Leading embedded computing technology (ECT) company Kontron is pleased to announce the M8 mobile data computer (MDC), which has been jointly developed with US-based firm BMS Inc.

BMS is a major supplier of real-time mission critical video and data solutions to Military and first responders around the world.

Kontron’s small form factor MDC’s have been previously used in the Data911 product line of BMS.

The Kontron application-ready subsystem is the computing foundation in the next-generation Data911 M8™ rugged mobile computing system designed for first responders and other public safety agencies.

Kontron and BMS teams collaborated on the state of the art design to integrate the latest technologies and maximise its features and configuration options.

This was accomplished while still meeting space constraints and low power and certification requirements.

The M8 is the latest addition to the Data911 M Series of rugged mobile data computers.

Developed to perform in the toughest vehicle environments, the M8 is a modular three-piece system that delivers substantially improved performance, as well as low lifecycle costs.

The M8 is based on a customised in-vehicle computer that leverages high-performance 3.20 GHz Intel® Core™ processors on Kontron’s COMe-cBL6 hardened Type 6 COM Express® CPU module coupled with a ruggedised carrier board.

The Kontron platform is packaged in a natural convection, sealed IP67 enclosure to survive rigorous environmental conditions.

Kontron’s COMe-based application-ready system provides a very low power-per-performance feature set, and delivers a modular building block platform to add technologies such as Wi-Fi, 4G, GPS and Bluetooth.

These features and computing performance enable the M8 to give users immediate access to mission-critical information to meet real-time incident response time and field performance needs.

BMS Inc. CEO Chuck Beck said: “With the M8 system, we are providing first responders an industry leading MDC solution that gives agencies modular flexibility in terms of software, interface IO, data storage and digital video capabilities and low total cost of ownership.

“Kontron’s extensive design expertise in the in-vehicle mobile data computer market and our long relationship with them made them a natural partner for our next generation M Series system.”

Kontron America general manager Kevin Rhoads added: “Working on the M8 mobile system is the latest collaboration we’ve enjoyed in our long-standing and successful customer relationship with BMS.

“We are gratified to supply our unique small form factor integration, test and manufacture capabilities to give BMS a system-level design advantage that met both their performance and rugged use requirements.”

Kontron is set to showcase its full line of in-vehicle products at ITS World Congress 2017, which will take place from 29 October to 2 November.

The company will be located at booth 415.

For more detailed information on Kontron in-vehicle products and open architecture computing platforms, please contact the company via the enquiries form.