Kontron has introduced the Cobalt 904 avionics server, which is designed to speed the development of commercial avionics, IFE and ground communications systems. Certification to the DO-160G avionics standard for compatibility and safety of airborne electronics is underway and anticipated to be completed in early 2016.
The Cobalt 904 is designed for installation in limited physical spaces. It uses an Intel dual-core i5-4422E processor with 1.8GHz performance and 16GB DRAM. The system also includes ECC, Intel Trusted Execution Technology, Intel Virtualization Technology, Intel Active Management Technology and TPM. A mix of system input/output is supported, including seven GbE ports (two direct and five switched), six ARINC 429 channels, USB 2.0/USB 3.0, VGA, RS232, RS485/RS422, HDMI and audio, as well as aircraft discrete inputs and outputs.
Cobalt 904 can be shipped with either removable or fixed internal SSDs, in sizes up to 128GB, 512GB or 960GB. Windows or Linux operating system and software support packages are also available, including validated drivers and sample API code for avionics interfaces such as ARINC 429 and aircraft discretes. The system’s sealed, fanless design is intended to ensure reliable operation in extreme environmental conditions including extended temperatures, shock, vibration and electromagnetic interference. Cobalt 904 weighs less than 7 lb and its footprint is 8.5 x 5.5 x 3.9in.
“The Cobalt 904 avionics server has seen excellent early response from the market with significant interest coming from both US and European customers,” said Andy Mason, vice president of avionics systems and program management for Kontron. “We have already received orders from two key suppliers of inflight cabin systems for business aviation as well as from a major business jet airframe manufacturer.”
October 2, 2015
