This new CPU technology delivers a significant boost to performance, making the energy-efficient, credit-card-sized SMARC modules suitable for edge applications and low-power system consolidation.
With the new conga-SA8, all edge computing applications operating within the extended temperature range of 0°C to +60°C can now achieve higher performance and improved energy efficiency.
These modules support clock frequencies of up to 3.9 GHz and feature a configurable TDP of 9 W or 15 W.
As with the previous versions, the AI instruction sets, Intel AVX2 (Advanced Vector Extensions 2) and Intel VNNI (Vector Neural Network Instructions) 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 also benefit from accelerated AI-supported workloads which, in combination with system consolidation, contribute to significant increases in the efficiency and productivity of their applications.
Typical areas of application include low-power applications such as point-of-sales, industrial PCs, AI-accelerated edge systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and semi-autonomous vehicles in logistics. The many connection options and high energy efficiency also mean that the conga-SA8 modules can be used in handheld medical devices and in medical diagnostics such as blood analysers.
These 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.
Also available is congatec's comprehensive ecosystem with evaluation and production-ready application carrier boards, customised cooling solutions, as well as documentation, comprehensive design-in services and high-speed signal integrity measurements simplify application development.
