Kontron COMe-cSP2 - Manual (Page 10)

COMe-cSP2 / Introduction
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2.4 COM Express® Benefits
COM Express® Computer-on-Modules in compact form factor are very compact (95 x 95 mm), highly integrated
computers. All COM Express® compact modules feature a standardized form factor and a standardized connector
layout that carry a specified set of signals.
Modules include common personal computer (PC) peripheral functions such as:
» Graphics
» USB ports
» Ethernet
» Sound
» IDE and SATA
The baseboard designer can optimize exactly how each of these functions implements physically. Designers can place
connectors precisely where needed for the application on a baseboard designed to optimally fit a system‘s 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 component simplifies
packaging, eliminates cabling, and significantly reduces system-level cost.
A single baseboard design can use a range of COM Express® basic, compact and mini form factor modules. This
flexibility can differentiate products at various price/performance points, or to design future proof systems that have
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.
A COM Express® baseboard design offers many of the advantages of a custom, computer board design, but delivers
better obsolescence protection, greatly reduced engineering effort, and faster time to market.