Eching, Germany — Kontron’s COM Express computer-on-modules (COMs) family ETXexpress now includes three new Kontron ETXexpress-PC SKUs, adding support for the Mobile Intel GM45 Express and Mobile Intel GL40 Express chipsets. Customers benefit from a greater performance range and scalability in Kontron’s extensive COM Express compliant (basic form factor, pin-out type two) ETXexpress product line.

Equipped with the Mobile Intel GM45 Express chipset and Intel Core™ 2 Duo T9400 processor, this new version of the Kontron ETXexpress-PC brings the highest processing power to Kontron’s COM Express basic form factor offering. Kontron’s COM Express module, which is equipped with the Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor, pairs processing power with cost efficiency. The third new Kontron ETXexpress-C module SKU, based on the Mobile Intel GL40 Express chipset and 2GHz Intel Celeron M Processor M575, is ideal for very cost-sensitive applications.

All three new modules feature Kontron’s new highly-efficient power-off S5 eco state. The S5 eco state replaces the conventional S5 mode to reduce the module’s power consumption to less than 1mA, which is a reduction by factor of at least 200.

Due to its wide chipset and processor range, the expanded family of Kontron ETXexpress-PC COMs now supports even better the fast and easy implementation of COTS solutions. Kontron COM Express products represent the computing core of choice for nearly all high-end applications requiring a full feature set that is consistent within the family and a dedicated carrier board.

In the infotainment market, they are a perfect fit for POS/POI, electronic billboards, interactive kiosks, and self-service terminals. Extensive video and graphics capabilities also make Kontron ETXexpress-PC COMs an optimal solution for the gaming, entertainment, and hospitality markets where high-definition, media-rich platforms are essential.

These same graphics capabilities make them well-suited for real-time X-ray imaging and ultrasound devices in the medical sector. Industrial markets such as RF testing, sound/vibration analysis, automatic optical inspection, automation, high-end programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interfaces (HMIs), and panel PCs also benefit from COM Express modules. In the military market, COMs drive applications such as training simulators, unmanned vehicles and portable tactical communications (C4) devices.

Kontron ETXexpress-PC COMs offer support for up to 8GB DDR3 system memory and provide an extensive range of I/Os via the COM Express pin-out type two connector: one PCI Express Graphics (PEG), five PCI Express, four serial ATA with RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 functionality, one PATA, and eight USB 2.0 ports along with gigabit Ethernet and Intel high-definition audio. Via the multiplexed PEG pin-out, dual SDVO delivers additional video signals for HDMI and DisplayPort monitor outputs.

There is also continued support for non-PCI Express legacy components such as plug-in cards via the PCI 2.1 interface. The integrated trusted platform module (TPM 1.2) makes the Kontron ETXexpress-PC suitable for data sensitive applications. The 8.5V-18V wide range power for simplified power distribution rounds off the feature set.

Samples of the new Kontron ETXexpress-PC COMs are available now. Series production will start by the end of Q1 2010. They support Linux, VxWorks as well as the Windows OS family, including Windows Vista, XP, 2000, XPe, CE and the new Windows 7.