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Flexible, Scalable Performance in a Range of Small Form Factors
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One Concept, Ever Smaller
Computer-on-Modules (COM) are highly integrated computer modules that support system expansion and application-specific customization without the use of cables. When using a Computer-on-Module, customers don't need to worry about the complex design of the COM, instead freeing them to concentrate on their core business. To tailor this modular solution to the application's specific needs, Kontron designs the carrier board including all necessary interfaces for the individual application. And the standardized COM is simply plugged into the carrier board like another component. Based on industry standards (such as COM Express and ETX) for mechanical and electrical interface characteristics, embedded modules are the ideal solutions for a host of embedded applications including those serving the medical, industrial automation, government, communication, point-of-sale/information and entertainment markets.
Advantages of the Modules at a Glance:
- Short time-to-market
- Simplified development
- Flexibility and interoperability
- High stability
- Long life cycles
- Based on industry standards
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COM Industrial GroupPICMG
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ETX Industrial Group
| Computer-on-Modules |
|---|
| COM Express® |
| ETX® |
| SMARC™ |
COM Express®
Kontron has a long and successful history of innovation within Computer-on-Modules. Under Kontron's leadership, the COM Express® specification was developed and is now maintained by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturer Group (PICMG®). Kontron offers a wide range of COM Express® 100 percent compliant modules including those in its COM Express® “Basic” (formerly called ETXexpress®), COM Express® “Compact” (formerly called microETXexpress®) and COM Express® “Mini” (formerly called nanoETXexpress) product families. Kontron COM Express® modules offer complete, multimedia-capable computing cores for high-level applications and the high performance needed for your next generation product.
The COM Express® standard describes Computer-on-Modules is the technological successor to ETX®. It defines mechanical dimensions such as maximum height, a standardized heat spreader for interchangeable cooling solutions, placement of mounting holes, a detailed description of connector placements and their electrical properties such as impedance or electromagnetic shielding.
Benefits:
- 3 compatible form factors under a single standard: Basic(125x95mm), Compact(95x95mm) and Ultra (84x55mm)
- 5 defined pin-out types for flexibility
- Performance and Power Scalability
- Shortest time-to-market
- Leverage of knowledge
- Simplified development
- Long-term availability
ETX®
ETX® Computer-on-Modules are the perfect solution for embedded applications that require full PC functionality and high performance CPUs. They support x86 CPUs from 500 MHz up to Intel® Core®2 Duo and offer a full complement of PC/AT I/O such as keyboard, serial, parallel and Parallel ATA interfaces. The full-featured ETX® series also includes onboard USB, Ethernet, graphics and sound. ETX® modules are installed on the application-specific carrier board, much like an integrated circuit component, in a host site comprised of four low profile surface mount connectors. Kontron provides those modules according to the latest ETX® 3.0 specifications.
Benefits:
- 2x SerialATA support by connector area on the module
- ETX® 3.0 is 100 percent backward pin-to-pin compatible with previous ETX® standard revisions
- No redesign needed for the ETX® carrier boards
- Long term support
SMARC™
Kontron’s ultra-low power module standard bridges the gap between current proprietary industrial offerings and offerings from the consumer market – a far less suitable solution for demanding environments. The SMARC™ standard was developed to encompass a new range of modules for ARM and SoC processors. Based on the 314-pin MXM 3.0 connector that is only 4.3 mm in height, it enables durable, slim, cost-efficient solution designs. The connector is also available in a shock and vibration proof construction suitable for harsh environments. The standard enables new interfaces specifically for the new ARM and SoC platforms including video outputs such as LVDS. SMARC™ modules serve as building block solutions for very small portable handheld devices as well as for larger devices where consumption must not exceed a few watts. Additionally the SMARC™ modules provide computing power that rivals x86 technology and is expected to improve with future technical progress. Covered under the standard are two module foot-prints to offer flexibility for different mechanical requirements: a short module measuring 82 x 50 mm and a full size module measuring 82 x 80 mm.
