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congatec integrates new AMD Embedded R-Series SOC on COM Express

Deggendorf, Germany; October 21, 2015 * * * congatec AG, a leading technology company for embedded computer modules, single board computers (SBCs) and embedded design and manufacturing (EDM) services, is introducing new COM Express basic modules parallel to AMD’s launch of its new generation of high-end embedded processors. The new conga-TR3 modules with dual- or quad-core AMD Embedded R-Series SOCs offer not only a much more broadly scalable TDP from 12 to 35 watts over earlier modules and a significantly improved performance per watt but two further prominent new features: the extremely high-performance AMD Radeon graphics as well as full support of the HSA specification 1.0.

“The AMD Embedded R-Series SOCs boast rich and vibrant graphics plus extremely wide scalability right down to 12 watts, so they can even be deployed in fanless, completely enclosed, and thus particularly robust designs. This significantly expands the range of applications for our high-end embedded modules based on this AMD platform,” explains Gerhard Edi, CTO of congatec AG.

“congatec’s new computer-on-modules greatly simplify the implementation of the AMD Embedded R-Series SOC processors supporting DDR4 memory,” said Scott Aylor, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Embedded Solutions.” Thanks to the standardized form factor, developers are able to integrate these modules into existing applications immediately, thus directly benefitting from our new, high-end SOC graphics. The scalable TDP starting at a very low-power level of only 12 watts, and the comprehensive HSA support will also open up many new areas of application.”

The COM Express modules from congatec target applications which demand rich and vibrant SOC graphics and/or parallel computing power. These can be found in high-end gaming, such as digital pinball and arcade machines, in sophisticated digital signage installations with large-format 4k displays as well as in image and video analysis in industrial vision systems or in medical imaging. Security applications such as video surveillance with facial recognition or network firewalls with deep packet inspection and IoT systems with integrated big data analysis also benefit from the high GPGPU performance of the new congatec modules.

The innovations in detail
The new conga-TR3 COM Express Basic modules with Type 6 pinout are equipped with highly integrated AMD Embedded R-Series SOC processors and support up to 32 GB fast DDR4 RAM with optional ECC. The AMD Radeon GPU is based on AMD’s Graphics Core Next (GCN) Generation 3 architecture and provides up to three independent 4k displays with 60 Hz via eDP, DisplayPort 1.2, and HDMI 2.0. OpenGL 4.0 and DirectX 12 are also supported for especially fast, Windows 10-based 3D graphics. The integrated hardware accelerators allow energy-efficient streaming of HEVC videos in both directions.

Thanks to HSA 1.0 and OpenCL 2.0 support, workloads can be immediately allocated to the most effective processing unit. In security-critical applications, AMD Secure Processor provides hardware-accelerated encryption and decryption of RSA, SHA, and AES. Together with the optional Trusted Platform module, the conga-TR3 thus offers high security for IoT, big data, and telecommunications applications.

The new congatec computer modules support the COM Express Type 6 pinout with PEG 3.0 x8, Gigabit Ethernet, 4x USB 3.0/2.0, 4x USB 2.0, SPI, LPC as well as I²C, SDIO, and 2x UART. Operating system support is offered for Linux and Microsoft Windows 10, 8.1, and optionally Windows 7. Extensive accessories which simplify the design-in round out the offer.