MSC Vertriebs has announced a computer-on-module (COM) aimed at embedded applications requiring high-performance graphics and networking. The COM Express-format CXE-C2D965 module supports Intel's Celeron M or Core 2 Duo processors and runs Linux, according to the company.

(Click here for a larger picture of the CXE-C2D965)

As mentioned, the CXE-C2D965 follows the COM Express standard, and is apparently one of the first such boards to use Intel's GME965 chipset. As on the Ampro COM840 that was introduced in August, this provides the module with accelerated graphics.

Known to Intel marketers as the Graphics Media Accelerator X3100, the GME965 chipset offers up to 384 MB of shared memory, eight fully programmable execution cores, and full DirectX 10 compliance. MSC says the CXE-C2D965 supports dual independent displays, with resolution as high as 2048 x 1536 pixels on either a CRT or LVDS-interfaced LCD.

The module's core computing competence comes from a purchaser's choice of either a 2 GHz Celeron M 500 processor, or a 1.6 GHz Core 2 Duo CXE-C2D965. According to the company, two SODIMM sockets provide dual-channel memory support, accepting up to 4 GB of PC5300 DDR2 SDRAM.

In addition to its other capabilities, the CXE-C2D965 is said to provide hardware and BIOS-based security compliant to the requirements of the Trusted Computing Group (TCG). It includes an onboard Infineon SLB9635TT 1.2 (PDF data sheet download) trusted platform module.

Key features and specifications for the CXE-C2D965, as listed by MSC, include:

• Processor — Core 2 Duo L7500 clocked at 1.6 GHz or Celeron M550 clocked at 2.0 GHz
  
• Memory — 4 GB maximum, standard complement not specified
  
• Video:
  • Intel GMAX3100 chipset with 384 MB of possible shared memory
    
  • 3-D and 2-D engine with hardware rotation
    
  • MPEG-2 and WMV9 hardware acceleration and decoding
    
  • dual-panel display support with independent pipes
    
  • supports external PCIe x 16 graphics
    
  • CRT or LCD resolution up to 2048 x 1546 pixels
• Audio — Intel high-definition audio, AC '97 compatible
  
• Networking — 10/100/1000 Ethernet
  
• Other I/O ports:
  • Enhanced UltraDMA 66/100 IDE interface; supports two drives
    
  • 3 x SATA II ports
    
  • 8 x USB 2.0
• Expansion:
  • PCI Express — 6 x 1-lane, one channel shared with gigabit Ethernet
    
  • 32-bit PCI bus
    
  • LPC (low pin count) interface
• Power — +12 V, +5 V standby optional; 35-40 W typical consumption
  
• Dimensions — 6.1 x 4.3 inches (155 x 110 mm)
  
• Operating temperature: 0-60 degrees C

In addition to Linux, the module also targets Windows XP Embedded, according to the company.

Although pricing was not disclosed, the CXE-C2D965 appears to be available now. MSC says that for evaluation and design purposes, it can also supply baseboards that offer standard PC-style connectors.

---

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.