COM Express® basic, COM Express® compact, COM Express® mini

COM Express® defines standardized form factors and pin-outs for Computer-on-Modules. The standard includes the mini form factor (84 x 55mm), the compact form factor (95 x 95mm) and the basic form factor (125 x 95mm).

The COM Express® pin-out Type 6 is a versatile standard offering a broad range of I/O interfaces including intense graphics support, Digital Display Interfaces (DisplayPort, HDMI) and super-fast USB 3.0 to serve all kind of different application requirements of the various market segments

The new COM Express® pin-out Type 7 is a complementary specification to the existing Type 6 pin-out. It is replacing the graphics support by offering multiple 10GbE-KR ports and defining 32 PCIe lanes. The Type 7 is an ideal definition to design server-grade platforms for applications requesting high data and network throughput.

The new COM Express® pin-out Type 10 definition in the mini form factor (84 x 55mm) is well-suited to match the feature and performance requirements of the segments of the embedded market delivering ultra-small solutions.

For rugged applications such as Defense or Transportation, Kontron chooses certain key COM Express® variants for ruggedization.  This includes using industrial-grade or extended temperature components, soldering memory directly to the board, and incorporating a rapid-shutdown capability.  These rugged COM Express® variants are ideal for applications like defense mission computers, smart mining or agriculture, or any application where operation under extended temperatures or excessive shock or vibration is the norm.

Kontron has more than 16 years of experience delivering reliable solutions based on computer-on-module technology. Coupled with the company’s extensive experience and expertise, Kontron’s support of the three COM Express® form factors lends additional weight to why it is the “choice” solution for application developers. Through the use of consistent COM Express® connectors and feature implementation, Kontron’s modules are easily exchangeable and offer the most flexibility for customers designing them into different size embedded devices. As a true partner, Kontron delivers all of the needed support to help customers reduce time-to-market and gain a competitive advantage. Kontron has been a driving influencer of the COM Express® standard and Kontron engineers continue to be deeply involved in new developments for the standard and is a member of PICMG®, the consortium governing the COM Express® specification.