MSC C6C-AL
MSC C6C-AL User Manual
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2 Technical Description
2.1
Introduction
COM
Express™ is an open specification from PICMG (PCI Industrial
Computer Manufacturer Group). It is a module concept to bring PCI
Express and other newer technologies like SATA, USB 3.0 and
different display interfaces onto a COM (Computer On Module).
A COM E
xpress™ module is plugged onto an application-specific base
board and offers a migration path to future CPU technologies as they
become available. Utilizing different form factors, COM Express™ can
be used for deeply embedded solutions all the way up to high
performance platforms.
The design of the MSC C6C-AL module supports the Intel® Atom
TM
/
Celeron®/Pentium® System-on-Chip (SOC) platform enabling the
embedded application to provide high performance processing with an
excellent visual experience, together with power efficiency.
For evaluation and design-
in of the COM Express™ modules MSC
offers evaluation baseboards and development motherboards
providing the interface infrastructure for the COM Express™ module
using PC type connectors for external access.
Currently four module sizes are defined in the COM Express
Specification 2.1: the Mini Module, the Compact Module, the Basic
Module and the Extended Module. The main difference between them
is the over-all physical size and the performance envelope supported.
All module sizes of the same type use the same connectors and pin-
outs and utilize several common mounting hole positions. This level of
compatibility permits a carrier board designed to accommodate an
Extended Module to also support a Basic or Compact Module.
Up to 440 pins are available between COM Express™ modules and
the Carrier Board.
To enhance interoperability between COM Express™ modules and
Carrier Boards, seven common signaling configurations (Pin-out Types)
have been defined to ease system integration.