ESMexpress Module XM1 with Intel Atom
27 August 2008
MEN Mikro Elektronik has released the XM1, the first Intel-based member of its system-on-module family for harsh environments and safety-critical applications in the embedded market. With the new Intel Atom and high-performance graphics, the XM1 is ideally suited for visualization applications for the railway, avionics, medical engineering and industrial automation markets.
Two variants of the recently presented Intel Atom Z530 with 1.6GHz or Z510 with 1.1GHz form the heart of the XM1, the first Intel-based ESMexpress module. Thanks to the 45nm technology the processor from Intel's new UMPC family perfectly complements the advantages of the XM1. Low power consumption, extended temperature range, space-saving design and seven years minimum usage combined with a great price / performance ratio open up new application possibilities which until now could not be realised with Intel products of the Pentium M class.
The XM1 is equipped with a soldered DDR2 SDRAM with up to 1GB memory space and supports other memory types like USB Flash on the carrier board.
All interfaces provided by the Intel system controller hub are used by the XM1 and can be led to different carrier boards. These are PCI Express, gigabit Ethernet with wake-on-LAN-functionality, eight USBs with host and client support, SATA, LVDS, SDVO, and HD audio. Legacy I/O interfaces like COM and PATA can be used alternatively on a standard carrier board.
A real-time clock and a board management controller with watchdog complete the functionality of the ESMexpress module.
ATX format can be used while using testing functions of the XM1 and for developing the application the XC1 universal carrier board. The XM1 can also be plugged onto COM Express carrier boards (basic form factor type 2) via the adapter board AE12.
Having a total power consumption of 7W maximum, the XM1 is specified for an operating temperature of -40°C to +85°C with conduction or convection cooling. Like all ESMexpress modules it is installed in a closed housing which also guarantees 100% EMC protection. To ensure shock and vibration resistance, MIL and railway-compliant connectors are used also all components are soldered. In addition the board is coated against humidity and dust.
