Embedded module fills a gap

The X-board computer-on-module (COM) is the second ARM-compatible Intel XScale technology based module in Kontron's X-board product family of small embedded form factor modules.

The X-board computer-on-module (COM) is the second ARM-compatible Intel XScale technology based module in Kontron's X-board product family of small embedded form factor modules.

The highly integrated X-board is designed to serve the unique needs of intelligent I/O applications.

The Intel 80219 general purpose PCI processor (up to 400MHz) is the core of the X-board module.

It combines the Intel XScale core with intelligent peripherals, including a PCIbus application bridge.

The X-board also uses the Silicon Motion SM501 chipset, which enables accelerated graphics and video and provide the I/O functions required in mobile multimedia devices.

Other key features of the new Kontron X-board module include: up to 128Mbyte of onboard DRAM system memory; up to 16Mbyte of onboard dedicated graphics memory; up to 256Mbyte of onboard Flash storage; support for CRT and LCD/TFT displays up to 1280 x 1024 resolution; and 10/100Base-T Ethernet, AC97 audio codec, USB 1.1 and more.

Sample X-board modules will be available in Q2 2005.

X-board modules, with credit card-like dimensions (67 x 49mm), are fully PCI- and LPC-compatible.

They feature essential interfaces such as USB, LAN and serial as well as outputs for sound and LCDs.

Kontron's X-board concept leaves behind older legacy interfaces such as PS/2, floppy, parallel and the ISAbus behind, making way for the use of ARM and MIPS processor architectures as well as traditional x86 types.

This leads to an expansion of the application fields for the new computer-on-module (COM) standard.

Closing the gap between the DIMM-PC and ETX, the X-board concept is ideal for OEMs that require a performance greater than that provided by the DIMM-PC but fewer features than those offered by the ETX standard.

"Kontron's introduction of this second X-board design built around an Intel XScale processor broadens the uses of Intel XScale technology to include a diverse array of embedded computing applications - from telecommunications to test and measurement and more", said Matthias Huber, Director of the Kontron Embedded Modules Division in Hayward, California.

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