Kontron ETXexpress-WPM: A Network Engine for Advanced Communications Solutions

Kontron Introduces New COM Express (Type 3) Module

BOSTON (September 26, 2006) – Today, Kontron introduced the new Kontron ETXexpress-WPM computer-on-module (COM) designed specifically to support demanding communications applications and offers the highest I/O bandwidth available on ETXexpress platform. The Kontron ETXexpress-WPM – its first COM Express “Basic” module to follow Pin-out Type 3 – is built around the Intel® Pentium® M processor (up to 1.8GHz) and the Intel® 3100 chipset.

The Kontron ETXexpress-WPM supports up to 2 GB of system memory (1x right angle 244-pin mini-DIMM). For systems that require up to 4 GB of memory, a 2x vertical mini-DIMM socket module option is available. In line with the fact that PCI Express is the primary data path for the vast majority of future-focused embedded applications, the Kontron ETXexpress-WPM has 12 PCI Express lanes along with a PCI 2.1, 32 bit interface.

For fast communications, two of the PCI Express lanes supported by the Intel® 3100 chipset are used to facilitate the module’s dual Gigabit Ethernet support. 10/100Base-Tx Ethernet also is available, opening up a total of three Ethernet connections for the application. Additionally, 4x Serial ATA ports (Type I) are included in the new module’s design and 4x USB 2.0 ports for communicating with external add-on peripherals round out the features of the Kontron ETXexpress-WPM.

“The release of ETXexpress-WPM is an important step for Kontron to further expand our market share in the growing area of Computer on Modules. Important markets such as data communication, medical segments such as ultrasound and industrial automation are some of the key target markets for these small form factor modules. The balance of performance, lower power consumption and integration delivered by the Intel® Pentium® M processor with the Intel 3100 chipset makes the product ETXexpress-WPM ideal for the embedded markets,” explains Kontron America CEO Thomas Sparrvik.

“Embedded market segments are continuously demanding more performance, integrated solutions and a small foot print,” stated Ton Steenman, general manger , Infrastructure Processing Division, Intel. “We believe our combination of Intel® Pentium® M processors and Intel 3100 chipset with Kontron’s ETXexpress family of small form factor Computer on Modules is well positioned to satisfy the performance needed by the embedded OEMs.”

Kontron anticipates offering sample Kontron ETXexpress-WPM modules by early September with prices starting at $595 in small quantities – pricing will vary upon CPU speed. Make plans now to view the new Kontron ETXexpress-WPM module that will be on display in Kontron’s booth (#501) at the upcoming Embedded Systems Conference in Boston, MA -- September 26-27.
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About the Intel® Communications Alliance:
The Intel Communications Alliance is a community of communications and embedded developers and solutions providers who share a common vision on the convergence of computing technologies. The member companies within the Alliance are committed to the development of modular, standards based building blocks, platforms, and solutions based on Intel technologies, processors, products, and services. The availability of these standards-based modular building blocks and solutions offer the market greater choice, faster time to profit, and the opportunity to innovate using modular building blocks from multiple levels of integration - silicon, software, boards and complete systems. For additional information on the Intel Communications Alliance, visit : www.intel.com/go/ica

About Kontron ETXexpress COMs:
ETXexpress COMs provide the following interfaces that maintain the same physical positions on each module, thus guaranteeing scalability between modules: PCI Express, PCI 32, SUB, and Serial ATA. An Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) for optimized power management also is standard to all Kontron ETXexpress modules. Six mounting holes on the module provide secure mounting to allow the ETXexpress module increased durability when subjected to harsh operating environments.
Kontron’s ETXexpress family of COMs is fully compliant with the PCI Industrial Manufacturers’ Group (PICMG) COM Express Specification. The ETXexpress format represents a more cost effective replacement to time and resource consuming full-custom designs. Time to market is dramatically reduced and future upgrades are as simple as choosing a new ETXexpress CPU module. Therefore, the total cost of ownership of the end design is improved as well.

About Kontron:
A global leader in embedded computer technology and mobile rugged solutions, Kontron supplies a diversified customer base of OEMs, system integrators, and application providers in the automation, test and measurement, communications, medical, gaming and entertainment, military, aerospace, transportation, and energy markets. The company helps its customers considerably reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage with products including: high-performance open computer platforms and systems, single board computers, human-machine interfaces, and mobile rugged computers and displays. Kontron employs more than 2,300 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 Premier member in the Intel ® Communications Alliance which means earliest access to leading-edge Intel technologies and privileged engineering support. For additional information on Kontron, please visit www.kontron.com.

Editor Contact:
Richard Pugnier
Manager, Marketing Communications
Kontron America
858.623.3006
richard.pugnier@us.kontron.com

Product and Technical Contact:
Christine Van De Graaf
Product Marketing Manager, Embedded Modules
Kontron America
510.438.7250
christine.vandegraaf@us.kontron.com