Easy entry into Time Sensitive Networking: Kontron showcases TSN starterkit at embedded world 2018

KBox C-102-2 industrial computer platform with integrated TSN networking card

Augsburg, Germany, February 14, 2018 – Kontron, a leading global provider of IoT and Embedded Computing Technology (ECT), presents the first marketable, comprehensive Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) extension solution for Fog Computing at embedded world 2018 in Nuremberg. At the core of this starterkit is the Kontron KBox C-102-2 industrial computer with an integrated TSN networking card including software and real time Linux operating system. The TSN specifications guarantee timely, high availability delivery of data packets. The KBox C-series is used for machine control or the visualization and inspection of manufacturing processes. A live demo will be on display at the Kontron booth in hall1, booth 478. The starterkit will be commercially available in early April 2018.

The Kontron TSN starterkit's KBox C-102-2 features a high-performance 6th generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor, and Linux operating system with real-time extension. It offers a maintenance-free design without any fans or batteries. This ensures a significantly prolonged lifespan and high system availability. The KBox series' modular structure, based on the standardized COM Express® technology, results in flexible, highly scaleable systems. The KBox C-102-2 also features two PCI slots, one with the pre-installed TSN networking card. With this card, the system provides four additional TSN switched Ethernet ports with 10/100/1000Mbit/s. 

The Kontron TSN networking card includes an integrated switch for redundant networks with four gigabit Ethernet ports. It meets all specifications of IEEE 802.1, such as timing and time synchronization, traffic scheduling, frame preemption, and stream reservation protocol. Additional functionality can be integrated through software updates in the FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). With the standard PCI Express® network card and the associated network- and switch drivers for Linux, industrial computers can be connected through redundant ring-, line-, daisy-chain-, or star-shaped TSN networks. The TSN network card is especially suited for rough industrial environments and can be run in industrial temperature ranges from -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. 

The software tools include application examples to send TSN packets, as well as a network analyzer application, which determines and displays them. In addition, the time synchronization via PTP IEEE 802.1AS can be evaluated by means of a simple software tool and a 1- pps sync output.

The Kontron starterkit is the first marketable TSN extension solution for standard industrial PCs. As a hardware/software upgrade solution for existing PLCs, Box PCs, gateways and industrial servers, it offers easy entry into Time Sensitive Networking. In addition, it facilitates the easy integration of endpoint devices into a TSN network.

As part of the Kontron Security Solution, the starterkit’s KBox C-102-2 supports the Kontron APPROTECT solution. Based on an integrated WIBU-Systems security chip and in tandem with a specifically developed software framework, it provides full IP and copy/reverse engineering protection. 

Please find more information at:

• https://www.kontron.com/products/systems/connectivity/network-interfaces-tsn/kbox-c-102-2-tsn-starter-kit.html

Notification for media professionals

Find out about the Kontron trade fair attendance highlights, latest products as well as current strategy- and technology announcements at the embedded world press conference on the first day of the trade fair, Tuesday, February 27th 2018, at 16.00 pm in room Hongkong (NCC Ost, level 1). We kindly ask you to register via our agency Vibrio via email to kontron@vibrio.de, phone +49 (0)89 32151 760.

Please note that the scope for individual questions and answers is limited at the press conference. Please arrange a personal meeting with Kontron experts in due course at kontron@vibrio.de, phone +49 (0)89 32151 760.

###

Follow Kontron:

• Kontron on Twitter
• Kontron on LinkedIn
• News about Kontron can also be found in the official Kontron blog

###

About Kontron – An S&T Company

Kontron is a global leader in IoT/embedded computing technology (ECT). As a part of technology group S&T, Kontron offers a combined portfolio of secure hardware, middleware and services for Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 applications. With its standard products and tailor-made solutions based on highly reliable state-of-the-art embedded technologies, Kontron provides secure and innovative applications for a variety of industries. As a result, customers benefit from accelerated time-to-market, reduced total cost of ownership, product longevity and the best fully integrated applications overall.

For more information, please visit: www.kontron.com

###

For further information please contact:

Alexandra Habekost
Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Kontron S&T AG
Tel: +49 (0) 821 4086 114
alexandra.habekost@kontron.com

All rights reserved. Kontron is a trademark or registered trademark of Kontron S&T AG. Intel® and Intel® Core™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel® Corporation in the US and other countries. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks or copyrights by their respective owners and are recognized. All data is for information purposes only and not guaranteed for legal purposes. Subject to change without notice. Information in this press release has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies.