ETXexpress modules aim to serve
Oct 30, 2007 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 1 viewsAdlink has introduced a pair of “server class” computer-on-module (COM) products based on the ETXexpress (aka COM Express) form-factor. The IW400 and DW400 — using the Pentium M and Celeron M, or Core Duo and Core 2 Duo, respectively — run embedded Linux, according to the company.
(Click here to see a larger view of the Adlink IW-400)
Otherwise very similar, the two COMs offer a choice of memory orientation. Two vertical SO-DIMM sockets accept up to 4 GB of ECC (Error Correcting Code) DDR-2 400 memory, or, optionally, 2 GB of RAM may be installed in a horizontal socket.
According to Adlink, the modules — which conform to the 4.9 x 3.75 inch (125 x 95 mm) COM Express form-factor — are built with Intel's 3100 chipset. “Specifically optimized for embedded, communications, and storage applications,” according to Intel, this silicon combines a memory controller with other functions, including PCI Express, SMBus (system management bus), two SATA controllers, and USB 2.0.
Intel 3100 chipset block diagram
The Adlink modules use all the 3100 chipset functionality mentioned above. For example, their expansion capabilities include two x4 PCI Express lanes with enhanced DMA (EDMA) support, three x1 PCI Express lanes, and four 32-bit PCI 2.3 bus masters.
Key COM module features and specifications listed by Adlink include:
- Processors:
- IW400 — Intel Pentium M or Celeron M, with 400 MHz front-side bus (FSB)
- DW400 — Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo, with 667 MHz front-side bus
- IW400 — Intel Pentium M or Celeron M, with 400 MHz front-side bus (FSB)
- Memory:
- 2 vertical SODIMM sockets accept 4 GB of DDR-2 400 memory
- alternative horizontal socket accepts 2 GB of RAM
- Networking — 10/100/1000 Ethernet, based on Intel 82573 controller
- Storage interfaces:
- 4 x SATA (150 MB/se
- 1 x Ultra ATA 100/66/33
- Other I/O — 4 x USB 2.0 (one USB-to-serial for debug or console function)
- Expansion:
- 2 x4 PCI Express lanes with EDMA support, configurable as a 1 x8 PCI express lane
- 3 x1 PCI Express lanes
- 4 x 32-bit PCI 2.3 bus masters at 33/66 MHz
- LPC (low pin count) bus
- SMBus 2.0
- Dimensions — 4.9 x 3.75 inches (125 x 95 mm)
According to Adlink, the IW400 and DW400 COMs support both embedded Linux and Windows XP Embedded, and can be supplied with evaluation baseboards that incorporate standard connectors.
Availability
Adlink says the IW400 is available now, while the DW400 will be “released soon.” Pricing was not disclosed, but more information about the boards is available from the company's website, here.
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