Benefits:
- Creating mobile, embedded, connected solutions
- Scalable building blocks
- Optimized pin-out definition for ARM technology
- Ultra low-power, low-profile solutions
- Constructed to withstand harsh industrial environments
Industry Brochures 
Transportation Brochure
Computer Platforms for Transportation » Train Management » Vital Train Control » Interlocking » Control Center » Video Surveillance » Infotainment
Computer Platforms for Transportation » Train Management » Vital Train Control » Interlocking » Control Center » Video Surveillance » Infotainment
Infotainment - POS/POI Brochure
» POS Terminals » Banking & Financial Terminals » Kiosk & Self-Service Terminals » POI Information Terminals » Ticket Terminals » Vending Terminals » Digital Signage & Advertising
» POS Terminals » Banking & Financial Terminals » Kiosk & Self-Service Terminals » POI Information Terminals » Ticket Terminals » Vending Terminals » Digital Signage & Advertising
Infotainment - Gaming & Entertainment Folder
» Casino Slot Machines » Player Tracking & Accounting Systems » Electronic Multi Player Table Games » AWP, SWP, SWoP & FOBT Terminals » VLTs & Lottery Terminals » Arcade, Video & Mobile Gaming » Home Entertainment
» Casino Slot Machines » Player Tracking & Accounting Systems » Electronic Multi Player Table Games » AWP, SWP, SWoP & FOBT Terminals » VLTs & Lottery Terminals » Arcade, Video & Mobile Gaming » Home Entertainment
Medical Brochure
Application-Ready platforms, Board & System Level Solutions, Custom Design, Lifecycle Management, Program & Supply Chain Management for the Medical industry
Application-Ready platforms, Board & System Level Solutions, Custom Design, Lifecycle Management, Program & Supply Chain Management for the Medical industry
Product Brochures
COM Express® Concept Folder
One Concept, Ever Smaller
One Concept, Ever Smaller
Product Highlights
Driving the world's embedded platforms
Driving the world's embedded platforms
Kontron Embedded Modules Overview
Computer-on-Modules » Flexibility » Scalability » Long service life » Short time-to-market
Computer-on-Modules » Flexibility » Scalability » Long service life » Short time-to-market
White Papers
COM Express® Design Guide by PICMG
PICMG Guidelines for designing COM Express™ Carrier Boards V1.0
PICMG Guidelines for designing COM Express™ Carrier Boards V1.0
COM Express® COM.0 Revision 2.0
PICMG® adopts new specification for COM Express™ modules. What is new?
PICMG® adopts new specification for COM Express™ modules. What is new?
Fastboot technology for ultra small Intel® Atom™ processor designs
Wake up x86 devices from S5 sleep state in ms » nanoETXexpress Computer-on-Modules » Fastboot » Instant-on » Energy efficient » Mobile Devices
Wake up x86 devices from S5 sleep state in ms » nanoETXexpress Computer-on-Modules » Fastboot » Instant-on » Energy efficient » Mobile Devices
2nd Generation of Intel Core Processor Boards
Feature the 1st generation of cross platform middleware
Feature the 1st generation of cross platform middleware
x86 meets FPGA
Intel® Atom™ E6x5C processor with integrated Altera FPGA marks a new era in embedded computing
Intel® Atom™ E6x5C processor with integrated Altera FPGA marks a new era in embedded computing
3rd Generation Intel® Core™ Processor
A must have for all high-performance embedded computing appliances
A must have for all high-performance embedded computing appliances
Articles
It's a Small (form factor) world
Rugged embedded systems boost warehouse effiency.
Rugged embedded systems boost warehouse effiency.
COMs & CompactPCI: Why the Rx is calling for COMs & CPCI
Explains why portability & data quality are key to improved patient care.
Explains why portability & data quality are key to improved patient care.
COMs help assure air safety is "in the bag"
Portable, functional, and powerefficient EFBs are maturing, streamlining the cockpit and increasing aircraft safety.
Portable, functional, and powerefficient EFBs are maturing, streamlining the cockpit and increasing aircraft safety.
COM Express Welds new chip functionality to embedded needs
Illustrates hot the new COM Express pin-out specs help designers.
Illustrates hot the new COM Express pin-out specs help designers.
Small Form Factor Infotainment System Designers Integrate New Graphics
Infotainment systems have evolved into smaller, more space-constrained designs, and require improved graphics capabilities, long-term availability, and cost-effective embedded computing solutions.
Infotainment systems have evolved into smaller, more space-constrained designs, and require improved graphics capabilities, long-term availability, and cost-effective embedded computing solutions.
COTS - One Size Doesn't Fit All in Form Factor Choice
There are distinct differences between the embedded computing form factors that have gained the most traction in the defense market. But the top choices have achieved a level of acceptance that’s particularly important to military system designs.
There are distinct differences between the embedded computing form factors that have gained the most traction in the defense market. But the top choices have achieved a level of acceptance that’s particularly important to military system designs.
Enabling more efficiency with new COM Express processor modules
The new COM Express pin-out types 6 and 10 increase the efficiency of embedded computer designs based on the latest third generation Intel Core processors or dual-core Intel Atom processorf.
The new COM Express pin-out types 6 and 10 increase the efficiency of embedded computer designs based on the latest third generation Intel Core processors or dual-core Intel Atom processorf.
Defense Tech Briefs
UAV Applications challenge the limits of embedded computing technologies .
UAV Applications challenge the limits of embedded computing technologies .
Mobile vision screening device using COM Express® mini COM
Vistec AG has developed Optovist, a patented mobile vision screening device for vision testing which features innovative computer technology. b-plus GmbH, a company based in Deggendorf and specializing in embedded designs, was commissioned with the development of the electronics.
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COM Express® mini Products
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COM Express® mini Products
Infotainment with a robust IPC core - ETX turns infotainment displays into full-fledged computers
When it comes to perfect POS/POI infotainment, computer technology is the only platform that can combine all potential media. That is why friendlyway has equipped their d-sign infotainment monitors – with screen diagonals up to 40” – with the most up-to-date PC functionalities, including touchscreen. The PC systems have a very flat construction, with depths from 5 cm to 10 cm, and are designed for long-term availability, based on ETX computer-onmodules from Kontron. The system integration is implemented by ies Industrie-Elektronik Schmitz.
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ETX products
English articles
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ETX products
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If it’s a POS/POI system, there should be COMs inside
The kiosk market is one of the ultimate markets for custom solutions; there are thousands of different types available on the worldwide market, and every requirement is different. Despite the wide variety of solutions, however, most of these systems use the same core technologies: embedded computers. And the trends in the kiosk market reflect significantly those in the overall computing sector: more and more high-definition monitors and sophisticated interactivity features are demanded in professional kiosk applications and systems for public viewingand infotainment.
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ETX products
English articles
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ETX products
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Kontron COMs help Glacier industrial computers keep their cool
CHALLENGE: Glacier Computer needed a powerful and rugged small form factor embedded computing solution for its industrialbased
Everest products.
SOLUTION: With the Kontron ETX®-DC Computer-on-Modules, Glacier’s Everest line of industrial computers can deliver high
performance, high reliability operation in harsh environmental conditions.
BENEFIT: What was traditionally a complicated configuration and installation is now as simple as installing wireless access points
on a network, enabling businesses to easily adopt access control, time and attendance or emergency response technology.
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ETX®-DC
Everest products.
SOLUTION: With the Kontron ETX®-DC Computer-on-Modules, Glacier’s Everest line of industrial computers can deliver high
performance, high reliability operation in harsh environmental conditions.
BENEFIT: What was traditionally a complicated configuration and installation is now as simple as installing wireless access points
on a network, enabling businesses to easily adopt access control, time and attendance or emergency response technology.
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English articles
ETX®-DC
Flexible terminals create a relaxed shopping experience - Kontron develops embedded solution for Colruyt Group’s POS System
The food retail market is extremely competitive and budget-minded retailers must develop effective business processes and organizational structures that allow them to maintain low prices while still offering customers the quality of service they expect. The Belgian Colruyt Group is an example of just such a business and its successes over the years can be traced to the use of innovative technologies such as new checkout systems developed by its IT department.
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ETX Products
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German Articles
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ETX Products
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German Articles
Paperback format, mobile Panel PCs with ZigBee interfaces
The article features the new mobile and stationary eVISIO7 panel concept for wirless data recognition, manufactured by b-plus using COM Express® mini computer-on-modules on their ePDA carrierboards to accomplish a scalable CPU implementation.
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COM Express® mini
English Articles
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COM Express® mini
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Wearable PC with Kontron ETX COM used Around the World in Mobile Services
The size of a first generation Walkman, the i-boro PC, which can be worn on a belt, is integrated into a novel communications system for service and maintenance work on devices, machines, and facilities. The system is based on ETX Computer-On-Modules (COM) from Kontron and was developed by ies Industrie-Elektronik Schmitz in cooperation with SN Technics. It delivers Intel® Pentium® M performance for bi-directional audio and video communication between central service technicians and on-site maintenance personnel.
