Eurotech is readying a COM Express (Type 2) computer-on-module (COM) that incorporates Intel's new Core i7 processor and Mobile Intel QM57 Express chipset. The Adbc8031 module supports Intel hyperthreading technology and ECC memory, and offers interfaces including SATA, gigabit Ethernet, and PCI Express, says the company.

The Adbc8031 module is targeted at applications including automotive, controls, gaming, and digital signage, says Eurotech. The module is built around the Core i7 (right), the most powerful of twelve embedded-specific CPUs announced by Intel this week.

All the Core CPUs are manufactured using the company's 32nm process, which includes second-generation high-k metal gate transistors. They are also said to include hyperthreading technology enabling "smart multi-tasking." Meanwhile, Core i5 and i7 models feature "Turbo Boost Technology," whereby clock speed can be bumped up temporarily in response to work load.

Eurotech's COM is available with one of three dual-core Intel Core i7-620 models, listed here with both standard and turbo clock rates, and claimed TDP ratings: the 620E (2.53GHz/3.20GHz at 35 W TDP), the 620LE (2.0GHz/2.8GHz at 25 W), and the 620UE (1.06GHz/2.13GHz at 18 W).

The processors are also provided with the Intel QM57 Express chipset, as recommended by Intel. (For more on the Core processors and Q57 Express, please see our previous coverage, here.)

Adbc8031 boasts four threads at once

The Adbc8031 supports the Core i7 CPU's hyperthreading technology, whose four simultaneous threads enable systems "to run multiple processes concurrently for extensive data-crunching capabilities while maintaining a low power specification," says the company. Eurotech says nothing about supporting the Tubo Boost technology, but does say the module is equipped with an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) engine, and offers Error Correction Code (ECC)-supported memory. Together, these technologies help detect and correct errors in memory transactions for mission-critical applications, says the company.

The Adbc8031 is supported with up to 2GB of DDR3-800 ECC memory, says Eurotech. The module offers four SATA ports, as well as a PCI port, four standard PCI Express (PCIe) ports, and one PCIe graphics port, says the company.

In addition to a gigabit Ethernet port, the module is said to offer eight USB 2.0 ports. Other I/O includes LPC, I2C, and SMBus interfaces, as well as SVDO and LVDS for video output. The 4.9 x 3.7-inch COM Express (Type 2) module can handle temperatures of up to 140 degrees F, says Eurotech.

The Adbc8031 supports Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows Embedded Standard 2009, says the company. Eurotech engineers are also available to work with designers to develop and support custom carrier boards.

Specifications listed for the Adbc8031 include:

• Processor -- Intel Core i7-620E, Core i7-620LE, or Core i7-620UE
  
• Chipset -- Mobile Intel QM57 Express Chipset
• Memory -- Up to 2GB of DDR3-800 ECC
• Storage -- 4 x SATA ports (SATA/3000)
• Expansion:
  • 1 x PCIe Graphics port x16 lanes (or 2 x ports, x8 lanes)
  • 4 x PCIe ports x1 lanes (or 1 x port, x4 lanes)
  • 1 x 32-bit PCI port at 33MHz, 3.3V
• Networking -- 1 x gigabit Ethernet port
• Other I/O:
  • 8 x USB 2.0 ports
  • 1 x LPC port
  • 1 x SMBus
  • 1 x I2C Bus
  • 1 x SVDO port
  • 1 x LVDS port
• Power -- 12V (+/- 5%), 5V (+/- 5%), 3V; 18W to 35W consumption
• Operating temperature -- 32 to 140 deg. F (0 to 60 deg. C)
• Dimensions -- 4.9 x 3.7 x 0.7 inches (125 x 95 x 16.8mm); COM Express (Type 2)

Stated Arlen Nipper, president and CTO of Eurotech in North America, "The Adbc8031 allows us to expand our product line in COM Express form factors while leveraging on our top-notch and global engineering expertise."

Availability

The Adbc8031 will be available in the first quarter of 2010, says Eurotech. More information (but as of print time, no photograph or block diagram) may be found here.

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Related stories:

• Intel's chip blitz includes 12 embedded CPUs
• COM Express module sports dual-core Celeron
• COM Express module accepts 8GB
• COM Express module has onboard TPM
  
• COM Express Ultra module debuts
  
• New COM Express standards proposed
  
• COM Express module accepts 4GB RAM
  
• COM Express module gets low-power options
  
• COM Express module marches to Core 2 drum
  

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