Kontron ASMC Series Modules: ASMC2177G

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Kontron ASMC Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Kontron ASMC series represents a family of embedded computing and industrial controller modules deployed across heavy industrial environments including chemical processing plants, oil refineries, nuclear facilities, and power generation infrastructure. Kontron, headquartered in Germany, is a Tier-1 supplier of COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) embedded computing platforms. The ASMC product line occupies the mid-to-high tier of Kontron's industrial module portfolio, designed for applications requiring deterministic real-time performance, extended temperature tolerance, and long-term availability commitments. Installed base spans North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific across facilities with 10–25 year operational lifecycles, making spare parts availability a critical procurement concern.

The Evolution of ASMC Architecture

The ASMC architecture is built on Kontron's CompactPCI and PICMG-compliant backplane standards, evolving through several generations of processor and bus technology. Early ASMC modules utilized Intel x86 single-board computer architectures with ISA/PCI bus interfaces, targeting VMEbus and CompactPCI chassis environments common in SCADA and DCS integration projects of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Mid-generation modules transitioned to Intel Core and Atom processor families, incorporating PCIe Gen 2 backplane connectivity, IPMI 2.0 baseboard management, and ECC DDR3 memory subsystems. Current and late-series ASMC modules support PCIe Gen 3, DDR4 ECC, and extended temperature ranges of -40°C to +85°C for harsh environment deployment. Compatibility across generations is chassis-dependent; PICMG 2.0 R3.0 compliance is maintained across most mid-to-late series units, but early-generation modules require verification against specific backplane pinout revisions. Firmware and BIOS versions are not cross-compatible between generations without factory re-flashing.

ASMC Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified models within the Kontron ASMC series, classified by functional category:

Controller / SBC Modules

• ASMC2177G: CompactPCI SBC, Intel Core i7, dual GbE, PCIe Gen 3, extended temp controller module
• ASMC2175G: CompactPCI SBC, Intel Core i5, single GbE, PCIe Gen 2, standard temp industrial controller
• ASMC2173G: CompactPCI SBC, Intel Core i3, entry-level processing, dual serial, industrial controller
• ASMC2170G: CompactPCI SBC, Intel Atom E3800, low-power embedded controller, fanless design
• ASMC2160G: CompactPCI SBC, Intel Core 2 Duo, legacy mid-range controller, DDR2 memory

I/O Modules

• ASMC-DIO32: 32-channel digital I/O module, optically isolated, CompactPCI rear I/O
• ASMC-AIO16: 16-channel analog I/O, 16-bit resolution, ±10V differential input range
• ASMC-DI16: 16-channel digital input module, 24VDC logic, DIN rail compatible rear transition
• ASMC-DO16: 16-channel digital output module, relay and transistor output options
• ASMC-AI8: 8-channel analog input, 4–20mA current loop, process signal acquisition

Communication & Network Adapter Modules

• ASMC-ETH4: Quad-port GbE communication adapter, Intel i350 chipset, VLAN support
• ASMC-CAN2: Dual-channel CANbus interface module, ISO 11898-2, industrial fieldbus adapter
• ASMC-RS4: 4-port RS-232/422/485 serial communication module, software-selectable protocol
• ASMC-PCIE4: PCIe x4 expansion bridge module, CompactPCI to PCIe host adapter

Power Supply Modules

• ASMC-PSU6U: 6U CompactPCI power supply module, 200W, -48VDC telecom input, hot-swap capable
• ASMC-PSU3U: 3U CompactPCI power supply, 100W, AC/DC universal input, redundancy-ready

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete ASMC Parts

Kontron has formally transitioned several early and mid-generation ASMC modules to End-of-Life (EOL) status, with last-time-buy windows now closed for models including ASMC2160G and select I/O variants. For facilities operating legacy ASMC-based control systems, replacement procurement through the standard distribution channel is no longer viable. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested surplus, refurbished, and new-old-stock (NOS) ASMC modules sourced from decommissioned industrial sites, OEM overstock, and authorized secondary market channels. All units are catalogued by revision level and firmware version to ensure compatibility with existing chassis and backplane configurations. DriveKNMS provides cross-reference support to identify functional equivalents where direct replacements are unavailable, including Kontron-approved migration paths to current-generation platforms where applicable. Long-term maintenance contracts and consignment inventory programs are available for facilities requiring guaranteed spare parts availability over 5–15 year horizons.

Quality Control for the ASMC Range

ASMC modules present specific test challenges due to their CompactPCI backplane bus architecture and multi-function I/O subsystems. DriveKNMS applies a structured test protocol to all ASMC units prior to shipment. Each controller module undergoes POST (Power-On Self-Test) verification, BIOS integrity check, and memory subsystem stress testing using industry-standard burn-in tools. Backplane connector integrity is inspected under magnification for pin deformation, oxidation, and solder joint fatigue — common failure modes in modules removed from high-vibration environments. I/O modules are tested under active signal conditions: digital I/O channels are verified for correct logic levels and isolation resistance; analog modules are calibrated against traceable reference standards. Communication modules are validated for link establishment, packet integrity, and protocol compliance using dedicated bus analyzers. All units are powered in a controlled environment for a minimum 24-hour burn-in period before final inspection and packaging.