9
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
User's Manual |
WL9A3
X
Concept
106.00
91.00
70.00
51.00
4.00
18.00
6.00
0.00
16.50
4.00
0.00
Extended
Basic
Compact
Mini
74.20
80.00
91.00
121.00
151.00
Common for all Form Factors
Extended only
Basic only
Compact only
Compact and Basic only
Mini only
COM Express
Computer-on-module (COM) Express is a PC form factor designed with the core computing in-
tegrated on a fairly compact module. All the I/O signals and power supply are concentrated and
mapped to the board-to-board connectors on the bottom side to interface with a carrier board
that is typically customized to fit the application. When an upgrade or change of application is
needed, the physical separation of the core computing and the I/O of COM Express cuts back
the cost greatly, whereas canonical IPC designs would typically require an entire makeover. The
COM Express module can be replaced when there is only need to upgrade for higher computing
performance, while the carrier board can be redesigned when there is solely change in applica-
tion. COM Express also comes in different form factors and signal Types cut out for different
scales and aspects of the system's application. Detailed specifications of COM Express are
available on the website of PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG).
Carrier Board
The design of a carrier board for COM Express greatly depends on the form factor and signal
Type of the COM Express module. The carrier board typically handles — but not limited to —
one COM Express module, and is populated with stand-offs that conform to the form factor of
the module's mounting holes.
WL9A3 is a Type 10 COM Express Revision 3.0 module compatible with DFI's proprietary carrier
board — COM100-B — as an optional item. If the carrier board is to be customized, the design
guide for the carrier board can be attained via the
on our website.