C
OVER
S
TORY
The new industrial Mini-ITX SBC, conga-IGX,
was specifically developed for markets that
rely on embedded features but which are cost-
and time to market-sensitive. Examples of ap-
plication scenarios are in the retail POS/POI
sector where digital billboards, kiosk and check-
out systems or digital scales can get equipped
with the conga-IGX. It is also an ideal fit for
basic gaming and gambling machines, which
benefit from the extensive graphics capabilities
of the motherboard for up to two independent
displays which makes this type of appliance
more attractive and delivers an immersive user
experience.
It also targets cost-efficient HMIs in indus-
trial and building automation. Thanks to its
high 3D performance in a low power design,
this type of system can provide an intuitive,
3D-based GUI with multi-touch functional-
ity. The board offers various extension op-
tions via 1x PCIex4 connector and Mini-
PCI Express onboard. Flexible system ex-
pansion at high data bandwidth can be
achieved via Dual GbE LAN, 2x Serial ATA
III, 1x mSATA (SATA III), 7x USB 2.0 and
2x USB 3.0. Also it includes typical embedded
interfaces such as 8 bit GPIO, 3x serial ports
and 1x parallel port. DC power supply with
12V and 19-24V DC input, ACPI 3.0 power
management and high-definition audio com-
plete the package.
For extremely slimline SFF designs in de-
manding environments congatec offers the
Qseven module, conga-QG. For power-sensi-
tive applications the company recently
launched a version with the AMD
GX-210JA SOC with an average consumption
of 3W. For extreme environmental conditions,
the module is also available for the extended
temperature range featuring the AMD GX-
209HA 1.0 GHz dual core SoC. ECC (error
correction code) memory support makes the
module particularly suitable for applications
containing safety-critical situations. Applica-
tion areas are to be found in the industrial as
well as the medical sector, where any memory
errors can be automatically corrected so as to
ensure safe operation. For handheld designs,
the company also offers a suitable tablet PC
demonstrator. The kit includes a compact car-
rier board, the AMD G-Series SOC-based
Qseven module, a congatec SMART battery
board, as well as an intelligent touch screen.
Since the demonstrator was designed for prac-
tical use, it features a ported operating system
and a special mechanical housing.
For PC-like IoT appliances, which demand
optimum computing and graphics perform-
ance, while also providing the respective special
interfaces, a COM Express compact module
like the conga-TCG is an ideal solution. It pro-
vides VGA, single/dual-channel LVDS with
18/24-bit, as well as DisplayPort 1.2 and
DVI/HDMI 1.4a interfaces. This makes it pos-
sible to directly control two independent dis-
plays supported by the AMD G-Series SoCs.
Multistream is also supported by DisplayPort
1.2 in order to control up to two displays per
graphics port in daisy-chain mode. This is
ideal for all graphics-heavy applications, e.g.
for digital signage or gaming. The conga-TCG
highlights its versatility with a broad perform-
ance range. Currently the company offers a
total of four x86 processors with the AMD
Embedded G-Series SoC platform.
What’s best for your application? Mini-ITX,
COM Express or Qseven? The answer will be
different from application to application and
can best be provided after a discussion about
the technical and commercial details. But how-
ever the decision will be, one thing is for sure:
With Mini-ITX, COM Express and Qseven de-
velopers will find the right concept for their
requirements.
