VISUAL SOLUTIONS

High-End Graphics for Embedded Computing

Until recently, system developers who needed high-end embedded graphics had to settle for consumer motherboards that do not meet the demands on energy consumption, cooling and longer availability required by the embedded market. Kontron has responded by developing motherboards with integrated high-end graphics features for embedded applications.

Today, improved graphics performance is available on embedded chipsets and embedded computing vendors support these technologies on their motherboards. The Kontron KT780/ATX basic motherboard, for example, is based on a cost-optimised AMD Phenom™ Quad Core processor and AMD RS780 PCI Express 2.0 chipset with integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics processor.



The board supports high-end graphics features such as DirectX 10, dual display, integrated DVI, HDMI (optional) and CRT, as well as internal TMDS (Transition Minimised Differential Signalling) and VESA DisplayPort functionality.

Hardware based video signal decoding routines for MPEG2 and H.264 HD video are integrated into the chipset, dramatically reducing CPU load when playing HD videos. The board also features low energy consumption and an advanced cooling system to satisfy the needs of embedded applications.

The latest addition to Kontron’s line of embedded mini-ITX motherboards, the KTUS15/mITX, provides another example. Based on the Intel® Atom™ processor running at up to 1.6GHz and the highly integrated Intel US15W System Controller Hub, the board combines small size and low power consumption.



Aimed at solar- and battery-powered mobile, in-vehicle or stationary applications that require low power consumption, excellent electromagnetic compatibility and simple passive cooling techniques, the board is based on the smallest ATX-compliant footprint of only 170mm x 170mm. Its integrated graphics engine provides 2D/3D acceleration and supports directX 9, dual independent displays, and hardware supported WMV9, H264.A and MPEG2 decoding.

Kontron also provides long-term availability for embedded ATX, Flex-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. For example, the KT690/mITX device has a footprint of just 170mm x 170mm, and yet delivers increased computing power and improved performance-per-watt, thanks to the use of AMD Sempron™ single core and AMD Turion™ 64 X2 dual core processors. The mini-ITX motherboard also offers increased graphics performance with an integrated Radeon™ X1250 graphics core.

Features: KT780/ATX

• Cost-optimised AMD Phenom™ Quad Core processor
• AMD 780 chipset
  • Integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics processor
  • Hardware-based MPEG2 and H.264 decoding
• Compact ATX form factor
• Two- to three-year product lifecycle
• Supports advanced graphics features and standards
  • DirectX 10
  • Dual display
  • Integrated DVI, HDMI and CRT
  • TMDS (Transition Minimised Differential Signalling)
  • VESA DisplayPort
• Low energy consumption
• Advanced cooling

Features: KTUS15/mITX

• 170mm x 170mm x 20mm mini-ITX motherboard
• 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor
• Intel US15W System Controller Hub
• Permits passive cooling
  • Thermal design power less than 5W for processor and chipset
• Excellent electromagnetic compatibility
• Accommodates high-capacity solid-state memory
• Two SDIO sockets
• Two PCIe and one PCI slots
• Integrated Intel Trusted Platform Module 1.2
• Long lifespan (seven years)
• 1GByte address space

Applications

• Industrial automation
• Infotainment
• Solar/battery powered appliances
• Mobile and portable equipment
• In-vehicle applications
• POS/POI
• Kiosks
• Medical/diagnostic equipment (eg ultrasound)
• Rugged tablets

For further information, including a Product Brief for the KTUS15/mITX or KT780/ATX, please click here