Computer-on-Modules

One Concept, Ever Smaller

Computer-on-Modules (COM) are highly integrated computer modules that support system expansion and application-specific customization without the use of cables. When using a Computer-on-Module, customers don't need to worry about the complex design of the COM, instead freeing them to concentrate on their core business. To tailor this modular solution to the application's specific needs, Kontron designs the carrier board including all necessary interfaces for the individual application. And the standardized COM is simply plugged into the carrier board like another component. Based on industry standards (such as COM Express and ETX) for mechanical and electrical interface characteristics, embedded modules are the ideal solutions for a host of embedded applications including those serving the medical, industrial automation, government, communication, point-of-sale/information and entertainment markets.

Advantages of the Modules at a Glance:

• Short time-to-market
• Simplified development
• Flexibility and interoperability
• High stability
• Long life cycles
• Based on industry standards

Related Links:

COM Industrial Group
PICMG
ETX Industrial Group

Computer-On-Modules
COM Express™
ETX®

COM Express™

Kontron has a long and successful history of innovation within Computer-on-Modules. Under Kontron's leadership, the COM Express™ specification was developed and is now maintained by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturer Group (PICMG®). Kontron offers a wide range of COM Express™ compliant and compatible modules including those in its ETXexpress® (“Basic”), microETXexpress® (“Compact”) and nanoETXexpress (“Ultra”) product families. Kontron COM Express™ modules offer complete, multimedia-capable computing cores for high-level applications and the high performance needed for your next generation product.
The COM Express™ standard describes Computer-on-Modules is the technological successor to ETX®. It defines mechanical dimensions such as maximum height, a standardized heat spreader for interchangeable cooling solutions, placement of mounting holes, a detailed description of connector placements and their electrical properties such as impedance or electromagnetic shielding.

Benefits:

• 3 compatible form factors under a single standard: Basic(125x95mm), Compact(95x95mm) and Ultra (84x55mm)
• 5 defined pin-out types for flexibility
• Performance and Power Scalability
• Shortest time-to-market
• Leverage of knowledge
• Simplified development
• Long-term availability

ETX®

ETX® Computer-on-Modules are the perfect solution for embedded applications that require full PC functionality and high performance CPUs. They support x86 CPUs from 500 MHz up to Intel® Core™2 Duo and offer a full complement of PC/AT I/O such as keyboard, serial, parallel and Parallel ATA interfaces. The full-featured ETX® series also includes onboard USB, Ethernet, graphics and sound. ETX® modules are installed on the application-specific carrier board, much like an integrated circuit component, in a host site comprised of four low profile surface mount connectors. Kontron provides those modules according to the latest ETX® 3.0 specifications.

Benefits:

• 2x SerialATA support by connector area on the module
• ETX® 3.0 is 100 percent backward pin-to-pin compatible with previous ETX® standard revisions
• No redesign needed for the ETX® carrier boards
• Long term support