ETX 3.0 Standard continues to gain support

The updated version of the proven ETX Computer-on-Module Standard is now supported by ten leading global vendors, including Kontron, Advantech, MSC, Evalue, Adlink, Seco, Aaeon, Arbor, Axiomtek and Blue Chip Technology. More providers of ETX modules also plan to support ETX 3.0 in the near future.

ETX 3.0 introduces 2x Serial ATA compatibility without changing the established ETX pin configuration, making new modules 100 percent pin-to-pin backward compatible with previous versions and ensuring long-term support for the vast number of embedded application solutions based on these already highly integrated COMs. Applications based on ETX COMs range from automation, medical, gaming and entertainment, to military and aerospace.

"Advantech is one of the founding members of the ETX Industrial Group initiated in 2001: we are delighted to support the updated ETX 3.01 specification, which includes parallel TTL display interface compatibility as an option," says Jeff Chen, Chief Technology Officer of Advantech. "In order to prevent customers who use TTL to suffer the incompatibility problem that developed with the ETX 2.7 revision, Advantech supports ETX 3.01 and its later version to include the TTL spec as reference in board manual and design guide, therefore Advantech can keep backward compatibility for many of our existing customers who use TTL."

"ETX 3.0 adds real value to the embedded market's most established Computer-On-Module standard - ETX," comments Dirk Finstel, CTO of Kontron Embedded Modules. "It is for this reason that even more vendors are expected to support ETX 3.0 soon. The rollout of ETX 3.0 will be the fastest de facto standardization process the embedded computing industry has ever seen – and it will encompass all of the world's major COM vendors and markets."

Kontron, Advantech www.advantech.com.tw, and other members of the ETX Industrial Group have adopted ETX 3.0 with the intention of keeping this genuine standard viable, undiluted and reliable until at least 2010. Additional modules built around dual-core processors and others from Intel, AMD, and VIA are planned for release over the course of this year, with more to follow in future. To obtain a copy of the ETX 3.01 specification, contact a local Kontron office or visit the ETX Industrial Group website (www.etx-ig.org). A downloadable version of the specification will be available in the near future.