Aaeon announced a computer module based on Via C7's or Eden (V4) processors, plus the Via CX700M chipset. The ETX-CX700M offers numerous expansion and storage interfaces, supports 1600 x 1200 resolutions on dual-channel LVDS displays, and offers Linux drivers, says the company.

The ETX-CX700 module is aimed at "niche markets" that require multiple functions and low power consumption, says Aaeon. These include test and measurement, gaming and entertainment, industrial automation, military, government, and security applications, says the company.

Aaeon's new ETX-CX700 employs the 4.5 x 3.7 inch ETX COM format, originally introduced by Jumptec and later acquired by Kontron. More specifically, the device complies with the ETX 3.0 format, which means that while it has sprouted two SATA ports, its main connectors remain compatible with any ETX carrier board. 

ETX-CX700

The ETX-CX700 is available with either a Via Eden clocked at 1.6GHz or a Via C7 clocked at 2GHz, and supports up to 1GB of 200-pin DDRII 400/533 RAM. The Via CX700M chipset supports resolutions of up to 1600 x 1200 on a 24-bit dual-channel LVDS LCD panel, as well as a CRT monitor.

Simultaneous and dual view output is said to be available to CRT/LVDS, LVDS/TV, CRT/DVI, or TV/DVI. Up to 128MB of system memory can be shared as video memory, and MPEG-4 acceleration is also supported, says Aaeon.

The module supports buses including 32-bit PCI,  8-bit/16-bit ISA, SMBus, and I2C, says the company. The module also offers 10/100 Ethernet, dual SATA II connectors, one PATA channel, and CompactFlash interfaces for storage.

ETX-CX700 (detail)
(Click to enlarge)

Specifications listed for the ETX-CX700M include:

• Processor - Via C7 (2GHz) or Eden V4 Bus (1.6GHz) CPU with FSB 533MHz
• Memory — Up to 1GB of 200-pin DDRII 400/533 RAM
• Chipset — Via CX700M with Winbond W83627HG-AW I/O chipset
• Display — Up to 1600 x 1200 @ 32bpp for CRT and @ 24bpp for LCD; supports up to 24-bit, dual-channel LVDS TFT LCD; 1 x video capture port
• Expansion interface:
  • 32-bit PCI
  • 8-bit/16-bit ISA
  • SMBus
  • I2C
• Storage:
  • 1 x PATA (two devices)
  • 2 x SATA II (on module)
  • CompactFlash Type 1 interface
• Networking — 10/100Base-TX (Realtek RTL8139DL (Default); Intel 82551QM (optional)
• USB — 4 x USB 2.0
• Serial — 2 x serial ports
• Parallel — 1 x parallel port
• PS/2 — 1 x keyboard; 1 x mouse
• IrDA — 1 x IrDA Tx/Rx header
• Audio — AC97 2.3 codec 2CH; Mic-in, Line-in, Line-out
• Power — +5V DC; consumption with Via Eden and 1GB RAM [email protected]+3.3V, [email protected]+5V
• Dimensions — 4.5 x 3.75 inches (114 x 95mm)
• Operating temperature — 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg.C)
• Operating system — Linux and Windows XP drivers provided

According to Aaeon, the company is willing to modify its existing carrier board line to meet requirements, "while utilizing the ETX-CX700M's onboard storage options to keep the custom carrier board's real estate as open as possible to allow for custom functions and expansion." The company can also provide custom options that assist in system expansion.

Stated Jonathan Lu, Product Manager of Aaeon's Embedded Computing Division, "All of Aaeon's ETX modules have a standard form factor and a standard connector layout that carries a specific set of signals as supported by the chipsets. Aaeon offers numerous ETX solutions so that customers can upgrade the module without changing their carrier board."

Availability

Aaeon did not provide pricing or availability information on the ETX-CX700M. More information may be found here.

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