congatec Unveils New COM Express Mini Module with ECC Support

New conga-MA3E, based on Intel® Atom™ E3800 series, provides memory error correction feature ensuring maximum reliability

Deggendorf, Germany, 14 October 2014 * * * congatec AG, a leading technology company for embedded computer modules, single board computers and ODM designs, now offers designers the safety and security of error correction code, often referred to as ECC memory, on a COM Express Mini Type 10 module. The new conga-MA3E, a follow on from the conga MA3, is based on the Intel® Atom™ E3800 series of processors.

“COM Express Type 10 continues to be a growing module segment and ECC memory support further enhances congatec’s competitive position in applications that require this support. We see telecommunications, financial and banking applications requiring ECC memory support in order to increase overall system reliability. Due to its small form factor and increased reliability, the conga-MA3E will certainly open some new doors for us”, states Dan Demers, Director of Marketing for congatec in the Americas.

Unlike standard RAM modules, ECC modules feature additional functions to check the data flow and adjust it as necessary in order to correct errors. The correction mode of this memory type can correct single bit errors and detect double bit errors. It therefore differs significantly from the so-called "parity bit", where errors can be detected but not corrected.

Both the conga-MA3 and the conga-MA3E feature the latest Intel Atom single chip design, an L2 cache able to be shared by multiple cores, and a much faster Intel HD graphics engine than the previous generation. Other highlights of the modules include an ultra-dense design, onboard soldered DDR3L memory (ECC for the conga-MA3E) with support for up to 8GBytes, and an onboard MLC or SLC eMMC SSD. Both modules support commercial and industrial temperature rated versions ranging from the entry-level single-core to the quad-core Intel Atom E3845 with 1.91 GHz and 10 watts maximum power consumption.

The eMMC driver supports an integrated wear levelling feature for high data security. The improved graphics supports DirectX 11, OpenGL 3.2, OpenCL 1.2 and high-performance, flexible hardware to decode multiple high-resolution full HD videos in parallel. Up to 2,560 x 1,600 pixels with DisplayPort and 1,920 x 1,200 pixels with HDMI are natively supported in the processor. It is possible to connect up to two independent display interfaces, including one via the 24-bit LVDS output.

Thanks to native USB 3.0 support, the modules achieve fast data transmission with low power consumption. A total of six USB 2.0 ports are provided plus one USB 3.0 Super Speed port. Four 5 Gb/s PCI Express 2.0 lanes and two SATA interfaces operating up to 3 Gb/s enable fast and flexible system extensions. The Intel Gigabit Ethernet Controller I210 helps with software compatibility. ACPI 5.0, I2C bus, LPC bus for easy integration of legacy I/O interfaces and Intel High Definition Audio complete the feature set.