Kontron is launching the Computer-On-Module nanoETXexpress-TT, the company’s first ultra small form factor COM Express compatible module (55mm by 84mm) with the new Intel Atom processor E6XX.
It is equipped with the newly defined PICMG COM Express Type 10 pin-out that was added to the COM.0 R2.0 specification.
With industrial-grade components, functional in the range (E2) -40 to +85C and offering different options for data storage, it is suited for use in harsh environments.
Applications for the nanoETXexpress-TT, featuring the Intel Atom processor E6XX @ 600 MHz, 1 GHz, 1.3 GHz and 1.6 GHz, can be found in market segments where pocket-sized micro-PCs perform under the most extreme temperature and vibration conditions, such as in military, digital signage, energy, industrial automation and transportation.
Sample use cases include robust mini handheld terminals that are either battery or solar powered, wind power stations, robust embedded mini-PCs of smart-metering HMIs, and control or information appliances used onboard various commercial and industrial vehicles.
The nanoETXexpress form factor is suited for developers of small devices who want to rely on the high level of standardisation and the high scalability of the COM Express specification.
Kontron’s new COM Express COM.0 R.2 Type 10 compatible module shows the exact path for these and future x86 designs based on SFF processors: smaller, more dedicated, and energy efficient.
“With the COM Express COM.0 R 2.0 specification, we accomplished both the implementation of all the interfaces offered by the new processors into future proof connector types, as well as the standardisation of the smaller form factors,” Kontron CTO Dirk Finstel said.
“The nanoETXexpress-TT module is an ultra small module that perfectly combines the new COM Express Type 10 pin-out and the features of the Intel Atom processor E6XX series.
“With the Kontron Computer-on-Module nanoETXexpress-TT customers can fully benefit from the availability of four PCI-Express lanes of which three can be utilised for dedicated customer specific interfaces.
“This enables the use of even more dedicated mini-devices in a semi-custom solution.”
The new Kontron Computer-on-Module nanoETXexpress-TT offers the newly implemented Digital Display Interface (DDI) for SDVO, Display Port or HDMI that allows two displays to be controlled independently.
This enables applications to fully utilise up to 50 per cent improved 3D graphic performance compared to previous solutions based on Intel Atom Z5xx processors.
Users can also take advantage of the newly implemented Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) enabling external boot processes that in the past could only be accomplished through the LPC Bus.
The Kontron nanoETXexpress-TT also features Intel’s Platform Controller Hub EG20T, allowing the new Computer-on-Module to be configured flexibly.
In addition to three PCI-Express Lanes for custom extensions, the module also supports two different options for data storage: either a robust micro-SD Card socket offering (up to 32GB) and 2x SATA II 300MB/s interfaces, or a planned version with industrial-grade SATA Flash Memory (up to 16GB) and 1x SATA II 300 MB/s connector.
Kontron will also offer conformal coating for improved electromagnetic interference immunity and protection against corrosion for the Flash version.
CAN bus support is available as an optional feature, e.g. to support in-vehicle control applications.