CoreExpress
Encyclopedia
CoreExpress modules are complete computer-on-module
(COM) highly integrated, small and compact PCs that can be used in an embedded computer board design, much like an integrated circuit component. COMs integrate CPU
, memory, graphics, and BIOS
, and common IO interfaces. The interfaces are legacy-free, using only digital buses such as PCI Express
, SATA
, Ethernet
, USB
, and HD audio (Intel High Definition Audio
). All signals are accessible on a high-density, high-speed, 220 pin connector. Although currently available implementations use Intel processors, the specification is open for different CPU CoM solutions.
CoreExpress modules are mounted on a custom carrier board, containing the peripherals required for the specific application. In this way, small but highly specialized computer systems can be built.
The CoreExpress form factor was originally developed by LiPPERT Embedded Computers and standardized by SFF-SIG in 2010.
The module can be embedded into a heat spreader
, which takes care of removing the dissipated
heat. Suitably sealed, the heat spreader also doubles as EMC
protection.
The current revision 2.1 was released on February 23, 2010.
Computer-on-module
A computer-on-module or System on Module is a type of single-board computer , a subtype of an embedded computer system. An extension of the concept of System on Chip , COM lies between a full-up computer and a microcontroller in nature.- Design :Today's COM modules are complete embedded computers...
(COM) highly integrated, small and compact PCs that can be used in an embedded computer board design, much like an integrated circuit component. COMs integrate CPU
Central processing unit
The central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
, memory, graphics, and BIOS
BIOS
In IBM PC compatible computers, the basic input/output system , also known as the System BIOS or ROM BIOS , is a de facto standard defining a firmware interface....
, and common IO interfaces. The interfaces are legacy-free, using only digital buses such as PCI Express
PCI Express
PCI Express , officially abbreviated as PCIe, is a computer expansion card standard designed to replace the older PCI, PCI-X, and AGP bus standards...
, SATA
Serial ATA
Serial ATA is a computer bus interface for connecting host bus adapters to mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and optical drives...
, Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
, USB
Universal Serial Bus
USB is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s that defines the cables, connectors and protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between computers and electronic devices....
, and HD audio (Intel High Definition Audio
Intel High Definition Audio
Intel High Definition Audio refers to the specification released by Intel in 2004 for delivering high-definition audio that is capable of playing back more channels at higher quality than previous integrated audio codecs like AC'97...
). All signals are accessible on a high-density, high-speed, 220 pin connector. Although currently available implementations use Intel processors, the specification is open for different CPU CoM solutions.
CoreExpress modules are mounted on a custom carrier board, containing the peripherals required for the specific application. In this way, small but highly specialized computer systems can be built.
The CoreExpress form factor was originally developed by LiPPERT Embedded Computers and standardized by SFF-SIG in 2010.
Size & Mechanics
The specification defines a board size of 58 mm × 65 mm, slightly less than a credit card.The module can be embedded into a heat spreader
Heat spreader
A heat spreader is most often simply a copper plate, having high thermal conductivity. Functionally, it is a heat exchanger that moves heat between a heat source and a secondary heat exchanger whose surface area and geometry are more favorable. By definition, the heat is "spread out", such that...
, which takes care of removing the dissipated
Dissipation
In physics, dissipation embodies the concept of a dynamical system where important mechanical models, such as waves or oscillations, lose energy over time, typically from friction or turbulence. The lost energy converts into heat, which raises the temperature of the system. Such systems are called...
heat. Suitably sealed, the heat spreader also doubles as EMC
Electromagnetic compatibility
Electromagnetic compatibility is the branch of electrical sciences which studies the unintentional generation, propagation and reception of electromagnetic energy with reference to the unwanted effects that such energy may induce...
protection.
Specification
The specification is hosted by the Small Form Factors Special Interest Group (SFF-SIG) and is available for download on their website.The current revision 2.1 was released on February 23, 2010.
See also
- Embedded System ModuleEmbedded System ModuleEmbedded System Module, or ESM, is a compact computer-on-module standard. An ESM module typically includes a CPU processor, memory, module-specific I/O interfaces and a number of basic front I/O connectors...
- Computer-on-moduleComputer-on-moduleA computer-on-module or System on Module is a type of single-board computer , a subtype of an embedded computer system. An extension of the concept of System on Chip , COM lies between a full-up computer and a microcontroller in nature.- Design :Today's COM modules are complete embedded computers...
- Computer form factor
- Embedded systemEmbedded systemAn embedded system is a computer system designed for specific control functions within a larger system. often with real-time computing constraints. It is embedded as part of a complete device often including hardware and mechanical parts. By contrast, a general-purpose computer, such as a personal...