Kontron COMe-cXLi2 - Manual (Page 11)

Kontron COMe-cXLi2 User’s Guide
www.kontron.com
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» The COM Express® Specification, which defines the COM Express® module form
factor, pin-out, and signals. This document can be obtained by filling out
the order form on the PIGMG website.
» The PICMG COM Express® Design Guide, which serves as a general guide for
baseboard design, with a focus on maximum flexibility to accommodate a wide
range of COM Express® modules. This guide is on the PICMG website at
http://www.picmg.com .
2.5 COM Express® COM Benefits
Compact form factor COM Express modules are very compact (95 x 95 mm), highly
integrated computers. All Kontron COM Express® compact modules feature a
standardized form factor and a standardized connector layout for a specified
set of signals. Each Kontron COM Express® compact module is based on the
Connector Type 2 pin-out of the COM Express® specification. This
standardization allows designers to create a single-system baseboard that can
accept present and future Kontron COM Express® compact module modules.
Kontron COM Express® compact module modules include common personal computer
(PC) peripheral functions such as:
» Graphics
» USB ports
» Ethernet
» Audio
» IDE, PATA, and SATA
Baseboard designers can optimize exactly how each of these functions is
implemented physically for the intended application. Designers can place
connectors precisely where they are needed on a baseboard that is designed
for an optimal fit in the system packaging.
A peripheral PCI bus can be implemented directly on the baseboard rather than
on mechanically unwieldy expansion cards. The ability to build a system on a
single baseboard using the computer as one plug-in super-component simplifies
packaging, eliminates cabling, and significantly reduces system-level total
cost of ownership.
A single baseboard design can use a range of COM Express modules. This
flexibility enables product differentiation at various price/performance
points, and the design of future-proof systems with a built-in upgrade path.
The modularity of a COM Express solution also ensures against obsolescence as
computer technology evolves. A properly designed COM Express baseboard can
work with several successive generations of COM Express modules.