Streamlined and Competitive:Kontron's Micro Client Series Breaks 15-inch barrier

Thin HMI-IPC Is In

Houston, October 17, 2006 – Today at the opening of the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society’s Expo in Houston, Kontron introduced the Kontron Micro Client Series of thin Human Machine Interface panels. With products such as the Kontron M@C150 Micro Client, Kontron offers an extensive product range of thin HMI’s with displays up to 15-inches.

OEMs profit from HMI clients that are substantially thinner and less expensive than fully-fledged IPCs, but still offer sophisticated graphics, intuitive GUIs and touch screen operation. Thanks to the use of Kontron ETX® modules, the new RoHS-compliant Kontron Micro Clients are scalable in regard to processor performance to suit individual needs and a variety of applications. Whether employed as thin clients, Web clients, user terminals or controllers, a wide variety of requirements can be realized quickly and inexpensively by using the Kontron Micro Client Series thin HMI systems.

A multitude of standard protocols such as HTTP, XML and RDP have already been implemented on board. Additional functionality, such as the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) and a browser that is started in KIOSK mode to display Java applets, are planned for later release. By default, Windows CE.net, Windows XP Embedded and Embedded Linux operating systems are available and run on non-volatile Compact Flash cards. Customization and expansion of the software support package is possible through Kontron’s own software developers.

Also available are 1xRS232 (with optional RS422/RS485), 2xUSB and LAN for connecting peripheral devices or for remote servicing. If required, Kontron’s Micro Clients can also be equipped with CAN interfaces and battery-backed SRAM.

All of the Micro Clients in the Kontron M@C product line are IP65-protected on the front panel. The installation depth for each display size is only about 50 mm, thanks to innovative, passive cooling. The input voltage for industrial or machine-internal power supply systems is designed for 24V DC. Shock, vibration and temperature resistance, as well as satisfaction of the most stringent EMC requirements, round out the feature set of the Kontron Micro Clients.

In machine and plant construction there is a demand for long product lifecycles; Kontron answers this demand by offering at least five years availability for the Kontron Micro Client Series. Other possible areas in which Kontron’s Micro Clients might be used include building control, automotive, medical technology and transportation.

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Micro Clients and Web-based Applications
The use of Micro Clients / thin clients as Web-based indicator and user panels that have all applications running on a central Web server, is a very low-maintenance and highly flexible approach to system deployment. The advantages of the thin client architecture include centralized administration and software maintenance, maximum data security through centralized data storage and backup, and high system reliability and availability (high MTBF values) through the elimination of rotating mass storage devices and fans. All this reduces the total cost of ownership to a minimum.

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 reduce their time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage with products including: high-performance open computer platforms and systems, single board computers, human-machine interfaces, and mobile rugged computers and displays. 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 which means earliest access to leading-edge Intel technologies and privileged engineering support. For additional information on Kontron, please visit www.kontron.com.


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

Product and Technical Contact
Cliff Moon
Product Marketing manager, Systems
Kontron America
858.677.0877
cliff.moon@us.kontron.com