ESMexpress

Last updated

ESMexpress is a computer-on-module (COM) standard. It is a complete processor module that currently supports several low-power Intel and PowerPC platforms. Every module has a CPU, as well as memory and a range of serial communication interfaces such as PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, SATA, SDVO, LVDS and HD audio. These interfaces are defined in the form factor's specification, and signals are assigned to two 120-pin connectors. This fixed pin mapping ensures that different ESMexpress modules can be exchanged more easily. Consequently, ESMexpress typically does not have an onboard FPGA. The idea behind this is to implement very specialized functions in an FPGA on the COM's carrier board to ease upgrades of the system CPU through exchange of the ESMexpress module.

Contents

The ESMexpress standard includes only one form factor: 95 x 125 mm. The most important specialty of this computer-on-module is its surrounding mechanical concept, which was designed for especially severe environmental conditions, for example in railway or avionics, or in the automation industry. The large temperature ranges prevalent in such fields of use are met by the modules through a cooling concept that does not need a fan for the CPU: the computer board is embedded into an aluminum frame and cover that can lead the heat off the processor by conduction cooling. At the same time this mechanical set-up provides stability to withstand vibration, but also electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). [1]

Standardization

ESMexpress was undergoing a standardization process managed by the VITA organization to become a standard called 'ANSI/VITA 59 RSE Rugged System-On-Module Express'. For companies that need robust electronic products, both the reduction of development times and a long-term availability of more than 10 or 15 years are significant factors for a new computer-on-module standard like ESMexpress. However, ESMexpress had been based on the existing, popular COM Express, and during the standardization process the work group decided to make better use of this industry popularity. In 2013 the standard's designation was changed into 'VITA 59.00 Rugged COM Express (RCE)'. The specification was completely reviewed but kept the mechanical framework of ESMexpress. The concept now defines the mechanical design to convert standard PICMG COM.0 COM Express CPU boards into VITA 59 Rugged COM Express boards. [2] Although not becoming an official standard, the concept of ESMexpress remains as originally specified and can be regarded a more robust variety of Rugged COM Express, primarily because of the rugged board-to-board connectors. [3]

ESMini

ESMini is a derivative of ESMexpress. It is based on the same mechanical concept: the computer board is also embedded into an aluminum frame and cover for conduction cooling and EMC protection, and its board-to-board connector types are identical with ESMexpress. The most important difference to ESMexpress is its small size: it is only 95 by 55 mm. Another difference is that it allows greater variations and design flexibility than ESMexpress. Its pin-out is not standardized and the board may include an FPGA which can be used to implement additional interfaces that are not integrated into the onboard processor's chip set. [4]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motherboard</span> Main printed circuit board used for a computing device

A motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in general-purpose computers and other expandable systems. It holds and allows communication between many of the crucial electronic components of a system, such as the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and provides connectors for other peripherals. Unlike a backplane, a motherboard usually contains significant sub-systems, such as the central processor, the chipset's input/output and memory controllers, interface connectors, and other components integrated for general use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Expansion card</span> Circuit board for connecting to a computer system to add functionality

In computing, an expansion card is a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an electrical connector, or expansion slot on a computer's motherboard to add functionality to a computer system. Sometimes the design of the computer's case and motherboard involves placing most of these slots onto a separate, removable card. Typically such cards are referred to as a riser card in part because they project upward from the board and allow expansion cards to be placed above and parallel to the motherboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VMEbus</span> Computer bus standard physically based on Eurocard sizes

VMEbus is a computer bus standard physically based on Eurocard sizes.

A PCI Mezzanine Card or PMC is a printed circuit board assembly manufactured to the IEEE P1386.1 standard. This standard combines the electrical characteristics of the PCI bus with the mechanical dimensions of the Common Mezzanine Card or CMC format.

JTAG is an industry standard for verifying designs of and testing printed circuit boards after manufacture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PC/104</span> Computer standard family

PC/104 is a family of embedded computer standards which define both form factors and computer buses by the PC/104 Consortium. Its name derives from the 104 pins on the interboard connector (ISA) in the original PC/104 specification and has been retained in subsequent revisions, despite changes to connectors. PC/104 is intended for specialized environments where a small, rugged computer system is required. The standard is modular, and allows consumers to stack together boards from a variety of COTS manufacturers to produce a customized embedded system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Small form factor PC</span> Form factor for desktop computers and motherboards

Small form factor is a term used for desktop computers and for some of their components, chassis and motherboard, to indicate that they are designed in accordance with one of several standardized form factors intended to minimize the volume and footprint of a desktop computer compared to the standard ATX form factor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ETX (form factor)</span>

ETX, standing for Embedded Technology eXtended, is an integrated and compact 95 × 125 mm (3.7 × 4.9 in) computer-on-module (COM) form factor, which can be used in a design application much like an integrated circuit component. Each ETX COM integrates core CPU and memory functionality, the common I/O of a PC/AT, USB, audio, graphics, and Ethernet. All I/O signals as well as a full implementation of ISA and PCI buses are mapped to four high-density, low-profile connectors on the bottom side of the module.

