ADLINK Technology nanoX-TCR, Reference Manual

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nanoX-TCR Reference Manual 3
Chapter 2 Product Overview
This introduction presents general information about the COM Express™ architecture and the nanoX-TCR
Computer-on-Module (COM). After reading this chapter you should understand:
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COM Express Concept
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COM Express Architecture
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nanoX-TCR Product Description
•
nanoX-TCR Major Components
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nanoX-TCR Connector Description
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nanoX-TCR Specifications
COM Express Concept
COM Express is an open industry standard defined specifically for COM boards. Its creation provides the
ability to make a smooth transition from legacy parallel interfaces to the newest technologies based on serial
buses available today. COM Express modules are available in the following form factors:
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Mini 84mm x 55mm
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Compact 95mm x 95mm
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Basic 125mm x 95mm
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Extended 155mm x 110mm
The COM Express specification 2.0 defines seven different pinout types.
The nanoX-TCR utilizes the Mini form factor and the Type 10 pinout definition, featuring one high-
performance COM Express connector that ensures stable data throughput. The single-connector interfaces of
the Type 1 and Type 10 pinouts free systems completely from legacy signals while solving the space
constraints of the Mini form factor. The Type 10 pinout provides additional flexibility for developers by
freeing up pins reserved for SATA and PCIe for future technologies and using the second LVDS channel,
VGA, and TV-Out pins to support SDVO (via DDI). The Type 10 pinout also supports the SPI interface,
which was unavailable in previous COM Express revisions.
The COM board integrates all core components and is mounted onto an application specific baseboard.
COM boards are legacy-free hardware designs (no Super I/O, PS/2 keyboard, and PS/2 mouse) and provide
most of the functional requirements for any application. These functions include, but are not limited to a rich
complement of contemporary, high-bandwidth serial interfaces such as PCI Express, Serial ATA, USB 2.0,
and Gigabit Ethernet. The robust thermal and mechanical concept of the COM board, combined with
extended power management capabilities, is perfectly suited for all applications.
Table 2-1. COM Express Pinout Types
Types Connector Rows PCI Express Lanes PCI IDE Channels LAN ports
Type 1 A-B Up to 6 1
Type 2 A-B C-D Up to 22 32 bit 1 1
Type 3 A-B C-D Up to 22 32 bit 3
Type 4 A-B C-D Up to 32 1 1
Type 5 A-B C-D Up to 32 3
Type 6 A-B C-D Up to 24 1
Type 10 A-B Up to 4 1