| Next-gen computer-on-module spec flies PCI Express |
Nov. 18, 2003
 Kontron unveiled a proposal for a next generation, small form-factor, embedded computer-on-module (COM) standard at a press conference in Munich, today. The new COM spec -- called ETXexpress -- evolved from the earlier ETX standard, which was developed by Kontron. Whereas ETX makes use of PCI as its principal system bus, ETXexpress leverages the new PCI Express standard as a high speed system bus, along with several emerging peripheral interface standards.
 COMs are meant to be installed on an application specific baseboard much like an integrated circuit component, in a "host" site comprised of several low profile, surface-mount connectors. The baseboard provides the drive electronics and physical connectors for the I/O originating on the COM. Additional I/O and application-specific subsystems can be integrated on the baseboard, designed as peripherals to the COM using the various bus and interface signals originating on the COM.
According to Kontron, the ETXexpress spec incorporates several leading-edge bus and interface technologies and standards, including PCI Express, serial ATA, gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, and dual-channel DDR. Also, the standard is said to provide a means to support legacy PCI devices and plug-in cards.
Kontron mock-up of ETXexpress module
Kontron says ETXexpress is an "open standard," and that a preliminary version (0.9x) of the spec is available for download on its website -- although we were unable to locate it at the time we published this story. A final spec (vers. 1.0) is expected to be published in Q1 2004.
Additionally, the company says it is evaluating the idea of establishing an ETXexpress consortium to promote industry-wide advancement of the new standard. There is already support for the fledgling standard from "a number of industrial and embedded computing leaders," the company adds.
Specification overview
Here are some key features and specs of the proposed ETXexpress standard, extracted from Kontron's ETXexpress announcement: - System buses -- support four PCI Express x1 Lanes and PCI Express cards, as well as established hardware solutions based on current buses such as 32-bit PCI and ISA bus (via a LPC).
- A 10/100/1000 Mega Bit Ethernet port provides fast connectivity to LAN/WAN and 6x USB 2.0 provide fast and sufficient interfaces for external drives/flash, keyboard, mice and other peripherals.
- Location-specific interfaces -- the following interfaces are always located in the same physical position on each board: serial ATA, parallel ATA, LVDS Multi Media ports, and an ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) for optimized power management.
- Interface connectors -- signals will be brought out via 160-pin surface-mount connectors and will support data rates up to 5 GHz.
- Initial form-factor dimensions -- 85 x 125 mm
- Mounting holes -- six mounting holes on the board provide resistance to shock and vibration. The thermal coupling system incorporates a standardized heat spreader, as is the case with ETX.
Kontron says it is currently working with Intel to finalize the technical definition of the new standard, and that it will make it available for review shortly. One of the design goals is built-in scalability, to make it easy to keep up with the latest advances in processing technology without the need to redesign existing custom designs, the company says.
"It gives us great pleasure to lead this spec development for the industrial and embedded market segments and work with key players in the embedded industry," commented Kontron COO Hans Muehlbauer. "Kontron has a large experience in driving and embracing open standards efforts such as PCIMG 1.2, embATX, ATCA and ETX modules. Computers-On-Modules address the largest market of Embedded Computing technology today -- that of proprietary designs. We expect that as more embedded and industrial OEMs introduce new designs, they will embrace the COM concept with a potential for high volumes and growth."
"We believe the adoption of standard, modular computing elements by the embedded computing market segments can accelerate the implementation of advanced technology such as PCI-Express and Gigabit Ethernet while providing scalable and interoperable solutions," added Ton Steenman, general manager of the Embedded Intel Architecture Division. "The ETXexpress standard is an example of how Intel Architecture fits in small form factor applications requiring small size and low power at a competitive performance."
Kontron's product roadmap
Kontron plans to add ETXexpress modules to its existing COM portfolio, along side its ETX products. The company says it has nine variants based on the new standard planned for availability by the end of 2004, offering performance scalability at a wide range of price points. Its first ETXexpress modules, expected to become available by mid-2004, will be based on 1.6 GHz Intel Pentium M processors in conjunction with the Intel 855 GME chipset.
The company emphasized that it intends to continue its support for ETX, as well as for its X-board and DIMM-PC standards, with all three product lines being be maintained through new designs to offer performance upgrades and/or power savings.
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