Embedded World: Atom x7000RE SMARC processor modules for industry

“Specially designed for industrial requirements, they deliver eight processor cores, double the previous generation, while maintaining the same power consumption,” according  to Congatec.

Called conga‑SA8, the modules are credit card size and operate over -40 to +85°C.

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AI and machine learning algorithms are supported by Intel’s AVX2 (advanced vector extensions 2) and its VNNI (vector neural network instructions).

Both the CPU and the integrated Gen 12 UHD GPU support INT8 inference processing for graphics processing and object recognition.

“The integration of a hypervisor into the firmware makes the modules virtualization-ready and facilitates the consolidation of multiple application-specific workloads,” said Congatec. “Use of the hypervisor-on-module is particularly recommended for consolidated systems that must meet real-time and security requirements, including real-time integration via Intel TCC [time coordinated computing] and TSN [time-sensitive networking].”

WiFi 6E is included, as is TSN-over-WiFi, and reliability is increased by in-band error correction and soldered DRAM.

Up to three independent 4K displays can be driven, and interfaces include 2.5Gbit/s Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe Gen 3, SATA Gen 3, I²C, SPI, UART and GPIOs.

There is also a Core i3 processor option, and an option to have the ‘ctrlX’ operating system from Bosch Rexroth pre-installed, as well as virtual machines installed for tasks such as real-time control, human interfacing, AI, IIoT, data exchange, firewall maintenance and management.

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC and LTS Linux can be used as operating systems.

Fine the Conga-SA8 product page here, or the real thing at Congatec’s Embedded World stand: number 241 in hall 3