congatec introduces its latest range of COM Express Compact modules based on the Intel Core Ultra processors. Supplying a unique combination of heterogeneous compute engines, including CPU, GPU and NPU, the new modules are an excellent fit to run demanding AI workloads at the edge.
Next to the powerful P-cores and efficient E-cores for general computing and the high-performance Intel Arc GPU for graphics-intensive tasks, the integrated NPU called Intel AI Boost contributes advanced neural processing capabilities to the overall computational architecture. The integrated NPU facilitates highly efficient integration of advanced AI workloads at lower system complexity and costs than discrete accelerators. This makes the new Intel Core Ultra processor-based COMs especially beneficial for combining high-performance real-time computing with powerful AI capabilities in surgery robots and medical imaging and diagnostic systems, where automatically generated critical findings can support medical personnel. Other application targets are situational awareness in industrial applications such as inspection systems, stationary robotic arms, AMRs, and AGVs, to name just a few.
"The new conga-TC700 COM Express Compact COMs provide application-ready AI capabilities in a plug-and-play form factor. Its ecosystem of customer solution-focused products and services significantly improves the time-to-market for implementing the latest state-of-the-art x86 with powerful AI capabilities as required in industrial process control, microgrid controller, medical ultrasound and x-ray, automated check-out terminals, powerful AMRs, and many more," says Tim Henrichs, VP Global Marketing and Business Development at congatec. "OEMs can simply upgrade existing applications by exchanging the module and instantly gain access to cutting-edge AI technologies. It has never been easier to integrate artificial intelligence in x86-based systems."
The new COMs with Intel Core Ultra processors (code named Meteor Lake) are among the most power-efficient x86 client SoCs available on the market. Up to six P-Cores and up to eight E-Core support up to 20 threads, making it possible to consolidate distributed devices onto a single platform for the lowest total cost of ownership. The SoC-integrated Intel Arc GPU with up to eight Xe Cores and up to 128 EUs can handle stunning graphics up to 2x 8K resolution and ultra-fast GPGPU-based vision data (pre)processing. The integrated NPU Intel AI Boost executes machine learning algorithms and AI inferences particularly efficiently. Up to 96GB DDR SO-DIMM with inband ECC at 5600 MT/s contributes to power-efficient high data throughput and low latency.
The company's OEM solution-focused high-performance ecosystem supports the modules, including highly efficient active and passive cooling solutions and ready-to-use evaluation carrier boards. Customers can order the modules with pre-evaluated real-time hypervisor technology from Real-Time Systems for virtual machine deployments and workload consolidation in edge computing scenarios. Service offerings include shock and vibration tests for custom system designs, temperature screening, high-speed signal compliance testing, design-in services, and all required training sessions to simplify the use of itscongatec's embedded computer technologies to round off the ecosystem.
