SPS IPC Drives: Kontron introduces Embedded Cloud servers as evaluation platforms

Scalable systems for the Embedded Cloud – optional TSN-control for time-sensitive networks – Fieldbus-connectivity to supplement or replace legacy fieldbus solutions

Augsburg, Germany, November 28, 2017 – Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), introduces Embedded Servers at the SPS IPC Drives 2017 in Nuremberg. They play a central role in the company’s Embedded Cloud concept introduced earlier this year. These fully functional, scalable systems serve as project evaluation platforms and will premiere in front of customers and partners on November 28 to 30, 2017 at the Kontron booth in hall 7, booth 193. A “Cube” Embedded Server with a Single Socket Intel® Xeon® processor specifically adapted for the Embedded Cloud will be on display as a functional model and example for a compact, cost-optimized design type in IT environments. As an ideal base for industrial Embedded Cloud Servers, scalable COM Express® Type 7 modules with Intel Xeon and Intel Atom® server-class-processors integrated into a 4U industrial rack mount system with a carrier board will be showcased as well. Kontron is set to add similar systems as standard products to its portfolio in 2018.

The evaluation plattforms for Embedded Server encompass the following models:

• The „Cube“ premiered at the trade fair is a compact-design evaluation platform for use in IT environments. The Cube features a single-socket Intel Xeon processor and enhanced storage functionality. The system is part of a TSN/OPC UA live demonstration at the booth.
• The 4U Embedded Server offers scalable performance by utilizing a COM Express Type 7 Module with Intel Xeon and Intel Atom server-class processors for industrial applications. The options for expansion offered by their 7 PCIe slots make them an ideal fit for servers tasked with analytics, artificial intelligence or machine learning. Two 10 gigabit ethernet interfaces allow for high data throughput.

The two evaluation platforms presented will be complementary to the standard product Kontron HPW410 used as a high performance workstation/Embedded Server in industrial applications.The HPW410 server features a dual-socket Intel Xeon processor and 6 PCIe slots. Adding GPGPU plug-in cards will make the system well suited for analytics, artificial intelligence or machine learning tasks as well as Embedded Vision applications. Integration of OPC UA and the Kontron TSN networking card (see separate press release) also presented at the trade fair is possible on a project-specific base with the configuration described. Together with S&T, Kontron offers in-depth consultation on specific tasks in this area as a service.

Real IIoT with TSN, OPC UA and Embedded Servers

Kontron is comittted to expanding functionality of its latest industrial computers by IEEE-802.1-compliant TSN to drive time-sensitive applications in IIoT and Industry 4.0 applications. Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) has a myriad of uses. In industrial environments, convergent, ethernet-based TSN with guaranteed latency and Quality of Service (QoS) with time synchronization can replace proprietary fieldbus systems, for instance in machine control applications. This makes real IIoT or Industry 4.0 based on Ethernet protocol standards possible. Time-synchronized networks with low latency turn servers into virtual control platforms covering the appropriate field level tasks.

Microsoft Azure Cloud Integration

To further expand its extensive portfolio of embedded systems, Kontron will also showcase scalable Embedded Servers, Fog Computers and Edge Gateways as part of the Embedded Cloud. Sensitive data can be processed and filtered through Microsoft Azure IoT Edge in the Embedded Cloud and used for analytics and artificial intelligence locally. Selected, filtered data can be outsourced into the Microsoft Azure Cloud for long-term storage and big data analysis such as Business-Intelligence and other analytics tasks. Examples of data collection, visualization and device management in the Cloud will also be shown.

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• Kontron on Twitter
• Kontron on LinkedIn
• News about Kontron can also be found in the official Kontron blog

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About Kontron – An S&T Company

Kontron is a global leader in IoT/embedded computing technology (ECT). As a part of technology group S&T, Kontron offers a combined portfolio of secure hardware, middleware and services for Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 applications. With its standard products and tailor-made solutions based on highly reliable state-of-the-art embedded technologies, Kontron provides secure and innovative applications for a variety of industries. As a result, customers benefit from accelerated time-to-market, reduced total cost of ownership, product longevity and the best fully integrated applications overall.

For more information, please visit: www.kontron.com

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For further information please contact:

Alexandra Habekost
Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Kontron S&T AG
Tel: +49 (0) 821 4086 114
alexandra.habekost@kontron.com

All rights reserved. Kontron is a trademark or registered trademark of Kontron S&T AG. Intel, Intel Atom and Xeon are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks or copyrights by their respective owners and are recognized.