New Kontron starter kit for embedded high-end graphics based on COM Express® Type 6 Computer-on-Modules

Kontron’s Starterkit accelerates development of SFF multimedia applications providing a rich user experience

Eching, Germany, April 16, 2013 –Kontron today announced the new COM Express® Starterkit Reference T6 for the accelerated development of a broad range of Small Form Factor (SFF) multimedia applications, providing a rich user experience ranging from battery-powered portable solutions up to stationary multi-display installations. Following the launch of the Kontron COM Express® Starterkit Eval T6, the new Reference T6 Starterkit was compiled specifically for OEMs which need to design fully featured SFF applications using COM Express®.

The starter kit provides a space efficient Mini-ITX sized carrier board that can host any COM Express® pin-out Type 6 Computer-on-Modules in the basic (125 x 95 mm) and compact (95 x 95 mm) form factors for most flexible performance scalability. The starter kit is specifically configured to enable the quick evaluation and development of graphics-intensive solutions using the latest interfaces such as: DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI or LVDS in Mini-ITX sized designs. With SIM card support, it also enables always-connected and constantly updated ubiquitous distributed solutions. Target application areas are digital signage systems, POS/POI terminals, professional gaming machines, professional AV equipment, passenger infotainment systems, shop floor systems and man-machine interfaces in automation, as well as, medical computers and devices. Enabling OEMs to start right away with the development of state-of-the-art multi-display applications and utilize the entire COM Express® and Mini-ITX ecosystem is a significant aid in reducing development efforts and time-to-market. To further accelerate the design of customer-specific carrierboards, on request Kontron can provide the corresponding carrierboard schematics, so OEMs have a blue print of a solution which has already been evaluated, so they do not have to design everything from scratch.

The new Kontron COM Express® Starterkit unleashes its full potential when combined with the latest technology modules such as the Kontron COMe-bIP6 with 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processors or the Kontron COMe-cTH6 based on the AMD Embedded R-Series accelerated processing unit (APU). This enables OEMs to design applications requiring powerful graphic capabilities to feed up to four independent displays with brilliant 3D graphics or HD video streams. High-speed serial interfaces, including USB 3.0, allow connection of the latest peripheral components to facilitate building systems with commercially available standard components. Furthermore, the Starterkit will also support Kontron’s future COM Express® modules with upcoming 4th generation Intel® Core™ processors. OEMS looking for small, portable solutions will benefit from the Smart Battery Support and Kontron’s energy-efficient COM Express® compact COMs such as the Kontron COMe-cCT6 or Kontron COMe-cTH6.

The Kontron COM Express® Starterkit Reference T6 in detail
The new Kontron COM Express® Starterkit for all COM Express® Type 6-compliant compact and basic Computer-on-Modules includes the Mini-ITX sized (170 mm x 170 mm) COM Express® Reference Carrier Type 6. Also included is a powerful and compact 300 W SFX-NT power supply unit, so that the highest-performance modules, plus dedicated graphics cards can be tested in full-performance operation to maximize user experience. Furthermore, with the included adapter cables for DisplayPort to DVI and DisplayPort to HDMI, OEMs do not need additional components when evaluating multi-display installations with conventional monitors. A USB 3.0 memory stick not only contains the documentation files, it can also serve as a USB 3.0 test device.

The Kontron COM Express® Starterkit Type 6 is supplied in an aluminium case and is available now. For an individual configuration of the starter kit, including a specific COM Express® module with memory, cooling solution and pre-installed operating system, please contact Kontron.

For more information, please visit the Kontron COM Express® Starterkit Reference T6 product page.

More information on the Kontron COM Express® Computer-on Modules can be found at:
Kontron COM Express® basic COMs
Kontron COM Express® compact COMs

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About Kontron
Kontron is a global leader in embedded computing technology. With more than 40% of its employees in research and development, Kontron creates many of the standards that drive the world’s embedded computing platforms. Kontron’s product longevity, local engineering and support, and value-added services, help create a sustainable and viable embedded solution for OEMs and system integrators. Kontron works closely with its customers on their embedded application-ready platforms and custom solutions, enabling them to focus on their core competencies. The result is an accelerated time-to-market, reduced total-cost-of-ownership and an improved overall application with leading-edge, highly-reliable embedded technology.

Kontron is listed on the German TecDAX stock exchange under the symbol "KBC". For more information, please visit: http://www.kontron.com/

Media Contacts

EMEA
Norbert Hauser
Kontron
Tel: +49 (8341) 803-0
norbert.hauser@kontron.com

Michael Hennen
SAMS Network
Tel: +49 (2405) 45267-20
michael.hennen@samsnetwork.com

Americas
Richard Pugnier
Kontron
Tel:+1 (858) 623-3006
richard.pugnier@us.kontron.com

Annette Keller
Keller Communications
Tel:+1 (949) 640-4811
annettekeller@sbcglobal.net

APAC
Richard Pugnier
Kontron
Tel:+1 (858) 623-3006
richard.pugnier@us.kontron.com

Michael Hennen
SAMS Network
Tel: +49 (2405) 45267-20
michael.hennen@samsnetwork.com


All rights reserved. Kontron is a trademark or registered trademark of Kontron AG. Intel® and Intel® Core™ are trademarks of Intel® Corporation in the US and other countries. PICMG® and COM Express® are trademarks of the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturers Group. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks or copyrights by their respective owners and are recognized. All data is for information purposes only and not guaranteed for legal purposes. Subject to change without notice. Information in this press release has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies.