Kontron microETXexpress®-PV: 2nd Gen. of Intel® Atom™ Processor based Computer-on-Modules

Accelerator for the new x86 class of cost-effective low power appliances

Eching/Nuremberg, Germany, March 2, 2010 – One of the most attractive new introductions from Kontron at Embedded World is the Kontron Kontron microETXexpress®-PV — Kontron's first COM Express™ Type 2-compatible Computer-on-Module with the new second-generation Intel® Atom™ processor. With Intel’s highly integrated two-chip design, dual-core option, and cost-efficient processors, these new modules will accelerate the development of particularly cost-effective ultra-low-power embedded appliances. Beside these new market opportunities it is also a perfect substitute for Intel® Pentium® M based designs.

A highlight of this new compact COM Express™ compatible Computer-On-Module (95 x 95 mm) is the dual-core version, which now makes it possible to implement multi-core processing features such as asymmetric multiprocessing for dedicated 2-in-1 systems for hardware consolidation into particularly cost-effective low power devices. In addition, due to the completely fanless operation, the new modules also open up entirely new fields of ultra rugged applications. The new Kontron microETXexpress®-PV modules are highly suitable for these cost-effective, ultra-low-power embedded devices, in particular due to their open and freely-scalable x86 architecture that offers the highest compatibility for previous processor generations and thus provides long-term availability, investment security and reduce time to market. Target applications for the new Kontron microETXexpress®-PV include both mobile and compact stationary ultra-low-power devices for, e.g., the gaming, digital signage, POS/POI, medical technology and automation markets.

The use of Computer-on-Modules in the compact COM Express™ Type 2 compatible form factor is already widely acknowledged as a well-suited method to integrate a core solution for interface-rich ultra-low power semi-custom designs and provides developers with the highest design security and long-term availability at a low TCO for the customer’s solution.

The feature set in detail
The new Kontron microETXexpress®-PV Computer-on-Modules are equipped with the 1.66 GHz Intel® Atom™ processor N450, D410 or D510. Integrated into the processor for the first time are both memory controller for up to 2 GB DDR2 RAM and the graphics core with a maximum resolution of 1400x1050 via VGA and 18-bit single channel LVDS for WXGA. For the peripheral connections, the new modules also integrate the new Intel® ICH8M I/O Controller Hub providing particularly rich interface support for the COM Express™ Type 2 pin-out. With 5 flexibly configurable PCI Express lanes, as well as PCI, I2C, SPI and LPC bus, the modules are a key COTS solution for interface-intensive ultra low power carrier board designs. Furthermore, via the COM Express™ Type 2 connector, the new modules include 1x Gigabit Ethernet, 8x USB 2.0, 3x SATA II as well as optional 1x PATA. A Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and High-Definition Audio (HDA) round out the feature set of the COM Express™ Type 2-based Computer-on-Module with a wide range of power supply (8.5 V DC – 18 V DC).

The new COM Express™ Type 2 compatible Kontron microETXexpress®-PV Computer-on-Module supports Windows® XP, XPe, and Windows® 7, as well as Linux and VxWorks. Early field test samples will be available in Q2 2010 with series production beginning in Q3 2010.

For more information on the Kontron microETXexpress®-PV COM Express™, please visit: http://www.kontron.com/products/computeronmodules/com+express/microetxexpress/microetxexpresspv.html

For more information on microETXexpress, please visit: http://www.kontron.com/microETXexpress

For more information on Com Express™ Computer-on-Modules, please visit: http://www.kontron.com/comexpress

For more information on Computer-on-Modules, please visit: http://www.kontron.com/COM