Computer-on-module and carrier board reference (2 pages)
Summary of Contents for VIA Technologies COMe-8X91
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USER MANUAL COMe-8X91 Computer-On-Module Express 1.03-03222018-171900...
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The information and product specifications within this document are subject to change at any time, without notice and without obligation to notify any person of such change. VIA Technologies, Inc. reserves the right the make changes to the products described in this manual at any time without prior notice.
Battery Recycling and Disposal Only use the appropriate battery specified for this product. Do not re-use, recharge, or reheat an old battery. Do not attempt to force open the battery. Do not discard used batteries with regular trash. Discard used batteries according to local regulations. Safety Precautions Always read the safety instructions carefully.
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1 X COMe-8X91 COM Express Module Board 1 x Screw Bag 1 x Heatsink or Heatspreader (optional) COMe-8X91 Starter Kit 1 x COMe-8X91 COM Express Module Board with Heatsink 1 x COMEDB3 COM Express Carrier Board 1 x SATA Cable 1 x Dual-Port USB 2.0 Cable...
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COMe-8X91 User Manual Lists of Figures Figure 1: Layout diagram of the COMe-8X91 mainboard (top view) ....5 Figure 2: Layout diagram of the COMe-8X91 mainboard (bottom view) .... 5 Figure 3: Heatsink/Heatspreader mounting points............. 7 Figure 4: Aligned heatsink on module ................. 8 Figure 5: Aligned heatspreader on module ..............
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COMe-8X91 User Manual Figure 30: Illustration of OnChip VGA Configuration screen ....... 48 Figure 31: Illustration of PCIE-NB Configuration screen ......... 50 Figure 32: Illustration of South Bridge VIA VX900 Configuration screen ..52 Figure 33: Illustration of Exit Options screen ............54 Figure 34: Rear I/O ports and connectors ..............
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COMe-8X91 User Manual Lists of Tables Table 1: Serial port addresses and IRQs ..............21 Table 2: Layout diagram description table of the COMe-8X91 mainboard ..63...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 1. Product Overview The VIA COMe-8X91 is a compact and highly integrated Type 10 COM Express Module. It comes with an integrated VIA Eden™ X2 800MHz processor, boasting of ultra-low power consumption, cool and quiet operation, and enhanced multi-tasking ability.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 1.1.2. VIA VX900 System Chipset The VIA VX900 Unified Digital Media Chipset is designed to enable high quality digital video streaming and DVD playback in a new generation of fanless, small form factor PCs and IA devices. The VIA VX900 features VIA C-9 HD DX9 2D/3D video processor with MPEG-2, WMV9/VC1, and H.264 video...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 1.2. Product Specifications Core Processor VIA Eden X2 800MHz NanoBGA2 processor Chipset VIA VX900 all-in-one system processor System Memory On board 1GB DDR3/DDR3L 1066 On-board BIOS AMI BIOS SPI 4/8Mbit flash memory ...
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COMe-8X91 User Manual Input/Output Audio Support 1 HD audio digital interface Support 1 LAN port Support 8 USB 2.0 ports SATA Support up to 2 SATA 3.0Gbps ports Serial Support 2 serial ports with TX and RX signal ...
COMe-8X91 User Manual Step 2 Align the heatsink/heatspreader over the mounting hole on COMe-8X91 Figure 4: Aligned heatsink on module Figure 5: Aligned heatspreader on module...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 2.2. Install COMe-8X91 module on the COMEDB3 carrier board Step 1 Identify the carrier board mounting points and the connector slots. Figure 6: Installing carrier board hex spacers Step 2 Install the hex spacers onto the carrier board. The hex spacers will be placed on top of the board.
COMe-8X91 User Manual Step 3 Align the connector of the COMe-8X91 module into the connector slot on the COMEDB3 carrier board. Also, align mount points of COMe-8X91 module into the hex spacers on the carrier board. Figure 7: Aligning COMe-8X91 and carrier board mount points...
COMe-8X91 User Manual Step 4 Secure the COMe-8X91 module with the heatsink by screwing and tightening the four screws (10mm screws). Figure 8: Secure the COMe-8X91 (with heatsink) Module...
COMe-8X91 User Manual Figure 9: Secure the COMe-8X91 (with heatspreader) Module Note: For heatspreader model, user has to add his/her own thermal solution in order to provide sufficient cooling to the board. Step 5 Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU fan connector on the COMEDB3 carrier...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3. BIOS Setup Utility 3.1. Entering the BIOS Setup Utility Power on the computer and press Delete during the beginning of the boot sequence to enter the BIOS Setup Utility. If the entry point has passed, restart the system and try again.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.3. Navigating the BIOS Menus The main menu displays all the BIOS setup categories. Use the <Left>/<Right> and <Up>/<Down> arrow keys to select any item or sub-menu. Descriptions of the selected/highlighted category are displayed at the bottom of the screen.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.5. System Overview The System Overview screen is the default screen that is shown when the BIOS Setup Utility is launched. This screen can be accessed by traversing the navigation bar to the “Main” label. Figure 10: Illustration of the Main menu screen 3.5.1.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.5.4. System Time This section shows the current system time. Press Tab to traverse right and Shift+Tab to traverse left through the hour, minute, and second segments. The + and - keys on the number pad can be used to change the values. The time format is [Hour : Minute : Second].
