AI and graphics performance expanded for low-power SMARC modules

congatec is updating its conga-SA8 SMARC modules: The low-power COMs are now available with the latest Intel Core 3 processor generation. This new CPU technology delivers a significant performance boost, making the energy-efficient, credit-card-sized SMARC modules ideal for performance-hungry edge applications and low-power system consolidation.

With the new device, all edge computing applications operating within the extended temperature range of 0C to +60C can now attain higher performance and improved energy efficiency. These modules support clock frequencies of up to 3.9GHz and feature a configurable TDP of 9W or 15W. As with the previous versions, the AI instruction sets, Intel AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) and Intel VNNI ensure fast processing of deep learning inferences. The integrated Intel Graphics further supports INT8 inference with up to 32 execution units (EUs), significantly improving object recognition and graphics processing compared to previous generations. Users benefit from accelerated AI-supported workloads, which, in combination with system consolidation, contribute to significant increases in the efficiency and productivity of their applications.

"The virtualisation-ready modules with firmware-integrated hypervisor facilitate the consolidation of multiple application-specific workloads, each with their own operating systems, which are operated in isolation from each other on the conga-SA8. With up to eight cores, a low-power SMARC module can host a variety of different applications that previously required multiple dedicated systems. This allows users to significantly reduce the number of devices and make their solutions much more reliable, cost-effective and sustainable,' explains Florian Drittenthaler, product line manager at congatec.

Typical areas of application include low-power applications such as point-of-sales, industrial PCs, AI-accelerated edge systems, AGVs and semi-autonomous vehicles in logistics. The many connection options and high energy efficiency also predestine the conga-SA8 modules for use in handheld medical devices and in medical diagnostics such as blood analyzers.

The feature set in detail

The conga-SA8 SMARC modules are available in five different processor variants with up to 16 GByte LPDDR5-4800 memory with in-band ECC for high data security. 2 x 2.5 GbE with TSN support and the optional wireless module for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 enable comprehensive horizontal and vertical networking. 4x PCIe Gen3 lanes, i2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 6x USB 2.0, SATA Gen3.2, I2C, UART, DP and 12x GPIO ensure extensive connectivity. In terms of operating systems, congatec supports Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC and LTS Linux.

congatec also offers the conga-SA8 SMARC module as an application-ready aReady.COM. It can be pre-configured, for instance, with pre-installed and licensed ctrlX OS from Bosch Rexroth, Ubuntu Pro and Real-Time Hypervisor for integrated tasks such as HMI, AI, IIoT data exchange, firewall functionality, and maintenance/management features. In addition, a congatec's comprehensive ecosystem with evaluation and production-ready application carrier boards, customized cooling solutions, as well as documentation, comprehensive design-in services and high-speed signal integrity measurements simplify application development.