Kontron ETX-DC: Intel Atom processor module, now supporting 24-bit LVDS and SDVO

The new Kontron ETX-DC module ensures that both 18-bit LVDS and SDVO signals can be used together. This allows two digital displays to be simultaneously and independently controlled, enabling attractive PCI-based dual-display designs with ISA and LPC expansion options.

With the upgrade from 18 bit to 24 bit LVDS, the Kontron ETX-DC module (a long-life solution anticipated to be available for 7+ years) is a seamless upgrade from existing Intel Pentium M designs that also supported 24-bit LVDS. Thus, the new module secures the investments in existing long-life projects such as those in: POI/POS, digital signage, infotainment, gaming, medical and industrial HMI vertical markets.

The new Kontron ETX-DC Computer-on-Module also offers all the advantages of its predecessor, such as low heat dissipation requirements with ~ 10.5 W. This makes the Kontron ETX-DC ideal for use in fanless applications in harsh environments, in which passive cooling and completely sealed housings are necessary. Also, the new Computer-on-Module offers a better match where high MTBF and/or EMC requirements exist to further improve reliability of customers' devices.

The new ETX 3.0 Computer-on-Module based on the 45nm Intel Atom processor N270 has a 533 MHz FSB and supports up to 2GB of SO-DIMM DDR2-SDRAM system memory. In terms of interfaces it offers 2 x SATA, USB 2.0 and a PCI expansion bus along with all other ETX 3.0 standard interfaces including support for ISA as well as LPC. An optional onboard Trusted Platform Module (TPM 1.2) offers enhanced data security. Integrated graphics enable the operation of dual monitors via 18/24-bit dual channel LVDS for resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200) and SDVO supporting resolutions up to QXGA (2048 x 1536) as well as TV-out. There is also onboard High-Definition Audio (HDA) support for multimedia applications. Kontron's newest ETX 3.0 Computer-on-Module is designed especially for economical energy consumption and with S0/S3/S4/S5 suspend modes offers high energy efficiency.

The new Kontron ETX-DC Computer-on-Module is now available and supports Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows XPe, Windows CE as well as Linux and VxWorks.