congatec has introduced 20 new Computer-on-Modules following the launch of Intel’s 11th generation Core processor for Internet of Things (IoT). Featuring 11th Gen Intel Core vPro, Intel Xeon W-11000E, and Intel Celeron processors, the new modules target the most demanding IoT gateway and edge computing applications.
Built on Intel’s 10nm SuperFin technology in a two-package design with dedicated CPU and Platform Controller Hub (PCH), the new flagship COM-HPC Client and COM Express Type 6 modules have a new bandwidth benchmark of up to 20 PCIe Gen 4.0 lanes for massive connected real-time Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) gateway and intelligent edge computing workloads.
To process such massive workloads, the new modules boast up to 128 GB DDR4 SO‑DIMM RAM, integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) accelerators and up to 8 high-performance CPU cores that achieve up to 65% gain in multi-thread performance and up to 32% gain in single-thread performance. Visualization, auditory and graphics intensive workloads are enabled with a boost of up to 70% compared to predecessors, enhancing performance for these immersive experiences even more.
Flagship applications that directly benefit from these GPU enhancements can be found in surgery, medical imaging and e-health edge applications as congatec’s new platform supports 8K HDR videos for optimum diagnostics. Combined with the platform’s AI capabilities and the comprehensive Intel OpenVINO toolkit, doctors can gain easy access and insights into deep learning based diagnostic data. The integrated Intel UHD graphics also supports up to four 4K displays in parallel. In addition, it can process and analyze up to 40 HD 1080p/30fps video streams in parallel for 360 degree views in all directions.
These AI infused massive vision capabilities are also important for many other markets, including factory automation, machine vision for quality inspection in manufacturing, safe spaces & cities, as well as collaborative robotics and autonomous vehicles in logistics, agriculture, construction, and public transport.
AI and deep learning inference algorithms can seamlessly run either massively parallel on the integrated GPU, or on the CPU with built-in Intel Deep Learning Boost that combines three instructions into one, accelerating inference processing and situational awareness.
The new COM-HPC Client and COM Express Type 6 platforms have integrated safety functions that are important for the fail-safe operation of many mobile vehicles and robots, as well as stationary machinery. As real-time support is mandatory for such applications, the congatec modules can run RTOSes such as Real Time Linux and Wind River VxWorks, and provide native support from Real-Time Systems’ hypervisor technology, which is also officially supported by Intel.
The result for customers is a rounded ecosystem package with comprehensive support. Further real-time capabilities include Intel Time Coordinated Computing (Intel TCC) and Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) for real-time connected IIoT/industry 4.0 gateways and edge computing devices. Enhanced security features that help to protect systems against attacks make these platforms ideal candidates for all types of critical customer applications in factories and utilities.
