As fields like robotics, industrial automation, and medical imaging increasingly demand both real-time responsiveness and high computational density, edge system design is increasingly seeking to achieve both server-class performance and modular scalability. To meet this demand, competition for high-performance COM-based platforms is also intensifying.

On March 11, congatec announced the launch of a new variant module based on the Intel Core Series 2 'Bartlett Lake-S' and expanded the performance range of its COM-HPC client size C product family, 'conga-HPC/cBLS'.

The new module supports up to 12 P-cores, clock speeds up to 5.7 GHz, up to 192 GB of ECC memory, and 42 PCIe lanes. Its architecture, which does not mix different core types, focuses on systems requiring low-latency and deterministic processing. Key application areas include data loggers for test benches, CNC equipment, automated production lines, and AI-based quality inspection systems.

The integrated graphics are also configured to meet the demands of edge AI. It features Intel UHD Graphics with up to 32EU, Intel Deep Learning Boost, and VNNI to enhance inference performance, and it also features various input/output interfaces such as dual 2.5GbE, USB, SATA, UART, GPIO, and I2C. It also supports sealed system designs through active cooling, a heat spreader, and a heat pipe adapter.

The operating system supports Windows 11, Windows 11 IoT Enterprise, Linux, and Ubuntu Pro. Furthermore, the system incorporates a virtualization option called "aReady.VT," a software pre-configuration option called "aReady.COM," conga-connect for IIoT connectivity, and custom design services, reinforcing an ecosystem-centric approach over individual modules.

Jürgen Jungbauer, Senior Product Manager at congatec, explained that the product is suitable for high-performance, scalable systems that require regular upgrades, and can also be used as a low-power server platform for edge AI inference when utilizing integrated graphics. Industry observers say the product aligns with the growing demand for performance, scalability, and ease of replacement in industrial edge designs.