Kontron announces new DARC™ VX108, SWaP-optimized multicore server-class mission computer for rugged, space-constrained applications

DARC™ VX108 is a VPX-based, small form factor, fanless computer offering secured multicore processing power and high connectivity in an ultra-rugged enclosure, making it ideal for numerous defense applications in the harshest environments.

Augsburg, Germany / Toulon, France, 06.06.2018 – Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT/Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), announces the new Kontron high performance, rugged mission computer DARC^TM VX108. It features powerful eight core Intel^® Xeon^®-class floating-point processing and two 10GbE optical ports. The DARC^TM VX108 combination of SWaP-optimization, data-center server-class processing, network capabilities and I/O flexibility makes it ideal for C4ISR command and control, image processing, surveillance, virtual machine hypervisor, datacenter server processing, and network functional virtualization (NFV) applications.

Designed for use in military platforms requiring compliance to MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461, and MIL-STD-1275, the unit's passive natural convection-cooled chassis enables fanless operation over extended temperature ranges with no active cooling or cold plate accessories required. Moreover, its ultra-rugged, sealed enclosure protects the integrity of the equipment against all climatic elements such as dust, salt fog, sand, rain, ice, hail, solar radiation, fungi, or even wind, making the DARC^TM VX108 a perfect candidate for use both in vehicles and outdoor applications.

The DARC^TM VX108 is a competitive mission computer delivering server-class performance, in particular thanks to its use of Intel 64-bit SoC, DDR4 memory, standards-based VPX, XMC, and M.2 module technologies. To ensure superior signal integrity of its two optical ten Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, and other interfaces, the unit features MIL-grade high speed connectors which provide a high-bandwidth I/O interconnect packaged in a rugged MIL-38999 circular connector format.

The DARC^TM VX108 high compute power platform can be further expanded with an open architecture GPU co-processor (such as Kontron XMC-GPU91) and/or I/O modules, thanks to its on-board XMC (VITA42) and M.2 expansion slots. Add-on cards can be integrated to support demanding mission requirements, such as MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, or CANbus.

Digital security is of tremendous importance for embedded computing: the exploding number of deployed autonomous devices, with no operator close-by, will represent a significant surface of attack. Moreover, embedded computers can be connected and active in the field over many years. Kontron answers digital security requirements in the form of the SEC-Line offering with hardware enforced root of trust (Dual secure elements), which is available on the DARC^TM VX108, and software only techniques such as Secure Boot. Furthermore, the design of the DARC^TM VX108 already includes a third secure element to enhance digital security of the final application.

For more information please visit:
https://www.kontron.com/products/systems/defense-computers/modular-mission-computers/darc-tm-vpx108.html 
https://www.kontron.com/downloads/datasheets/d/darc-vpx108-datasheet-06-2018.pdf?product=153412

###

Follow Kontron:

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

###

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

###

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. 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.