Kontron COBALT 904 avionics server is specifically designed for space constrained installations on regional, business jets and VIP aircraft

System delivers high reliability, enhanced performance and connectivity features enabling improved cabin services and faster infotainment content updates

Augsburg, Germany, September 24, 2015 – Kontron, a global market leader for embedded computing technology (ECT) today introduced the COBALT 904 avionics server, extending the proven COBALT family of rugged small form factor systems to the worldwide aviation industry. Designed to speed development and time to deployment of commercial avionics in-flight entertainment and ground communications systems, the Kontron COBALT 904 features comprehensive avionics interface support required by commercial airlines, business jets and VIP aircraft.  Certification to the DO-160G avionics standard for compatibility and safety of airborne electronics is underway and anticipated to be completed in early 2016.
 
Capitalizing on Intel fourth generation dual Core i5 processor performance, the COBALT 904’s highly ruggedized features, sealed design and power-to-performance optimization are ideal for space constrained avionics deployment. The system enables performance beyond the fast-changing arena of in-flight entertainment, handling not only airborne applications such as HD video streaming, but also enhanced connectivity for crew services and communications. The system’s high speed data transfer capabilities improve data loading via a dedicated USB 3.0 port, easily connecting flight and ground crew and enabling fast content updates .The COBALT 904 will be featured at the upcoming APEX Expo, September 28 – October 1 in Portland Oregon at Kontron’s booth #660.
 
“The COBALT 904 avionics server has seen excellent early response from the market with significant interest coming from both US and European customers” said Andy Mason, Vice President Avionics Systems and Program Management for Kontron. “We have already received orders from two key suppliers of inflight cabin systems for business aviation as well as from a major business jet airframe manufacturer.”
 
The COBALT 904 is part of the highly scalable COBALT family of rugged small form factor systems, which have already been validated on military aircraft and ground vehicles.  The result is a highly reliable airborne server that meets all commercial aviation environmental requirements, while minimizing size, weight and power.  Using only components chosen from Kontron’s embedded roadmap; COBALT also ensures long-term availability, protecting OEMs by eliminating risk of unplanned design changes and unexpected application modification.
 
COBALT 904 in Detail
The COBALT 904 is designed for installation in limited physical space, ensuring compact, reliable performance fueled by an Intel® Dual Core i5-4422E processor with 1.8 gigahertz (GHz) performance and 16 gigabyte (GB) DRAM.  The system also includes ECC, Intel® Trusted Execution Technology (TXT), Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT), Intel® Active Management Technology (AMT) and TPM. A mix of system I/O is supported, including 7x GbE ports (2x direct and 5x switched), 6x ARINC 429 channels, USB 2.0/ USB 3.0, VGA, RS232, RS485/RS422, HDMI, and Audio, as well as aircraft discrete inputs and outputs.
 
COBALT 904 can be shipped with either removable or fixed internal SSDs, in sizes up to 128GB, 512GB or 960GB. Windows or Linux operating system and software support packages are also available, including validated drivers and sample API code for avionics interfaces such as ARINC 429 and aircraft discretes. The system’s sealed, fanless design ensures reliable operation in extreme environmental conditions including extended temperatures, shock, vibration and electromagnetic interference (EMI). COBALT 904 weighs less than seven pounds and maintains a small footprint at 8.5” (216mm) x 5.5” (140mm) x 3.9” (99mm).
 
COBALT 904 software development kits are available now and full production is planned for Q1 2016.  For more detailed information, please visit http://www.kontron.com/industries/avionics/cobalt-904-avionics-server.html
 
 
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About Kontron
Kontron, a global leader in embedded computing technology and trusted advisor in IoT, works closely with its customers, allowing them to focus on their core competencies by offering a complete and integrated portfolio of hardware, software and services designed to help them make the most of their applications.
With a significant percentage of employees in research and development, Kontron creates many of the standards that drive the world’s embedded computing platforms; bringing to life numerous technologies and applications that touch millions of lives. The result is an accelerated time-to-market, reduced total-cost-of-ownership, product longevity and the best possible overall application with leading-edge, highest reliability embedded technology.             
Kontron is a listed company. Its shares are traded in the Prime Standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on other exchanges under the symbol “KBC”.
For more information, please visit: www.kontron.com