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ETX Products
New Generation of Cardiovascular Ultrasound
This incredible system establishes a completely new level of cardiovascular performance that gives clinicians the freedom to get diagnostic results outside of the echo lab. The heart of this medical device is a ETX-PM Computer-on-Module from Kontron. Robust diagnostic exams can now be performed at the patient’s bedside, satellite clinics, mobile imaging sites and the Operating Room. It can go wherever it is needed to give clinicians access to complete real-time diagnostic information. The system makes it incredibly easy and cost-effective for the clinician to bring leadership technology to a wide range of applications, such as Cardiac, Vascular, Pediatrics and Transesophageal.
- Lightweight, 5kg package makes system transport fast and easy.
- Ultra-small footprint reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for special rooms, lifts or vans.
- Rechargeable battery provides up to 1.0 hour of full scan operation.
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ETX Products
Greater Efficiency and Security
In emergency medicine and the rescue services, every second counts, and getting the right information at the right time is vital. For the first time, UMTS technology offers digital data exchange options with performance high enough that the technology can be used by the emergency medical services. Penta’s Hercules Mobile Medical system platform implements a patient monitoring application from the medical technology provider SCHILLER using UMTS and based on ETX Computer-On-Modules from Kontron Embedded Modules.
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ETX Products
Clinical Workstation
The Clinical Workstation is one of the most advanced medical PC systems on the market. Approved and certified to operate as a data-collector in the operating theatre this machine is connected to several technical devices and records all steps and events taking place during the surgery. The powerful Pentium-M ETX-PM Module from Kontron allows handling several real time data connections simultaneously together with a high solution graphical user interface. Anyway the complete system operates fan less in a fully closed chassis. The system is extremely flat (85mm) and waterproof according to IP65.
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ETX Products
ETX® fits where others form factors do not
In 2002, the medical technology manufacturer Schiller adopted the latest proprietary 5¼ inch quasi-form factor for the launch of its CardioLaptop AT-110. The new design is based on ETX® modules with a baseboard whose footprint was designed to fit the CardioLaptop’s casing and interfaces.
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ETX® Products
English articles
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
Kontron has supported Club S.O.N.I.A (Systeme d' Operation Nautique Intelligent et Autonome) from the Ecole de technologie superieure (a Technical University) in Montreal, Canada, in the development of autonomous underwater vehicle. Now based on the Kontron ETX-CD computer-on-module paired with a PC/104 compatible carrier board from one of Kontron's Certified Design Partners, Club S.O.N.I.A. has been able to develop a sub with greater processing and decision-making capabilities as well as lower power consumption, reduces total solution weight, improved mobility, and more. The newly designed sub is anticipated to perform even better than its JREX SBC predecessor that was ranked third world wide when competing in the AUVSI and ONR's International Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Competition. (Team S.O.N.I.A is the source of these images)
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From the dentist’s chair to a multimedia cockpit
ERGOcom 4 is an innovative communication system for dental practices, delivering a variety of information to both dentists and their patients. When developing the system, KaVo engineers wanted a solution that offered flexibility and sustainability, which they found in Kontron’s COM Express™ technology. Here is a summary of the upcoming, full-length reference report on the application of modern embedded technology in medicine.
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COM Express products
Boards&More products
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Boards&More products
Automotive Electronics: Multi-functional Infotainment Platform from ICT Software Engineering
The article features a COM Express® mini based navigation demonstrator HMI provided by ICT Software Engineering for automotive OEMs as a reference platform for application development. It is ideally prepared for the upcoming open source GENIVI In-vehicle Infotainment (IVI) reference platform and the target systems may be gained through Kontron ODM-Services.
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COM Express® mini
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COM Express® mini
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Digital money trays: Tipro Deutschland brings interactive applications to the cash desk
The article focuses on the use of COM Express® mini computer-on-modules in digital cash trays, manufactured by Tipro Germany. The RFID and NFC compatible cash trays will be more interactive and connective than former multimedia cash trays and will allow usage for payment- ticketing- and access control as well as digital signage.
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COM Express® mini Products
English Articles
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Imaging – Mobile Diagnostic Ultrasound
The arm-held diagnostic ultrasound system MyLab™One embeds an entire high performance ultrasound scanner in a 12-inch touch-screen tablet PC. The arm-held system allows the user to have the typical interaction you would have with any latest generation PC, simply by touching the screen, without using a keyboard or an external pointing device. Due to its very small size, lightness and portability, the battery powered system can be used without a worktop. This complete autonomy makes it possible to use the ultrasound scanner anywhere – even in more critical environments such as outdoor emergency situations at which time the reliability of the diagnosis are of paramount importance.
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