Kishan Jainandunsing
(February 2006)

Several manufacturers of COM Express modules, including Kontron, are pushing for an even smaller footprint COM Express module than the already compact Basic footprint. A proposal has been submitted to the PICMG COM Express subcommittee for adoption of a Compact footprint. At 95mm x 95mm it has a smaller footprint than the currently defined Basic footprint (125mm x 95mm). The proposal maintains compatibility with existing module definitions, but relaxes the requirements for a minimum of PCI Express, SATA and USB links from 2, 2 and 4, respectively, to 0, 0 and 2.

The main rationale behind this proposed new option is that low cost, smaller and more compact, fanless embedded systems can be build, where low-power SoCs with legacy-only interfaces are sufficient. Kontron introduced its modules based on this proposal under the name microETXExpress. The company offers these modules with either a 1GHz or 1.4GHz ultra low-voltage Intel Celeron M processor.

OEMs looking to design with modules based on this new proposal need to keep in mind that it has not been adopted by the PICMG so far.