What is Kontron's role as a high-performance computer platform?

Headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, Kontron AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of customized Embedded Computer Technology (ECT) systems—including boards, mezzanines, computer-on-modules, HMIs, displays, industrial chassis, computer rack mounts, and LCD monitors--for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) serving the commercial and military avionics, industrial automation, railways, and medical markets. With 30% of its workforce dedicated to research and development (R&D), Kontron is committed to making sure its products are sustainable and viable for the modern aircraft platform. Just last month, Kontron cut the ribbon on a brand new Avionics System Integration Lab (SIL) at its Poway, California facility, which serves as the U.S. headquarters for the German corporation. Designed to test the latest in new-generation avionics platforms, the Avionics System Integration Lab submits new in-flight entertainment (IFE) and wireless connectivity platforms to rigorous, fully-simulated testing environments. Due to how fast technology progresses and how current systems can quickly become obsolete, Kontron minimizes deployment risks of its products via simulating aircraft interfaces prior to installation on the actual aircraft. Committed to working with the best, Kontron has established a number of strategic alliances with other industry leaders. Being a member of semiconductor giant Intel’s Communication Alliance, Kontron is committed to developing the latest in embedded communications systems using Intel technologies. By being deemed a Gold Partner of Microsoft’s OEM System Building Program, Kontron works directly with the computer titan on new releases by having Microsoft test its software on Kontron platforms. The following companies have also chosen Kontron as their computing platform partner:

• Real-Time Systems GmbH
• Freescale Semiconductor
• WindRiver
• SYSGO
• MontaVista Software Inc.
• Profimatics
• Enea
• Wolf Industrial Systems
• World Micro Components
• Adaptec
• AL Software
• LynuxWorks

Notably, Thales has chosen to outfit its Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platform with Kontron’s 6U VME PowerNode 5 digital signal processor. Kontron’s line of PowerNode products provide high-speed switch fabrication and the dual processing power necessary for unmanned avionic surveillance. For the fiscal year 2013, Kontron reported USD$570 million in revenues and employed a 1,600-strong.