New COM Express Type 6 Module Introduced
A new System-on-Module (SOM) based on the COM Express Type 6 standard, the SOM-COMe-BT6-PTL, has been introduced. This modular form factor is designed to simplify upgrades and accelerate prototyping for embedded applications. The new module is aimed at sectors such as industrial automation, medical devices, and IoT that benefit from scalable computing platforms.
- The COM Express standard was first introduced in 2005 by the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG), a consortium that develops open standards for embedded computing applications. - The Type 6 pinout is the most popular and versatile, defined by its dual 220-pin connectors (for a total of 440 pins) and a strong focus on graphics with multiple digital display interfaces, alongside up to 24 PCI Express (PCIe) lanes and modern serial I/O. - PICMG's latest revision of the specification, Rev 3.1 released in 2022, updated the standard to support newer high-speed interfaces, including PCI Express Gen 4 and USB 4.0. - The Type 6 pinout is distinct from other variations like Type 7, which replaces all audio and video interfaces with up to four 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports and more PCIe lanes for server-class applications. - These modules are available in standardized sizes, with "Compact" modules measuring 95x95 mm and "Basic" modules measuring 125x95 mm, allowing for physical interchangeability on a custom carrier board. - By integrating the processor, memory, and core I/O, the System-on-Module (SOM) approach allows developers to focus on designing an application-specific carrier board rather than the complex task of designing a CPU subsystem from scratch. - The COM Express standard is being succeeded by the newer COM-HPC standard, which offers a higher pin count (800+ pins), supports faster interfaces like PCIe 5.0, and accommodates significantly higher processor power limits. - Power envelopes for Type 6 modules are well-defined, with Compact modules typically suited for SoCs in the 5 to 20-watt range, while the larger Basic size can accommodate designs up to 75 watts.
