Kontron showed at last week’s Embedded World in Nuremberg a module combining performance and 5G connectivity for rail transport and avionics use.

The IB17M-W 5G M.2 broadband module was developed in Berlin and manufactured in Düsseldorf, and is also suitable for industrial applications.

The module has entered full series production, delivering the 3GPP Release 17 standard and data rates of up to 4.9Gbit/s downlink and 0.55Gbit/s uplink. With 4×4 downlink MIMO and 2×2 uplink MIMO, the module ensures stable connectivity even in difficult industrial environments.

A global SKU facilitates flexible deployment across multiple regions, streamlining international projects and certifications. The standard M.2 3052 (Key B) form factor allows seamless integration into existing systems and supports cost-effective scaling of high-speed cellular connectivity.

Based on the Qualcomm SDX 72-0 platform, the module provides USB 3.1 Gen 2 and PCIe data interfaces. Dual SIM ensures flexibility for international use.

The module’s compact design has an operating temperature from -40 to +85˚C. Support for L1+L5 GNSS frequencies for GPS, Glonass, Beidou and Galileo enables high-precision positioning without the need for additional antennas. Security is a key design principle; regular firmware and security updates ensure long-term protection against emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

“The series production of our 5G M.2 broadband module underscores Europe’s manufacturing excellence while delivering a secure, future-proof option for industrial connectivity,” said Hannes Niederhauser, CEO of Kontron. “Industrial 5G made in Europe stands for quality, technological sovereignty and reliability in critical applications, attributes that are increasingly essential for resilience and cyber security in today’s geopolitical environment.”

For more than 20 years, Kontron (www.kontron.com) has been supporting companies from a wide range of industries to achieve their business goals. From automated industrial operations, smarter and safer transport to communications connectivity, medical and energy products, the company delivers technologies that add value. With the acquisition of Katek in early 2024, Kontron strengthened its portfolio with a new green-tech division, focusing on solar energy and e-mobility.

The company has around 7000 employees in 20 countries.