(Click for larger view of Toucan)

COM Express is a PICMG (PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group) standard defining a compact computer module format with connectors on the bottom that include a PCI Express bus. COM Express modules are intended to be plugged into application-specific baseboards like macro-components. A whitepaper by an Intel marketing manager promoting the "computer on module" (COM) standard can be found here.

Along with the Toucan module, Lippert will offer a mini-ITX baseboard (pictured below) suitable for development or for embedding in complete systems, it says. The baseboard will feature standard PC I/O connectors, an optional riser card for PCIexpress expansion cards, four SATA ports, and a miniPCI slot for wireless cards or other add-ins.

The Toucan will be available with a mini-ITX baseboard
(Click to enlarge)

Lippert says the Toucan integrates Intel's AMT (active management technology) technology, said to allow remote management as long as power supply and network connection work. Additional features and specs include:

• Processor subsystem:
  • CPU -- 1.67MHz or 2.0MHz Core Duo processor
    
  • Intel 945GM chipset
    
  • i82945GM "root complex" (northbridge)
    
  • i82801GBM southbridge
• Memory -- up to 2GB DDR2 SODIMM modules
  
• Graphics:
  • integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Graphics
    
  • can use up to 224MB of system memory for graphics
    
  • CRT and LVDS outputs
    
  • up to 224 MB video memory up to 2048 x 1536 pixel at 75 Hz
• Disk drive interfaces:
  • dual SATA2 channels
    
  • EIDE ATA 100 port
• Other I/O:
  • 8 USB 2.0 ports
    
  • 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet
    
  • AC97 sound
• Expansion bus:
  • 1 x16 PCI Express lane for graphics/SVDO
    
  • 4 x1 PCI Express lanes for other peripherals
    
  • 32-bit PCI bus
• Operating system support -- Linux and Windows

Availability

The Toucan will reach volume production in Q2, 2006, Lippert says, priced from $799 without memory, in quantities of 100 or more. Extended temperature models designed for passively cooled operation will also be available.

Intel added the Core Duo processor to its embedded assurance program earlier this week.

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