Kontron has introduced a double-width AdvancedMC processor module built around an Intel Core i7 Mobile processor.
The Core i7 processors were first designed into COM Express computer modules little more than a year ago. The impact on performance was obvious.
Three versions of the 32nm Core i7 processor are available running at 1.06GHz, 2.0GHz and 2.53GHz clock speeds with respective power consumptions of 17W, 25W and 35W TDP.
The implementation of hyper-threading technology means the 2.53GHz dual-core processor can run parallel, multi-threaded applications on MicroTCA integrated platforms.
The AM5020 module’s Intel Core i7 processor is coupled with the QM 57 platform controller hub (PCH) and supported with integrated memory controller, PCI Express Gen2 I/O and Intel HD graphics.
With support for PICMG AMC.1/.2/.3 sub-specifications, the module’s interfaces include eight PCI Express lanes to the backplane configurable as 2 x PCIe x4 or 8 x PCIe x1.
There are also four Gbit Ethernet interfaces, two on the front panel and two on the backplane in accordance with AMC.2, provide comprehensive networking capabilities.
For storage there are six SATA-II channels. Users can choose between an onboard 2.5 SATA drive and/or up to 32Gbyte of SATA flash memory, which is securely fastened to the PCB.
Four SATA channels are routed to the AMC connector (AMC Port 2, 3, 12, and 13), enabling applications with a high amount of storage capacity and RAID.
There is a DVI-D interface at the front combined with two USB interfaces, two Gbit Ethernet and a serial port via RJ45.
The Kontron AM5020 has full hot-swap capabilities for monitoring, controlling and replacing the module.
Typical MicroTCA applications include telecoms gateways and switches, as well as applications in medical, automation and security.
The AM5020 module supports Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, as well as VxWorks 6.8 and Wind River Linux PNE 3.0.2.1