MEN Mikro Elektronik presents a new ESMexpress module – the XM2 – with a performance range that has not been reached on computer-on-modules until now. Equipped with the new Intel Core 2 Duo SP9300 with a clock frequency of up to 2.26GHz and the graphics controller GS45, the XM2 is especially well suited for visualisation applications in the railway, avionics, medical engineering and industrial automation markets.
The high-end of the computer-on-module standard
After the first presentation of the ESMexpress-Standard (ANSI-VITA 59, RSE Rugged System-On-Module Express) in May of last year, the second Intel-based board of this product family now follows. Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo processor SP9300, the clock frequency of 2.26GHz and the power consumption of 40W make the XM2 one of the top computer-on-modules in terms of performance.
The new Core 2 Duo processor offers a multitude of I/O functions, which can be led from the XM2 to an application-specific carrier board. These functions include, among others, four x1 or one x4 PCI Express links, 2Gb Ethernet, eight USB ports, three SATA interfaces and HD audio. In addition, the GS45 graphics controller offers a x16 PCI Express graphics link or optionally up to two SDVO interfaces, a DisplayPort or two HDMI ports.
The XM2 is equipped with a state-of-the-art 4GB DDR3 DRAM memory which, together with other memory components like USB flash on the carrier board, offers nearly unlimited space for every imaginable application.
A board management controller for monitoring all board functions completes the functionality of the XM2. For testing of the XM2 and for developing the application the XC1 universal carrier board in ATX format can be used. The XM2 can also be plugged onto COM Express carrier boards (basic form factor type two) via the adapter board AE12.
Robust mechanics for extreme environments
The XM2 is specified for an operating temperature of 0°C to +60°C with conduction or convection cooling. Like all ESMexpress modules it is installed in a closed housing which also guarantees 100% EMC protection. To ensure shock and vibration resistance MIL- and railway-compliant connectors are used and all components are soldered. In addition, the board is coated against humidity and dust.
About ESMexpress
ESMexpress modules are complete computers on a plug-on module. By configuring the I/O on an individual carrier board the functionality can be tailored to the application, thus saving costs and time-to-market. The ESMexpress standard has been developed for applications requiring highly robust electronics, which ensure safe and reliable operation even in harsh environmental conditions. This applies in particular to the fields of railway and avionics, partially to industrial automation and medical engineering as well as mobile applications in general. ESMexpress is currently in the process of ANSI-VITA standardisation. The official designation will be ANSI-VITA 59, RSE Rugged System-On-Module Express.