ETX 3.0 SPECIFICATION RELEASED - ADDING SERIAL ATA TO ETX

Kontron Innovates ETX with True Long Term Support and 100% Compatibility

FREMONT, CA -- April 4, 2006 -- Kontron, a leading embedded computer technology company, today announced the release of the ETX 3.0 specification for computer-on-modules (COMs). The new specification brings in 2x Serial ATA without changing any of the ETX pins, making new modules 100 percent pin-to-pin compatible with previous versions and ensuring long-term support for the vast number of embedded application solutions based on these already highly integrated COMs including medical, gaming and entertainment, military and aerospace, etc.

ETX 3.0 modules, such as the Kontron´s ETX-LX, integrate 2x Serial ATA via two slim line connectors that are designed onto the top-side of the CPU module itself rather than requiring the ETX-connectors of the module and carrier board to be redefined. As a result, existing carrier board designs can remain unmodified in order for the solution to take advantage of faster Serial ATA hard drives. ETX 3.0 also defines USB 2.0 to be used via the existing ETX connectors.

Kontron along with ADLINK, MSC and other supporting members of the ETX Industrial Group () have adopted ETX 3.0 with the intention of keeping the standard viable until at least 2010. Additional modules built around dual-core processors and others from Intel®, AMD®, and VIA® are planned for release over the course of the year with more to follow.

To obtain a copy of the ETX 3.0 specification, contact a local Kontron office and/or visit the ETX Industrial Group website (). A downloadable version of the specification will be available in the near term future.

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, telecom, oil and gas, public safety, medical, military, aerospace, gaming and entertainment, and energy 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, human-machine interfaces and mobile rugged computers. 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. For additional information on Kontron, please visit .

Editor Contacts:
Product and Technical Information
Christine Howe
Product Marketing Manager
Kontron America - Silicon Valley
510.438.7250
christine.howe@kontron.com

Marketing Communications
Richard M. Pugnier
Manager, Marketing Communications
Kontron America
858.623.3006
richard.pugnier@kontron.com