Uppsala, Sweden, 2 April 2008:

Hectronic, a specialist in embedded PC development and manufacturing, has announced the launch of a family of embedded modules based on the ultra low power Intel® Atom™ processor Z500 series and companion chipset, the Intel® System Controller Hub (SCH) US15W. This new Intel platform for the ultra mobile PC market, is ideal for embedded applications that need x86 performance, rich feature set and very low power consumption.

These applications include existing embedded PC applications where traditional desktop CPUs and even notebook CPUs present design challenges in terms of power and thermal design, especially  as many systems are designed for completely fanless operation in difficult environments, and with small footprint. The Intel® Atom™ processor-based modules will also open up a new segment of x86 based, ultra compact, mobile, and battery powered devices in the embedded space.

The first family member will be a legacy interface COM module, based on the ETX standard, and will be sampled to early access customers in Q3. The module will incorporate bridge components in order to provide full ETX functionality and the PCI and ISA bus architectures of the ETX standard. This module will target the large base of ETX designs, giving embedded PC OEMs the opportunity to quickly integrate this new technology into existing carrier boards and end products.

Later in 2008 a new, ultra compact, legacy free module based on the Intel® Atom™ processor will be introduced. This CPU module will be targeting small mobile devices such as handheld instruments and field tablets as well high-volume, low cost, embedded x86 applications.  Details of this module will be disclosed at a later date.

Hectronic's CEO Stefan Löf says in a comment:   "We are excited about this opportunity to work closely with Intel, and  to bring out technology that will allow embedded x86 customers to achieve what was previously not possible. This new platform from Intel® will inject new growth in the embedded PC industry, giving us the chance to work with a wider range of OEM customers and applications."

"Hectronic's strong local technical support will enable developers to benefit from carrier design and BIOS-services that will enable them to quickly get to market with the new Intel® Atom™ processor technology," Jonathan Luse, director of marketing, Low Power Embedded Products Division, Intel.
    
Intel and Intel Atom are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the US and other countries.

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Hectronic contact:

Patrik Björklund, Tel: +46 18 660700 Email: patrik.bjorklund@hectronic.se

About Hectronic:

Hectronic is the leading embedded PC platform provider in the Nordic region and the company is now expanding its sales activities into other European markets. Hectronic develops boards and embedded systems as both standard products and custom solutions. Customers include large OEMs in industrial, military and telecom markets, plus channel partners ranging from systems integrators and design consultants to other solutions providers. Hectronic's renowned technical expertise has led to the development of numerous products that lead the market in terms of price/performance, small size and low power consumption. The company is currently expanding its standard product offering whilst maintaining a strong engineering capability to assist customers in tailoring its products to specific applications. The designers of Hectronic's boards and systems provide expert local technical support to customers. Hectronic is a privately held company owned by the founders and Verdane Capital, a major Nordic venture capital firm focused on the technology sector.