen(TM) Embedded R1000 SoC will provide attractive features such as USB 3.1 Gen 2 as well as high-speed PCIe 3.0 lanes, with the option of using one of these for a PCIe switch that will provide four PCIe 2.0 lanes to the COMe connector. Three independent display ports cover a wide variety of graphics-centric application scenarios due to their high flexibility. In addition to the common interfaces such as SATA, I2C, and SMBus, two serial interfaces, a high-definition audio interface and Gigabit Ethernet round out the feature set.
APPROTECT Software Protection
The new COM Express(R) Compact modules will support the Kontron APPROTECT security solution for integrated software protection. Based on an optionally integrated Wibu-Systems security chip combined with a specifically developed software framework, it provides IP and copy/reverse engineering protection. Kontron APPROTECT licensing also makes it possible to use new business models such as ‘pay per use’ demo versions for limited time periods, and a certain number of executions.
Initial samples of these next generation COM Express(R) Compact modules for the price-sensitive low-power sector will become available in Q3 2019.
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