Congatec-conga-IT6

At the high-throughput end of embedded processing are the embedded PCs and this year at Embedded World Congatec has introduced a Mini-ITX motherboard for the high-end of high‑throughput embedded processing (pictured).

Called conga-IT6, it includes a COM Express Type 6 slot – COM Express computer-on-modules have uniform footprint and height, plus specific thermal interfaces for cooling.

“Users of the motherboard can scale their applications across all relevant processor generations and manufacturers as required, keeping up-to-date with the latest developments in high-end embedded computing,” said the firm.

This opens the door to speedy processors, including Intel’s seventh‑generation Core i7s, its Xeon E3, as well as AMD’s Zen architecture. Having a Type 6 slot “extends the long-term use of existing Mini‑ITX motherboard designs, since discontinued processor modules are easily updated by swapping in new modules without any board modifications”, said Congatec. “The new conga-IT6 will support all future processor offerings from Congatec for the COM Express Type 6 form factor.”

At the moment, this list also includes lesser Intel processors, such as Atom, Celeron and Pentium processors, and the AMD Embedded G- and R-Series. There are 11 different processor versions in all. “Examples of such high-end embedded applications include broadcasting equipment and infotainment systems as well as medical workstations that, thanks to the modular design, also benefit from simplified certification as medical computers,” said Congatec product manager Jürgen Jungbauer.

With this application in mind, the interface choice is wide: for high‑performance graphics cards and GPGPUs, a PCIe graphics slot is available with up to 16 lanes (depending on the module) and monitors can be connected via 2x display ports, 2x HDMI, eDP, LVDS and VGA.

They have 4x USB and a miniPCIe port, plus 2x 1GbE port (one executed via a dedicated Intel i211 network controller), as well as a micro-SIM slot for networking.

External storage connects via 2x SATA Gen3 as well as a microSD and M.2 type B socket supporting Intel Optane fast memory.

Classic I/O includes 4x COM (232/422/485), 1x GPIO (4x inputs, 4x outputs and 16x IOs) and 1x I²C bus.
The supply range covers 12Vdc‑24Vdc.

Congatec – Hall 4 -168.