Kontron has updated its ETXexpress computer-on-module (COM) family with three high-end models. The ETXexpress-PC PP (“Performance Package”) modules move up to the Intel GM45 Express and Intel GL40 Express chipsets, accept 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and support CPUs up to a 2.53GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400.

Kontron says its new ETXexpress-PC PP modules are its highest performance COM Express modules, suited for a wide variety of devices in infotainment, gaming, medical industrial, and military applications. The modules are as follows:

• ETXexpress-PC PP T9400 — Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 (2.53GHz) with 6MB L2 cache and Intel GM45 Express chipset
• ETXexpress-PC PP P8400 — Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 (2.26GHz) with 3MB L2 cache and Intel GM45 Express chipset
• ETXexpress-PC PP 575 — Intel Celeron M575 (2.0GHz) with Intel GL40 Express chipset

Kontron ETXexpress-PC PP

All the ETXexpress-PC PP modules offer support for up to 8GB DDR3 memory and provide a range of I/O via the COM Express pin-out type 2 connector, says Kontron. Expansion offered in this way is said to include PCI 2.1, five PCI Express x1 interfaces, and a PCI Express Graphics (PEG) interface that offers a multiplexed pin-out, enabling dual SDVO video signals for HDMI and DisplayPort monitor outputs. The modules also support non-PCI Express legacy components such as plug-in cards via the PCI 2.1 interface, says the company.

Storage is provided via four SATA interfaces with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 functionality, as well as a PATA interface, says Kontron. A gigabit Ethernet port and eight USB 2.0 ports are also said to be supplied. In addition, the modules integrate the Intel Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) technology for additional data security capabilities, says the company.

The 8.5V to 18V power supply is watched over by Kontron's power-off S5 Eco state, which is said to replace the conventional S5 power monitoring mode. The S5 Eco technology reduces the module's power consumption to less than 1 mA, or "at least a factor of 200," claims Kontron.

Specifications listed for the ETXexpress-PC PP modules include:

• Processor (all with ICH9M southbridge):
  • T9400 — Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 (2.53GHz) with 6MB L2 cache and Intel GM45
  • P8400 — Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 (2.26GHz) with 3MB L2 cache and Intel GM45
  • 575 — Intel Celeron M575 (2.0GHz) with Intel GL40
• Graphics — Intel GMA X4500 (DirectX 10, PS 4.0, DVMT 4.0)
• Memory — Up to 8GB DDR3 via dual-channel SODIMM (667/800/1066MHz)
• Expansion:
  • 1 x PCI 2.3 (32 bit, 33MHz)
  • 5 x PCI Express x1 (1 x PCI Express x4 possible)
  • 1 x PEG x16
• Storage — 4 x SATA 300 (AHCI, RAID, Matrix); 1 x PATA
• Display:
  • Single- and dual-channel LVDS 18/24 bit
  • LVDS resolution up to UXGA (1600×1200)
  • CRT resolution up to QXGA (2048×1536)
• Networking — 1 x 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet (Intel 82567)
• USB — 8 x USB 2.0
• Other features:
  • Intel high definition audio
  • LPC, JIDA, JRC support
  • TPM 1.2 integrated in ICH9M
  • Real Time Clock
  • Watchdog timer
• Power — 8.5V to 18V with S5 Eco monitoring; typ. idle consumption of 8 W (with earlier SP9300 model)
• Operating temperature — 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C); extended temp. versions possible
• Dimensions — 4.92 x 3.74 inches (125 x 95mm); COM Express Type 2
• Operating system — Linux, VxWorks, and Windows Vista/XP/XP Embedded/Embedded CE

Background

The new devices join three existing ETXexpress-PC modules that use the Intel GS45 companion chipset instead of the GM45 and GL40. These include the SP9300 (Core 2 Duo SP9300 2.26GHz with 8MB L2), the SL9400 (Core 2 Duo SL 9400 1.86GHz low voltage with 6MB L2), and the SU9300 (Core 2 Duo SU 9300 1.2GHz low voltage with 3MB L2). 

In 2003, Kontron created the ETXexpress standard, which was later adopted as the PICMG COM Express standard. Kontron then introduced cut-down versions of the COM Express format known as microETXexpress (2006), and nanoETXexpress (2007). The latter was rev'd last month to a nanoETXexpress-SP version that added RAM and flash memory, as well as LVDS and SDVO display outputs.

Availability

Samples of the ETXexpress-PC-PP modules are available now, with series production starting by the end of the first quarter, says Kontron. More information may be found here.

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