A computer-on-module (COM) is a type of single-board computer (SBC), a subtype of an embedded computer system. An extension of the concept of system on chip (SoC) and system in package (SiP), COM lies between a full-up computer and a microcontroller in nature. It is very similar to a system on module (SOM).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COM Express</span> Computer-on-module form factor

COM Express is a form factor for computer-on-modules (COMs), which are highly integrated and compact computers that can be used in design applications much like integrated circuit components. Each module integrates core CPU and memory functionality, the common I/O of a PC/AT, USB, audio, graphics (PEG), and Ethernet. All I/O signals are mapped to two high density, low profile connectors on the bottom side of the module. COM Express employs a mezzanine-based approach. The COM modules plug into a baseboard that is typically customized to the application. Over time, the COM Express mezzanine modules can be upgraded to newer, backwards-compatible versions. COM Express is commonly used in Industrial, military, aerospace, gaming, medical, transportation, Internet of things, and general computing embedded applications.

In computing, the motherboard form factor is the specification of a motherboard – the dimensions, power supply type, location of mounting holes, number of ports on the back panel, etc. Specifically, in the IBM PC compatible industry, standard form factors ensure that parts are interchangeable across competing vendors and generations of technology, while in enterprise computing, form factors ensure that server modules fit into existing rackmount systems. Traditionally, the most significant specification is for that of the motherboard, which generally dictates the overall size of the case. Small form factors have been developed and implemented.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VPX</span> Standards for connecting components of a computer

VPX, also known as VITA 46, is a set of standards for connecting components of a computer, commonly used by defense contractors. Some are ANSI standards such as ANSI/VITA 46.0–2019. VPX provides VMEbus-based systems with support for switched fabrics over a new high speed connector. Defined by the VMEbus International Trade Association (VITA) working group starting in 2003, it was first demonstrated in 2004, and became an ANSI standard in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Small Form Factor Special Interest Group</span> Standards body specializing in small electronic devices

The Small Form Factor Special Interest Group is an international non-profit standards body focused on modular computer hardware technologies used in embedded and small form factor computers and controllers. Members are mainly computer board and component manufacturers. The group was founded in 2007 and had a web site until early 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Embedded System Module</span>

Embedded System Module, or ESM, is a compact computer-on-module (COM) standard. An ESM module typically includes a CPU processor, memory, module-specific I/O interfaces and a number of basic front I/O connectors. They can be plugged on a carrier board or be used as a stand-alone processor card.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CoreExpress</span>

CoreExpress modules are complete computer-on-module (COM) highly integrated, compact computers that can be used in an embedded computer board design, much like an integrated circuit component. COMs integrate CPU, memory, graphics, and BIOS, and common I/O interfaces. The interfaces are modern, using only digital buses such as PCI Express, Serial ATA, Ethernet, USB, and HD audio. All signals are accessible on a high-density, high-speed, 220-pin connector. Although most implementations use Intel processors, the specification is open for different CPU modules.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qseven</span>

Qseven, a computer-on-module (COM) form factor, is a small, highly integrated computer module that can be used in a design application much like an integrated circuit component. It is smaller than other computer-on-module standards such as COM Express, ETX or XTX and is limited to very low power consuming CPUs. The maximum power consumption should be no more than 12 watts.

WinSystems is an employee owned embedded systems manufacturer specializing in ruggedized, highly reliable industrial computer systems. The company was founded by Jerry Winfield in 1982 and is headquartered in Grand Prairie, Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FPGA Mezzanine Card</span> ANSI/VITA input/output standard

FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) is an ANSI/VITA 57.1 standard that defines I/O mezzanine modules with connection to an FPGA or other device with re-configurable I/O capability. It specifies a low profile connector and compact board size for compatibility with several industry standard slot card, blade, low profile motherboard, and mezzanine form factors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smart Mobility Architecture</span>

Smart Mobility Architecture (SMARC) is a computer hardware standard for computer-on-modules (COMs). SMARC modules are specifically designed for the development of extremely compact low-power systems, such as mobile devices.

MicroTCA is a modular, open standard, created and maintained by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG). It provides the electrical, mechanical, thermal and management specifications to create a switched fabric computer system, using Advanced Mezzanine Cards (AMC), connected directly to a backplane. MicroTCA is a descendant of the AdvancedTCA standard.

References

  1. ↑ "Don't mistake small for delicate: Bringing rugged computing to compact environments". PC/104 and Small Form Factors, The Journal of Modular Embedded Design, 2011 Resource Guide. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
  2. ↑ "Rugged COM Express Computer-On-Modules". MEN Micro Inc. Archived from the original on 2014-05-19. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  3. ↑ "ESMexpress and ESMini Rugged Computer-On-Modules". MEN Micro Inc. Archived from the original on 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  4. ↑ "Don't mistake small for delicate: Bringing rugged computing to compact environments". PC/104 and Small Form Factors, The Journal of Modular Embedded Design, 2011 Resource Guide. Retrieved 2014-04-01.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.