Kontron announced a COM Express Compact module that features Intel's dual-core Atom D525 processor, up to 4GB of DDR3 memory, and the ability to work in temperatures ranging from -40 to 185 deg. F. The microETXexpress-PV-XT includes PCI and PCI Express expansion, gigabit Ethernet, LVDS and VGA video outputs, eight USB 2.0 ports, and three SATA ports.

Describe it as "new" Kontron might, but the microETXexpress-PV-XT really isn't much different from the microETXexpress-PV announced Nov. 22. (And that module wasn't much different from an earlier version the company announced with the same name in March 2010: It just gained a different Atom processor and a higher RAM limit.)

All that has changed now for this 95 x 95mm (3.75 x 3.75) microETXexpress format (a.k.a. COM Express Compact) module is its operating range. The standard microETXexpress-PV is operable from 32 to 140 deg. F; the revised -XT version may be chilled down to -40 deg. F or baked up to 185 deg. F.

Kontron offers both active (fan-equipped) and passive heat sinks for the microETXexpress-PV-XT. The company's data sheet doesn't specify under what circumstances the fan might be required, however, except to say that the module's extended temperature range requires a "proper cooling solution."

The original microETXexpress-PV from 2010 used Intel's Atom N450 or D410 (both single-core) and dual-core D510, which can only work with up to 2GB of DDR2 memory. The 2011 models switch to the 1.8GHz, dual-core Atom D525, allowing the module to accept up to 4GB of DDR3 memory in its two DIMM slots.

Kontron's microETXexpress-PV-XT

Kontron again says the microETXexpress-PV-XT includes 18-bit LVDS graphics and supports VGA resolutions up to 1400 x 1050 pixels. Compatible with the COM Express Type 2 pin-out, the module serves up three SATA ports, eight USB ports, and a gigabit Ethernet port. The module also supplies 32-bit PCI expansion, five PCI Express x1 lanes, I2C, SPI, and LPC, according to the company.

Features and specifications listed by Kontron for the microETXexpress-PV-XT include the following:

• Processor — 1.8GHz Intel Atom D525
• Chipset — ICH8M
• Memory — up to 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• Display — supports 18-bit LVDS and VGA displays with resolutions up to 1400 x 1050 pixels
• Expansion (via COM Express Type 2 pin-out):
  • 1 x 32-bit PCI
  • 5 x PCI Express x1
  • I2C
  • SPI
  • LPC
• Networking — Gigabit Ethernet
• Other I/O (also via COM Express Type 2):
  • 3 x SATA
  • 1 x PATA (optional)
  • 8 x USB 2.0
  • Audio I/O
• Power:
  • consumption — 13 Watts
  • input range — 4.75 to 18VDC input range
• Operating temperature — -40 to 185 deg. F (-40 to 85 deg. C)
• Dimensions — 3.75 x 3.75 inches (95 x 95mm)

Further information

Kontron says the microETXexpress-PV-XT supports Linux, Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, Windows 7, and VxWorks. Samples are available now, with mass production beginning in the first quarter of 2012, the company adds.

More information may be found on the microETXexpress-PV-XT product page.

Jonathan Angel can be reached at [email protected] and followed at www.twitter.com/gadgetsense.

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