Copyright
©
2012
congatec
AG
TCEDm10
6/94
COM Express™ Concept
COM Express™ is an open industry standard defined specifically for COMs (computer on modules). It’s 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 following form factors:
• Compact
95mm x 95mm
• Basic
125mm x 95mm
• Extended
155mm x 110mm
The COM Express™ specification 2.0 defines seven different 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
conga-TCA module utilize the Type 6 pinout definition. They are equipped with two high performance connectors that ensure stable data
throughput.
The COM (computer on module) integrates all the core components and is mounted onto an application specific carrier board. COM modules
are a legacy-free design (no Super I/O, PS/2 keyboard and 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 Type 6 pinout provides the ability to offer PCI Express, Serial ATA, and LPC options thereby expanding
the range of potential peripherals. The robust thermal and mechanical concept, combined with extended power-management capabilities, is
perfectly suited for all applications.
Carrier board designers can utilize as little or as many of the I/O interfaces as deemed necessary. The carrier board can therefore provide all
the interface connectors required to attach the system to the application specific peripherals. This versatility allows the designer to create a
dense and optimized package, which results in a more reliable product while simplifying system integration. Most importantly, COM Express™
modules are scalable, which means once an application has been created there is the ability to diversify the product range through the use of
different performance class or form factor size modules. Simply unplug one module and replace it with another, no redesign is necessary.
