Kontron evaluation board for COM Express™ and UGM modules

Finding the optimal configuration for graphic and processor performance

Eching, Germany, April 02, 2008 - Kontron has developed the ETXexpress UGM Evalboard for evaluating the optimal embedded system configuration of CPUs and GPUs. It can be paired with high-end PEG Universal Graphic Modules (UGM) and COM Express™ conforming ETXexpress computer-on-modules as needed and aids in fast application validation.

As a universally applicable development platform for scalable graphic and process modules, the Kontron ETXexpress UGM Evalboard supports fast software validation. It meets the design guidelines of the COM Express™ Extension and the UGM Standard 1.0. This significantly accelerates application testing and reduces time-to-market. OEM customers benefit from long-term availability, robust construction and a function-tested, future-proof design. The key industries that demand high-end embedded modular graphics are: medical and industrial imaging, gaming and entertainment machines, POS/POI terminals, commercial outdoor broadcasting, public facilities and high-end residential gateways.

The Kontron ETXexpress UGM Evalboard is designed for use with all available UGM and COM Express™ modules and offers the complete feature list of both specifications: for the Universal Graphics Module connected via PEG (PCIe x16) there is an onboard HDMI output, two DVI-I (analog + digital) outputs, two LVDS interfaces with JILI30 and an additional LVDS interface via pin header as well as outputs for analog video (576 i) via S-video and component output (YPbPr). For initial installation, trouble-shooting, or parallel operation, the COM video signals are transmitted via dedicated VGA and LVDS interfaces.

The Kontron ETXexpress UGM Evalboard also offers the interfaces defined by the COM Express™ COM.0 Standard that include: 1x PCI express x1 slot, 1x ExpressCard54 slot on the backside (optional), 32 bit PCI, 6 x USB 2.0 (four on the front and 2 on pin header) and 1x Gigabit Ethernet. Storage media can connect to ETXexpress computer-on-modules via four SerialATA interfaces, a CF card slot and a 44-pin IDE interface. The Kontron ETXexpress UGM Evalboard board also provides S3 cold support for PC sleep modes. Digital sound on an optical SPDIF connector and pin header as well as HD audio with AC97 sound complete the feature set.

Since the UGM card is inserted parallel to the baseboard, the height of the Kontron ETXexpress UGM Evalboard is only 1U (approx. 38 mm) including high-end graphics and computer-on-module. With a footprint of just 330 mm x 190 mm, the ETXexpress UGM Evalboard can be easily integrated into embedded applications. OEMs also benefit from the optional expanded range of input voltages of the ATX power supply (8.5 to 18 volt) that makes integration into different applications even easier.

The Kontron ETXexpress UGM Evalboard offers module and software support for Windows XP, 2000, XPe, CE and Linux.

Further product information is available at: http://www.kontron.com/UGM-Evalboard