KONTRON ANNOUNCES X-BOARD: MINI-COM WITH ULTRA LOW-POWER INTEL® XSCALE® PXA255 PROCESSOR

Computer-On-Module with PDA Feature Set Plus PCI-and LPC-Bus

SAN FRANCISCO - March 30, 2004 - Kontron, a leading embedded computer technology company, today announced the X-board industrial computer module -- bringing ARM-compatible Intel XScale technology to the X-board Mini-COM form factor for the first time.

To date, the integrated Intel® XScale PXA255 processor has been used primarily to support Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The introduction of the Kontron X-board, however, broadens the uses of XScale technology to include a diverse array of embedded computing applications -- from telecommunications to test and measurement and more. Now available in 200 MHz and 400 MHz versions for fanless embedded designs, the central computer intelligence in these systems is implemented as a purchased, off-the-shelf component, reducing development costs and shortening time-to-market. Compared to traditional x86 processors, XScale technology-based systems provide high performance with an ultra low-power design. With a power consumption of only 1.5 W, the Kontron X-board has exceptionally low power dissipation, enabling long battery operating life in mobile applications.

The module´s interfaces are implemented via a SODIMM connector and include 3 x USB, 1 x LAN, 2 x serial UART, and 1 x IDE as well as AC97-sound and LCD support for resolution of up to 800x600 pixels. One serial interface is Bluetooth compatible. The board also implements the PCI- and LPC-bus. USB is available as a host as well as a device, and a companion chip provides the PCI- and USB-host functionality. Memory options include 16 to 64 MByte of DRAM and 8 to 32 MByte of Flash. A watchdog timer, real-time clock, and JTAG also are onboard.

Kontron´s X-board module will be available beginning Q2 2004, with small-quantity pricing expected to be approximately $250 per unit. Kontron X-board board support packages for Windows CE.NET currently are available. A Linux package is planned for release in the near future. For further information about pricing and availability, please contact a Kontron Sales Engineer at 800-523-2320.

About X-board(TM), the New Embedded Form Factor for Next Generation Mini Modules:
X-board modules, with credit card-like dimensions (67 X 49 mm), are fully PCI- and LPC- compatible. They feature essential interfaces such as USB, LAN and serial as well as outputs for sound and LCDs. Kontron´s X-board concept leaves behind older legacy interfaces such as PS/2, floppy, parallel, and the ISA-bus behind, making way for the use of ARM- and MIPS- processor architectures as well as traditional x86 types. This leads to an expansion of the application fields for the new Computer-On-Module (COM) standard. Closing the gap between the DIMM-PC and ETX, the new X-board concept is ideal for OEMs that require a performance greater than that provided by the DIMM-PC but fewer features than those offered by the ETX standard. For additional information about the X-board standard, contact Kontron.

About Kontron: A leading global embedded computer technology company, Kontron supplies a diversified customer base of OEMs, system integrators and application providers in the communications, automation, transportation, medical, military, aerospace, and test and measurement markets. The company helps its customers to considerably reduce their time-to-market and to gain a competitive advantage with products including high-performance open computer platforms and systems, single board computers, man-machine interfaces and mobile computers. Kontron employs more than 1,500 people worldwide and has manufacturing facilities in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. The company is listed on the German TecDAX 30 stock exchange under the symbol "KBC." Kontron is a member of the Intel Communications Alliance. For additional information on Kontron, please visit: www.kontron.com.

KONTRON CONTACTS:
Kontron America
Bruce Boyer
Vice President, Product Marketing
Phone: 510-732-6900