| Atom-based module trims COM Express |
Sep. 30, 2008
 Advantech announced an Atom-based computer module using the company's new "SOM Express Micro" form factor. The SOM-6760 has an Intel Atom Z500 processor, up to 1GB of DDR2 memory, has 10/100 Ethernet, 8 USB 2.0 ports, EIDE, and a PCI Express interface, the company says.
(Click here for a larger view of the front of Advantech's SOM-6760)
According to Advantech, the SOM-6760 is the company's first module based on its so-called "SOM Express Micro" form factor. SOM Express Micro has the same pin definitions as standard COM Express boards and can work with existing carrier boards, but shrinks module dimensions down to 3.75 x 3.75 inches, the company says.
Advantech is not the first company to shrink a COM (computer on module) while maintaining compatibility with the COM Express pinout. RadiSys, for example, claimed to pull off the same trick last April with its Procelerant Z500, which actually measures 3.4 x 2.75 inches.
The back of Advantech's SOM-6760
Like the RadiSys product, the SOM-6760 has two surface-mount 220-pin connectors (visible above), through which it passes all of its signals to a development board or custom carrier board. Expansion interfaces comprise PCI Express, PCI, 10/100 Ethernet, eight USB ports, and audio, according to Advantech.
A block diagram of Advantech's SOM-6760
(Click to enlarge)
As mentioned earlier, the module uses Intel's 800MHz Z500 processor, along with the chipmaker's US15W integrated northbridge/southbridge. Via a single SODIMM socket, the SOM-6760 accepts up to 1GB of DDR2 RAM. It supports both CRT and LCD displays, with resolutions of up to 1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 1024 pixels, respectively, Advantech says.
Features and specifications listed by Advantech for the SOM-6760 include:- Processor -- Intel Atom Z500 clocked at 800MHz
- Memory -- Up to 1GB of DDR2 RAM, via single SODIMM slot
- Display -- Supports CRT and LCD displays, with resolutions up to 1600 x 1200 and 1280 x 1024 pixels, respectively
- Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
- Other I/O:
- 1 x EIDE
- HD audio
- 8 x USB 2.0
- Expansion:
- PCI Express
- PCI/LPC interface
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 deg. C
- Dimensions -- 3.74 x 3.74 inches (95 x 95mm)
- Power requirement -- tbd
Though the SOM-6760 is said to be compatible with existing COM Express carrier boards, Advantech also announced a new carrier board specifically designed to host SOM Express Micro modules. Seen below, the "SOM-DB5700" has an ATX form factor, and brings the SOM-6760's interfaces to the outside world via standard connectors.
Advantech's SOM-DB5700 carrier board
According to Advantech, the SOM-DB5700 carrier board includes:- 1 PCI Express x 16 slot
- 4 PCI Express x 1 slots
- 1 Mini PCI slot
- 2 32-bit PCI slots
- 1 ISA slot
- RJ45 Ethernet connector
- Audio I/O
The SOM-DB5700, which measures 12 x 7.5 inches (305 x 191mm), apparently also includes USB connectors, keyboard and mouse ports, and connectors for SATA and EIDE hard drives.
A block diagram of Advantech's SOM-DB5700
(Click to enlarge)
Further information
Although the SOM-6760's standard Intel components might make it compatible with a variety of operating systems, Advantech says the "target OS platforms" for the device are Windows XP Embedded and Windows Vista. Availability information was not provided.
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