The modules are designed for edge applications, offering powerful processors, multi-core support, and scalability for use cases like medical imaging and automation.
Congatec, a provider of embedded and edge computing technology, has introduced the conga-HPC/cBLS, expanding its range of COM-HPC Computer-on-Modules (COMs). The press release says the module is designed for edge and infrastructure applications. The modules, measuring 120×160 mm in the COM-HPC Client Size C format, feature Intel Core S processors with up to 16 Efficient (E) cores and 8 Performance (P) cores, supporting up to 32 threads. These modules are suited for applications that require multi-core and multi-thread performance, large caches, memory capacity, bandwidth, and I/O capabilities.
Target applications include medical imaging, test and measurement, communication and networking, retail, energy, and banking. Other use cases include video surveillance for traffic monitoring and automation applications like optical inspection, which benefit from the module’s performance.
The conga-HPC/cBLS COM-HPC Client Size C modules suit high-performance real-time applications with workload consolidation. The firmware-integrated hypervisor-on-module enables direct access to system consolidation benefits. The company claims the module provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional motherboards, especially for applications requiring continuous high-performance and regular upgrades. Compared to motherboards, standardized COMs offer scalability and an easy upgrade path via module exchange, even across processor generations, without changing the basic design.
The modules are also available as application-ready, custom-configured aReady.COMs, with pre-installed operating systems like ctrlX OS, Ubuntu, and/or RT-Linux. Optional features include system consolidation with aReady.VT and IoT connectivity. The modules can be preloaded with the customer’s application, enabling users to integrate them into their systems. The firmware-integrated Hypervisor-on-Modules offers a solution, replacing multiple systems in various use cases, such as test and measurement systems, control of production cells with HMIs and IoT gateways, and edge servers in smart grids.
“The heterogeneous computing architecture, featuring powerful Intel Graphics and Deep Learning Boost, makes the module a highly performant, low-power server capable of AI inference for power-hungry edge applications. When used as a GPGPU, it offers a unique performance-per-dollar ratio. Support for Intel TSN and TCC provides an ideal foundation for networked real-time applications in medical technology, automation, and industrial solutions,” explains Jürgen Jungbauer, Senior Product Line Manager at Congatec.
