The two companies are developing a modular, upgradable embedded server with special security features to meet EU requirements and unveiled the new, yet to be named, µATX server at the ‘Embedded World’ trade fair held in Nuremberg last week.
At the heart of the server is a conga-HPC/sILH Computer-on-Module featuring Intel Xeon D1800 and D2800 processors. The module is based on the COM-HPC Server standard by the PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group) and comes with a standardised interface to the carrier board.
The modular system can be upgraded with new modules in less than 30 minutes – even across processor generations. This rapid upgradability is critical for ensuring the system remains future-proof and is fit for long-term use, and is important in terms of environmental and financial sustainability, as well as for providing users with the necessary planning certainty for extended lifecycles.
Typical users are expected to come from the industrial, automotive, security, transport, and logistics sectors.
In addition, the security-hardened servers are also suitable for critical infrastructure providers and operators. Use cases range from high-performance image processing in quality control, software deployment, and IT/OT firewalls, to the control of complex machines. The servers’ extended hardware availability and industrial design with support for temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C are major benefits for these use cases.
Most system components will be produced in Germany or Europe which is not only important in terms of sustainability but local production is a necessary requirement for the system’s security features.
Among the components supplied by German manufacturers are field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); the software is also provided by a domestic supplier. The system is therefore ready for EU Network and Information Security Directive NIS-2, which is already in force and must be transposed into German law by October 2024. Because of the high level of security hardening, congatec and Thomas-Krenn are also planning to integrate an offline generative AI solution.
Final assembly will take place at Thomas-Krenn in Freyung, some 70 km from congatec’s headquarters in Deggendorf. Development is still underway with completion currently scheduled for October 2024.
