Kontron plans Quark-based IoT box
The KBox A-201 mini Box-PCs supports Intel’s Gateway Solutions for the Internet of Things (formerly codenamed Moon Island that combines Wind River’s Intelligent Device Platform XT 2.0 and the McAfee Embedded Control 6.1. It launched with Intel’s E3800 Atom processor but Kontron is also planning a version with the 32nm 400MHz Quark i1020 processor running this software as well.
However, the Quark-based box has less memory (1GByte vs 4GBytes) and 100Mbit/s Ethernet on chip rather than the gigabit version and a different custom Intel secure boot loader but runs with a thermal profile of 2.3W for more power constrained environments. At $11, the Pentium II-based processor will help address the price pressure predicted for IoT systems but modular software such as the latest VXWorks 7 may be required with the smaller memory footprint as a result.
Alongside Kontron’s embedded application programming interface KEAPI, the platforms offer standardized IoT gateway intelligence that is is easily deployable. OEMs can seamlessly connect their distributed systems via wireless networks such as LTE, GSM or WiFi. A wide range of industrial interfaces supports the integration of both new and existing installations into the Internet of Things. OEMs and operators benefit from a pre-validated, standards-based platform for capturing, analyzing, and utilizing big data from the IoT.
"The extremely compact KBox A-201mini Box-PCs based on the Intel Atom processor E3800 represent our first system design from our comprehensive roadmap for IoT-enabled devices that support Intel Gateway Solutions for the Internet of Things,” said Jens Wiegand, CTO at Kontron. “Together with their extensive interface support towards the field, as well as Kontron’s standardized embedded application programming interface, engineers can gain really fast and sophisticated entry into the world of IoT connectivity,” he said. “Our roadmap also specifies several other fast deployable platforms with Intel Gateway Solutions for the Internet of Things including an Intel Quark SoC-based design for very energy-efficient IoT appliances based on pure x86 technology.”
"The Intel Gateway Solutions for the Internet of Things, which include the Wind River Intelligent Device Platform XT 2.0 and the McAfee Embedded Control 6.1, enable the development of intelligent gateways, such as the new mini Box-PC from Kontron. These intelligent gateways are critical to extending systems to connect them to next-generation intelligent infrastructures. This technology equips engineers to fully exploit business opportunities enabled by the Internet of Things – and the valuable data it generates," said Adam Burns, Director of the IoT Solutions Group at Intel.
The new Kontron KBox A-201 mini Box-PCs come in a modular design based on the SMARC form factor standard and feature the Intel Atom processor E3800 product family and up to 8 gigabytes of ECC memory. For local data acquisition, the new mini Box-PCs offer a broad range of industrial interfaces such as 2x Gbit Ethernet, 2x USB 2.0, as well as an optional CAN bus and/or Profibus interface, whereas legacy installations benefit from two serial interfaces (RS232/485). For wireless connection to the cloud or the local network, the Kontron K-Box A-201 mini can be equipped with LTE (4G) and GSM (2G/3G) or WiFi. Three external antenna connectors enable high signal quality. The integrated SSD with up to 64 gigabytes capacity offers rugged as well as fast storage capacity for OS and data and TPM is integrated for increased data security, all in a compact footprint of only 56.8 mm x 150 mm x 95 mm (H x W x D) .
Kontron KBox A-201 mini Box-PC
Related stories:
Yole predicts IC price pressure in IoT roadmap
congatec backs Intel’s IoT move
IoT gateway platform unites Intel’s Quark SoC and ASUS Cloud
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