New Micro ETXexpress modules from Avnet Embedded
The most scalable and flexible microETXexpress® product line from Kontron.The compact microETXexpress® form factor with only 95 x 95mm is 100% compatible to COM Express™ basic respectively ETXexpress® and is already proposed to the PICMG® to become an official standard.
microETXexpress® family is full-grown today
In the field, the microETXexpress® is well-accepted and many other vendors offer now COM Express™ compatible modules in this compact size. Remarkable, the compact COM family offers the first time full scalability in reference to CPU performance: starting with Intel® Atom™ 1.1 GHz over Intel® Celeron® M up to high-end Intel® Core™2 Duo power. The small footprint is pretty close to the PC/104 size (90 x 96mm) and could be a flexible replacement for existing PC/104 projects.
microETXexpress®-DC
This COM is the latest member of Kontron’s microETXexpress® family and is populated with Intel® Atom™ N270 (1.6 GHz), Intel® 945GSE and ICH7M. The optional SSD flash onboard (which is available projectrelated only) is directly connected to the PATA. With a total power consumption of less than 12W, it is made for fan-less applications.
As the set of feature covers all those of the microETXexpress®-PM, the microETXexpress®-DC is a perfect successor for those projects. Please note: microETXexpress®-PM is not recommended for new designs anymore.
The microETXexpress®-DC is perfect for very cost-efficient solutions requiring low- and mid-level CPU performance.
microETXexpress®-SP
Unlike the microETXexpress®-DC, the microETXexpress®-SP is equipped with Intel® Atom™ Z5xx technology and uses the brand-new integrated SCH US15W (North- and Southbridge in one silicon). The featureset of this device differs significantly: LVDS with native 24 bit is officially supported and USB client functionality among others. Even the graphic engine has a complete new architecutre – a dedicated video accelerator is included to off-load the CPU from decoding jobs and delivers high video performance.
However, regular and OpenGL graphic performance of the microETXexpress®-DC cannot be met.
To support a maximum of all COM Express™ features, many bridges are designed by default onto the microETXexpress®-SP:
- PCIe-to-SATA bridge to have both SATA and PATA (SCH US15W supports PATA only)
- PCIe-8-Ports-Hub to multiply the available PCIe lanes (SCH US15W supports 2 PCIe x1 only)
- PCIe-to-PCI bridge to support legacy devices (SCH US15W has no PCI interfaces)
Four ports of the PCIe-8-Ports-Hub are used for issues on the microETXexpress®-SP module. Consequently, 5
PCIe ports (4 coming from the Hub and 1 from the SCH US15W) are available on the Carrier Board.
While the benefit of all those bridges on the COM is easy integration, the downside is increased powerconsumption.
On project-basis, the microETXexpress®-SP can be ordered with a customized configuration;
that means, the customer decides which bridges should actually be populated. Power-consumption consequently ranges from 4.5W up to 11W depending on configuration. From an economical point of view, customization of COMs usually pays off with a project size of 1000 pcs. and 250 pcs. lot size.
As some competitors have no bridges integrated by default, these facts must be taken into account in comparisions of power and pricing.
The SSD/MMC socket extends the module easy and flexible with a storage media – which is even bootable.
microETXexpress®-SP is the product for energy-saving, small, battery-powered and/or mobile devices.
microETXexpress®-PC
The Intel® Core™2 Duo technology as Small Form Factor package fits perfectly onto the compact footprint and realizes the first time such high-end performance on this small COM. Together with the Intel® GS45 SFF and ICH9M chipset, sufficient graphic performance for Blu-ray and high-end OpenGL are feasable.
This module is available with Dual-Core CPUs Intel® Core™2 Duo and with bargain Intel® Celeron® M CPUs.
The Celeron® M 722 and 723 are of the same performance (1.2 GHz) and architecture however TDP of the 722 is 5.5W while TDP of 723 is 10W. Consequently, the Celeron® M 723 variant is more cost-efficient.
The microETXexpress®-PC is the product of choice for high-performance devices and small footprint.
Posted: 26 Nov 2009
Author: Trident