Computer-on-Modules feature 45nm Intel processors

Based around the recently introduced high-performance, low-power 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo processor SP9300 and Intel GS45 chipset, this very robust COM Express module excels over the previous 65nm dual-core processor offerings by enabling faster core speeds (up to 2.26GHz), more L2 cache (6MB) and a faster FSB (1066 MHz), but without a comparable increase in energy consumption.

Dirk Finstel, VP of Global Research and Engineering at Kontron, comments: "Due to the smaller processor footprint, the 45nm technologies are also the ideal basis for developing a new range of cost-effective and energy-saving embedded computer applications. Computer-on-Modules are a perfect fit for such applications since the location of the external interface connectors is flexibly determined by the application specific carrier board."

Joe Jensen, the general manager at Intel's Embedded Computing Division, adds: "The enhanced performance-per-watt from the 45nm Intel Core 2 processor SP9300 enables system designers to improve system efficiency, including DDR3 memory support, fanless designs, improved EMC and MTBF, and longer battery life."

Choice of modules

For high-end data and media-processing applications that require maximum performance, the 2.26GHz (1066 MHz FSB) version of the ETXexpress-PC module offers uncompromising processing power with a CPU TDP of just 25W. For intensive data-processing applications, the Kontron ETXexpress-PC is Kontron's first COM Express pin-out type 2 Computer-on-Module to support up to 8GB of dual-channel memory via two DDR3 SO DIMM sockets for even faster bus speeds and higher peak throughput. The low-voltage version of the Kontron ETXexpress-PC with the 1.3GHz Intel ULV Core 2 Duo processor (800MHz FSB) requires a TDP of only 10W, making it a good choice for power-sensitive applications. A 1.86GHz processor version rounds off the selection of Kontron ETXexpress-PC modules that together provide enhanced performance-per-watt ratios to suit a wide spectrum of next-generation embedded applications in the automation, medical, infotainment, kiosk, POS/POI and portable computing sectors.

In addition to outstanding performance, these latest members of Kontron's COM Express Computer-on-Modules family will support the built-in, comprehensive Intel vPro technology 4.0 that offers enhanced security and remote management for easier maintenance, higher system availability and, therefore, reduced total costs of ownership. System managers benefit from Intel vPro technology because they can remotely carry out tasks such as installation of a new OS or setting BIOS parameters without the need for additional remote management hardware or an on-site presence. If there is an operating system failure, managers can run diagnostics, update patches and reboot the system via an out-of-band connection from a central service system within a few minutes. State-of-the-art system security is provided by Intel Trusted Execution Technology and there is an on-board trusted platform module - TPM 1.2 - for software and data protection. These features make the Kontron COM Express Computer-on-Modules excellent for distributed systems - for example, railway operators and utility companies, as well as operators of traffic lights, toll collection systems and cash, vending, ticket and gaming machines.

I/O flexibility

Extensive I/O flexibility for the Kontron COM Express ETXexpress-PC Computer-on-Modules is provided by 5x PCI Express x1 lanes, 4x SerialATA ports, 1x IDE and 8x USB 2.0 ports, together with Gigabit Ethernet. Via the multiplexed PEG pinout, SDVO and Display-Port deliver additional video signals for VGA and DVI monitor outputs, SDTV and HDTV television outputs and TV tuner inputs that greatly simplify system graphics design. All the Kontron COM Express Computer-on-Modules provide PCI Express, PCI 32, USB 2.0 and SerialATA available on the PICMG Type 2 connector, guaranteeing scalability within the product family. In particular, the SerialATA ports and native RAID support make the Kontron ETXexpress-PC useful for data-sensitive applications. There is also continued support for non-PCI Express legacy components such as plug-in cards via the PCI 2.1 interface.

The new Kontron COM Express ETXexpress-PC modules support Windows XP, 2000, XPe, CE and Linux operating systems. With full DirectX 10 capability, Windows Vista is also supported.

Samples of the Kontron ETXexpress-PC supporting the new DDR3 SO-DIMM memory modules are available now. Series production is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Further information is available at: www.kontron.com/products/computeronmodules/com+express/etxexpress/etxexpresspc.html.

ETXexpress and COM Express are explained at www.kontron.com/truth/.

More information about Computer-on-Modules is available at www.kontron.com/COM.