Kontron Unveils Mix of Mid-Size AdvancedMC Modules

Kontron expands its mix of AdvancedMC modules to enrich the pre-integration design process of wireless and wireline applications

MUNICH, Germany − November 14, 2006 − Kontron, a leading embedded computer technology company, today introduced at electronica four new AdvancedMC modules that will facilitate the security, processing, I/O and storage configurations of pre-integrated open modular equipment designed for a multitude of IMS, 3G wireless, and wireline network applications.

Two of the four new AdvancedMC units – the Kontron AM4330 IPSec module and the Kontron AM4301 Quad GbE module – are based on the new Mid-Size (4HP) form-factor, recently introduced by the PICMG (PCI Industrial Computing Manufacturers Group) as a flexible and complementary option to the existing Full-Size and Compact sizes. Mid-Size AdvancedMC modules (4HP) are intended to accommodate the design of a wider range of modules that match both AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA system solutions. Full-Size units will typically continue to be ideal for applications that require a higher power envelope for maximum processing and the full volume space of SAS storage modules. Compact modules will fulfill the role for very high density platforms with more stringent power envelopes, featuring more I/O and SATA functionalities.

"An increasing number of mid-size AdvancedMC modules will be introduced into the market," says Marc Leclaire, ATCA/AMC Product Manager at Kontron. "But it will by no means be the exclusive form-factor, as both Full and Compact sized modules are necessary to meet specific customer requirements. The result is Kontron may now offer one of the most comprehensive and versatile range of AdvancedMC building blocks for both AdvancedTCA and MicroTCA."

The new Kontron AdvancedMC modules include:

Kontron AM4330 IPSec Module (Mid-Size)
The Kontron AM4330 AdvancedMC IPSec module is ideal to dynamically handle both IPSec and SSL VPN processing applications deployed within mobile communications infrastructure systems, including Media Gateways, Radio Network Controllers, and Serving GPRS Support Nodes. The AM4330 may be integrated with AdvancedTCA carrier boards and CPU Nodes, as well as in MicroTCA-based systems.

Kontron’s AM4330 is designed with a Hifn HIPP-II 8155 IPSec encryption controller which performs multi-protocol packet processing for security protocols such as IPSec (ESP and AH), SSL/TLS, L2TP, and PPTP. The Hifn encryption controller is complemented by a PCI-X to PCIexpress bridge and, with a 128MB private memory interface, can handle more than 200,000 IPSec small sessions (optionally 500,000 small sessions).

Kontron AM4520 SAS Storage Module (Full-Size)
As the ideal high performance, high reliability storage medium for open modular communications solutions, the Kontron AM4520 SAS module offers up to 73GByte storage capacity. Built in accordance to the AMC.0 and AMC.3 specifications, the AM4520 features a 10K rpm spindle and the industry's highest reliability at 1.4M hours MTBF. Easily managed via IPMI v1.5, this hot-swappable field replaceable unit also follows the same stringent carrier grade RASM feature set, namely - Reliability, Availability, Serviceability, Maintainability. When integrated with AdvancedTCA platforms, the AM4520 SAS module helps conserve valuable system AdvancedTCA system slots, ensuring greater economies of scale and reduced OPEX.

Kontron AM4002 Processor Module (Full-Size/Mid-Size)
The Kontron AM4002 is equipped with the latest Intel® Pentium® M technology for high performance computing within a small footprint. The core component of the AM4002 is an Intel Pentium M processor available at 1.4 and 1.8 GHz with a high-performance Intel E7320 chip set. It supports up to 4GB of DDR-II memory (PC400) as well as AMC.1 (PCIe), AMC.2 (Gigabit Ethernet), AMC.3 (Serial ATA) and ComPort connections. Supporting the PICMG sub-specifications AMC.1/.2/.3 the AM4002 ensures a comprehensive set of interconnecting capabilities to the Kontron AMC Carrier. A x4 PCI Express lane according to AMC.1 guarantees high throughput for I/O intensive applications. The dual Gigabit Ethernet controller realizing the AMC.2 interconnect utilizes a x4 lane PCI Express interface to the Intel E7320 chipset ensures maximum packet performance. Two SATA ports compliant to AMC.3 allow flexible usage models of the AM4002 depending on the application requirements. Today the AM4002 is available in full-size and will also be available in Mid-Size by the end of the year.

Kontron AM4301 Quad GbE Module (Mid-Size)
The Kontron AM4301 Quad GbE module is the ideal AdvancedMC unit for network applications that require multiple ports directly from an AdvancedTCA processor blade. Based on the Intel 82571EB Gibabit Controller, the AM4301 features 4 x 10Base-T/100Base-Tx/1000Base-T ports and supports PCI-E x8, x4 and x1 link and remote management via IPMI v1.5. As a hot-swappable, field replaceable unit (FRU), the AM4301 also follows the same stringent carrier grade RASM feature set. When offered in combination with AdvancedTCA platforms, TEM (Telecom Equipment Manufacturers) clients literally conserve valuable system slots, as the AM4301 maximizes communications I/O for Gigabit Ethernet and Fast Ethernet networks with four independent 10/100/1000 ports from a single slot.

More about Kontron Open Modular Solutions
Kontron shortens the application design process by ensuring that each open modular building block is fully interoperable and designed to be both the right technology and the right architecture to suit specific development needs. Kontron pre-integrated open modular solutions offer best-in-class carrier-grade hardware platforms, combined with carrier-grade OS and middleware solutions. Kontron offers a diverse selection of AdvancedTCA processor, switch and carrier boards plus complementary field-replaceable AdvancedMC processor, storage, and I/O modules. Kontron also builds all of its AdvancedTCA platforms to be 'AMC Everywhere' enabled, offering support for AdvancedMC modules in its processor, switch and carrier products. This is a major factor in providing TEMs with unprecedented flexibility in the design of new applications, as well as to increase economies of scale by freeing up valuable AdvancedTCA system slots for other payload blades.

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 to reduce their time-to-market and to gain a competitive advantage with products including high-performance open communication platforms and systems, single board computers, human-machine interfaces, and mobile rugged computers and displays. Kontron employs more than 2,400 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 www.kontron.com.

Product Page: Main AdvancedMC Product page

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

Technical Contact
Peter Matz
Product Marketing Manager
Kontron – North America
+1 450.437.5682 x2415
peter.matz@ca.kontron.com