Kontron Debuts its Latest ETX® 3.0-Compliant COM with VIA Technology

Kontron ETX-CN8 Multimedia COM, Scalable from 400 MHz up to 1,5 GHz

San Diego / Nuremberg, February 13, 2007 – Kontron introduced the RoHS-compliant Kontron ETX-CN8 multimedia Computer-On-Module, the company’s third ETX® 3.0-compliant module since the official launch of the ETX 3.0 specification. The long term available Kontron ETX-CN8 module is based on VIA C7® or the new Eden® processors scalable from 400MHz up to 1,5GHz, as well as the latest and future-proved VIA CN800 and VIA VT8237R+ chipset.

As compared to the CN700 chipset, the CN800 chipset delivers the latest, highly integrated graphics offering dual display support (VGA/DVI/LVDS) and optimized power efficiency. This makes the Kontron ETX-CN8 unique compared to other ETX designs based on the predecessor CN700 chipset. The Kontron ETX-CN8 is especially designed for applications in markets such as infotainment, gaming, medical and smart battery powered devices, all of which require high-end dual graphics up to WUXGA as well as PCI, ISA, SATA and USB 2.0 in addition to all of the standard ETX interfaces at an optimized price/performance ratio.

The Kontron ETX-CN8 carries a comprehensive range of integrated storage, multimedia and connectivity options, including 2x Serial ATA and support for RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 0+1 arrays. AC97-compliant audio also is supported. For demanding dual graphics, the new Kontron COM offers dual VGA and dual DVI/LVDS support including TV-out options and has an integrated MPEG-2 video decoding accelerator.

Uncompromising security performance is ensured by the VIA PadLock Security Engine working in concert with leading-edge security software. Features include a Random Number Generator and an Advanced Cryptography Engine supporting AES encryption, secure hash SHA-1/SHA-256 encryption and accelerated RSA algorithm computation (through the inclusion of a Montgomery Multiplier).

Memory up to 2GB of fast DDR2-SDRAM can be implemented. If required by a customer application, a VIA Eden 7 Low Power processor with 400 MHz (TDP 2,5 W) also is available.

All of this fits on a 95 mm x 114 mm footprint. Additional extensive software add-ons bundled with all Kontron COMs facilitate the custom baseboard design.

Board support packages for the most current operating systems such as Windows XP Embedded, Windows CE and Linux are available for download. In the near future, additional modules for high-performance processors from Intel® and AMD® will further expand Kontron’s wide spread portfolio of ETX 3.0 modules.

Baseboard designs included as needed
OEMs that not only use modules or boards from Kontron, but want to outsource the entire hardware design including carrier board design, can access Kontron’s Boards & MORE Custom Solutions und Services. Here, experienced developers implement the latest interface technology on carrier boards for COMs and develop customized single-board computers. Numerous layouts have already been successfully realized in the last few years and mass-produced. Many customers use Kontron’s Boards & MORE service in order to be able to use their resources even more effectively for their know-how. Close contact with the customer’s developer team and professional project management during the entire product life bring the user further relief.

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About Kontron
Kontron designs and manufactures standard-based and custom embedded and mobile rugged solutions for OEMs, systems integrators, and application providers in a variety of markets. Kontron engineering and manufacturing facilities, located throughout Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, work together with streamlined global sales and support services to help customers reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage. Kontron’s diverse product portfolio includes: Computer-on-Modules, SBCs/blades, open-modular platforms and systems, HMIs, mobile rugged workstations, and custom capabilities. Kontron is a Premier member of the Intel® Communications Alliance and was awarded 2006 Intel Member of the Year. The company is a recent three-time VDC Platinum vendor for Embedded Computer Boards. Kontron is listed on the German TecDAX 30 stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". For more information, please visit: www.kontron.com.

Editor Contact
Richard Pugnier
Manager, Marketing Communications
Kontron
858.623.3006
richard.pugnier@us.kontron.com

Product and Technical Contact
Christine Van De Graaf
Product Marketing Manager, Embedded Modules Division
Kontron
510.438.7250
christine.vandegraaf@us.kontron.com


DIMM-PC®, PISA®, ETX®, ETXexpress® , microETXexpressTMt, X-board®, DIMM-IO® and DIMM-BUS® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Kontron Embedded Modules GmbH. Kontron is trademark or registered trademark of Kontron AG. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks or copyrights by their respective owners and are recognized.