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Kontron Launches Rugged Embedded Computing Module ''ECM''; Now Shipping, New Pentium M-Based Embedded Computers Target Full Spectrum of OEM Mobile System Applications

Posted on: Tuesday, 8 March 2005, 15:00 CST

Kontron America's Mobile Computing Division announces the Embedded Computing Module (ECM), a ruggedized, small form-factor PC engine for high-performance, application-specific mobile systems. The ECM is a "first-to-market" class of embedded OEM computer with control boards housed in a secure module for easy integration with other technologies into larger systems. Physically measuring just 6.5"(165.1 mm) length x 4"(101.6 mm) width x 1.8"(45.7 mm) height, the ECM is light weight and small enough for body-worn systems, and with third party Mil-Std 810F certified packaging, is sufficiently rugged for military and harsh industrial environments.

Kontron's ECM features a 1.4GHz Intel(R) 738 Pentium M(R) processor, up to 1 GB of DDR RAM and 2 MB of cache. Also included are integrated Intel Pro Wireless 802.11b/g wireless networking capability, removable 40-60GB hard drive, low-EMI design, and one docking connector for managing all I/O devices including a full PCI bus. The rugged ECM is resistant to water as well as extremes of shock, vibration, temperature, humidity and altitude.

"For OEMs, designing rugged, full-featured embedded PCs to serve as the heart of their mobile systems is expensive, complicated and requires specialty engineering, testing and packaging," said Dale Szymborski, general manager. "Kontron's ECM solves this challenge by providing a high-performance, versatile, embedded Pentium M platform with virtually limitless connectivity options. Available off-the-shelf, the ECM lets OEMs skip many steps in product development and move immediately to trial and marketing their own products with reduced R&D, manufacturing and testing time and expense."

"Kontron has led the development of rugged PC platforms for more than a decade," Szymborski continued. "The ECM is simply the logical next step in extending our expertise to meet the emerging need for smaller, lighter, rugged platforms that can be integrated into a variety of OEM configurations, from in-vehicle to body-worn and other custom mobile packages."

Kontron also offers custom I/O and docking solutions for the ECM. Also available, a full-featured development kit includes an ECM and one I/O interface module with PC-Card, serial, USB, parallel, Ethernet, Firewire, and other ports to allow rapid system prototyping and testing. Kontron Mobile Computing also offers engineering services for custom packaging. -0- *T PRICE: ECM--from $1999, based on quantity and configuration; ECM Development Kit--from $3795 AVAILABILITY: Now DELIVERY: Off the shelf *T

For further information, contact the Mobile Computing Division of Kontron America at 1-888-343-5396 or visit the web site at: www.kontronmobile.com.

About the Kontron America's Mobile Computing Division:

Formerly Kontron Mobile Computing, Inc., the Mobile Computing Division of Kontron America designs, manufactures and markets rugged computers for a variety of worldwide industries and applications. Founded in 1992 the company also provides product customization, integration and support services from its headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minn. For further information, visit the Kontron America Mobile Computing Division online at www.kontronmobile.com , or phone the company toll-free at 888-343-5396.

About Kontron:

A leading global embedded computer technology company, Kontron supplies a diversified customer base of OEMs, system integrators and application providers in the communications, automation, transportation, medical, military, aerospace, and test and measurement 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, man-machine interfaces and mobile computers. Kontron employs more than 1,800 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 WKN: 605395. Kontron is a member of the Intel Communications Alliance. For additional information on Kontron, please visit: www.kontron.com.

Source: Business Wire

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