New congatec Server-on-Modules for real-time media processing

congatec, a leading technology company for embedded computer modules, single board computers (SBCs) and embedded design and manufacturing (EDM) services, has introduced two new Server-on-Modules which have been especially designed for real-time media processing. The new conga-TS170 Server-on-Modules are based on the latest Intel® Xeon® E3-1578L and E3-1558 processors. A distinguishing feature of the new modules is the integrated Intel® Iris™ Pro Graphics accelerated by 128 MB fast eDRAM and double graphics base frequency for outstanding transcoding and video processing performance. Additionally, with the Media Studio Server package they offer comprehensive software support. congatec’s new Server-on-Modules come with an extensive ecosystem including complete Board Support Packages, comprehensive driver support and instantly application-ready carrierboards and evaluation kits, simplifying individual embedded server configurations.

Edge and fog computers for industrial IoT applications are one of the two major application areas for the new Server-on-Modules. Their task is pre-processing and transcoding big data as well as managing and controlling local processes. In close proximity to the field-level such servers are highly responsive and real-time capable allowing both the horizontal and the vertical networking of any industrial IoT-connected smart sensors, actuators and complex equipment and machines. High-level media processing performance brings benefits to numerous application fields. Examples are autonomous driving, drone control, vision-based robotics as well as self-learning machines with complex Deep Learning algorithms and neuronal network structures, which also profit from the high-level media and GPGPU processing capacities of the new Xeon processors.

Equally important is the second field of application where densely packed servers in content delivery networks at carriers, service or third party providers are used for high-quality and high-density video transcoding to provide end-users a best quality experience. These networks featuring carrier-grade availability and durability are implemented in commercial media streaming and video conference systems as well as a variety of new video-based security and surveillance applications, which can also be used for virtual vision in maintenance and service applications.

“Media processing in IoT networks opens up a whole new range of applications in lots of different industries. Our Server-on-Modules help developers by simplifying the design and scalability of their industrial-grade platforms. Where performance demands are stepped up, upgrades can be carried out quickly, as the modular computing cores can be replaced by new ones at any time,” Christian Eder, Marketing Manager at congatec explains. Parallel to this, the Server-on-Modules offer a great level of flexibility to fulfill the individual size and ruggedness demands. This is extremely important for all the different industrial applications. This flexibility is achieved with minimum effort using the Server-on-Modules, as many building blocks can be supplied application-ready. As the congatec Server-on-Modules comply with the PICMG’s COM Express Basic, developers profit from maximum design security.