Kontron balances performance and power

Based on the Intel Atom processor N270, the Kontron ETX-DC Computer-on-Module is designed to deliver an optimal balance between high performance and very low power.

With 2.5W TDP for the processor, 6W TDP for the Intel 82945GSE Graphics Memory Controller Hub and 1.5W TDP for the Intel I/O Controller Hub 7-M (ICH7-M), the ETX-DC requires a maximum TDP of 12-15W.

Kontron said that the ETX-DC is ideal for POS and industrial control applications, as well as for use in harsh environments that require passive cooling and completely sealed housings.

The module is also designed to make it easier to implement applications with high demands for MTBF and/or EMC.

The ETX-DC with 45nm Intel Atom processor N270 is based on proven chipset technology and offers a high degree of hardware and software compatibility.

The ETX-DC Computer-on-Module surpasses all previous ETX modules in terms of performance-per-watt and MIPS per cent.

It provides ETX 3.0 compatibility that offers interfaces such as SATA and USB 2.0.

The Intel Atom processor N270 and the 945GSE chipset provide a platform with performance-per-watt advantages for embedded customers developing digital signage, interactive clients and industrial control applications.

The ETX 3.0 Computer-on-Module has a 533MHz FSB and supports up to 2GB of DDR2-SDRAM SO-DIMM.

There is also continued ISA support for older applications.

New applications with performance requirements similar to ISA mostly use LPC.

The Kontron ETX-DC also supports this bus alternative.

The optional onboard Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) provides enhanced data security.

Integrated graphics offer SDVO and support resolutions up to QXGA (2048 x 1536) via CRT, dual screen via LVDS for resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) and TV-out with HD resolution.

There is also onboard HD Audio conforming sound for multimedia support.

With the S0/S3(coldandhot)/S4/S5 suspend modes, the ETX 3.0 Computer-on-Module offers maximum energy savings, said Kontron.

It integrates all of these features on a footprint of 95mm x 114mm.

A range of software add-ons, design guides and sample layouts are supplied with all Kontron Computer-on-Modules.

The ETX-DC supports Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows XPE, Windows CE, Linux and VXworks.

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