ANSI/VITA makes computer-on-modules mission-critical
In terms of functionality, ESMexpress defines electrical signals only for modern serial buses. The pin assignment of the two 120-pin connectors is fixed to guarantee complete interchangeability of ESMexpress modules. (Figure 2 below)
For PCI Express, there are four single lane ports (4 x1) and one configurable port (1 x16, 1 x8, 2 x4 or 2 x1) for connection of external high-end graphics. If only one single-lane port is needed, one of the 120-pin connectors can be omitted entirely. Three Gigabit Ethernet (also as 10-Gigabit), eight USB, three SATA, SDVO, LVDS, HD Audio, several utility signals and the single 12 V power supply round out the connection ports.
Building on IP cores in an FPGA, you can add further individual I/O to the design. The FPGA in ESMexpress is added to the carrier board where needed and is controlled over a fast PCI Express link, ensuring a future-proof system.
Unlike other COM standards limited to x86 chipsets only, ESMexpress and ESMini are processor independent, making the CPUs scalable and flexible. Currently available modules accommodate a variety of Intel and PowerPC chipsets to satisfy application-specific requirements ranging from low-power mobile apps to high-end communications platforms. Despite a set threshold of 35 W for power dissipation, many of the specific CPUs in current modules actually draw only a fraction of that power, minimizing cooling concerns.
ESMexpress complies with the COM Express Basic Form Factor and has the five screw holes defined for COM Express. MEN offers an ESMexpress to COM Express carrier adapter board that accommodates the pin-out and mechanics of the two standards, for example to evaluate ESMexpress solutions without producing a fully developed carrier board. Systems that currently employ COM Express could benefit from the added rugged attributes of VITA 59. (Figure 3 below)
ESMexpress and ESMini offer a unique combination of economy and performance for increasingly difficult environmental challenges. They open up technological capabilities for mission-critical applications not previously addressed by COM designs and bring together a rugged board concept and cost-effective, timely development.
The ANSI/VITA 59 RSE standard offers new promise for real-world applications from the high-profile security of video surveillance and biometric access control, to robotic and industrial control systems, to mobile test, control, and display systems across a variety of vehicle and transportation environments.
Susanne Bornschlegl is a member of the technical support staff at MEN Mikro Elektronik.
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