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6. Advanced Settings The Advanced Settings screen shows a list of categories that can provide access to a sub-screen. Sub-screen links can be identified by the preceding right-facing arrowhead. Figure 11: Illustration of the Advanced Settings screen...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.1. CPU Configuration The CPU Configuration screen shows detailed information about the built-in processor. Figure 12: Illustration of the CPU Configuration screen...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.2. IDE Configuration The IDE Configuration screen shows links to the primary IDE Master and primary IDE Slave hard drive information screens. Figure 13: Illustration of IDE Configuration screen...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.2.1. Primary IDE Master When a hard drive is detected, the hard drive’s detailed information can be displayed on the Primary IDE Master/Slave sub-screen. Figure 14: Illustration of Primary IDE Master screen...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.3. SuperIO Configuration The SuperIO Configuration screen shows the specific addresses, IRQs and types of the onboard serial ports. Figure 15: Illustration of SuperIO Configuration screen 3.6.3.1. Serial Ports 1 to 2 This option allows the user to select the Serial Port 1 and 2 base I/O address and interrupt request address.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.3.3. Parallel Port Mode This specifies the parallel port mode. The parallel port mode has five options: Normal, Bi-Directional, ECP, EPP, EPP+ECP. 3.6.3.4. Parallel Port IRQ This specifies the parallel port interrupt request address. The parallel port IRQ...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.4. Hardware Health Configuration The Hardware Health Configuration screen displays the monitored aspects of the mainboard such as CPU temperature, system temperature, fan speeds, and voltages of the power planes. Figure 16: Illustration of Hardware Health Configuration screen...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.5. ACPI Configuration ACPI grants the operating system direct control over system power management. The ACPI Configuration screen can be used to set a number of power management related functions. Figure 17: Illustration of ACPI Configuration screen 3.6.5.1.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual Auto When the Suspend Mode is set to Auto, the operating system will control the power state. 3.6.5.2. ACPI Version Features The ACPI Version Features enables the BIOS to support the designated ACPI specification. There are three versions to choose from: ACPI v1.0, ACPI v2.0, and ACPI v3.0.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.6. APM Configuration APM enables the operating system to co-work with the BIOS to control the system power management. The APM Configuration screen can be used to set a number of power management functions. Figure 18: Illustration of APM Configuration screen 3.6.6.1.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.6.2. Restore on AC/Power Loss Restore on AC/Power Loss defines how the system will respond after AC power has been interrupted while the system is on. There are three options. Power Off The Power Off option keeps the system in an off state until the power button is pressed again.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.6.5. Resume on RTC Alarm Resume on RTC Alarm can only be used if Resume on Software RTC Alarm is not enabled. This feature enables the BIOS to automatically power on the system at a scheduled time. When enabled, the RTC Alarm Date and System Time features will be unlocked.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.7. Spread Spectrum Configuration The Spread Spectrum Configuration screen enables access to the CPU Spread Spectrum Setting feature. Figure 19: Illustration of Spread Spectrum Configuration screen 3.6.7.1. Spread Spectrum Setting The CPU Spread Spectrum Setting feature enables the BIOS to modulate the clock frequencies originating from the mainboard.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.8. USB Configuration The USB Configuration screen shows the number of connected USB devices. Additionally, support for various USB features can be enabled or disabled. Figure 20: Illustration of USB Configuration screen 3.6.8.1. OnChip UHCI Device The OnChip UHCI Device feature enables support for USB 1.1 devices. UHCI corresponds with the USB_1 stack.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.8.4. USB 2.0 Controller Mode Configure the USB 2.0 controller in FullSpeed or HiSpeed. The FullSpeed limits the USB 2.0 controller to transfer data at 12 Mbps. The HiSpeed enables the USB 2.0 controller to transfer data at 480Mbps. The connected USB device...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.6.9. CRB Configuration The CRB Configuration screen includes several chipset settings. Figure 21: Illustration of CRB Configuration screen 3.6.9.1. VIA USB Wireless LAN Control This feature enables support for USB wireless LAN control: This feature has two options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.7. Advanced PCI/PnP Settings The Advanced PCI/PnP Settings screen shows the features that relate to PCI bus and Plug and Play devices. Only change these settings if a PCI or Plug and Play device requires it. Figure 22: Illustration of Advanced PCI/PnP Settings screen 3.7.1.
COMe-8X91 User Manual The No option gives the BIOS control over handling resource conflicts caused by Plug and Play devices. 3.7.3. PCI Latency Timer The PCI Latency Timer feature enables the user to specify the number of PCI bus cycles a connected PCI device can control before handing control of the PCI bus to the next PCI device waiting to use it.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.7.7. OffBoard PCI/ISA IDE Card Some PCI IDE cards may require this to be set to the PCI slot number (PCI Slot 1~6) that is holding the card. Auto: Works for most PCI IDE cards. 3.7.8. IRQ3~15 The available IRQs range from 3 to 15.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.7.12. HotPlug Reserve Memory Size The HotPlug Reserve Memory Size feature enables the user to set aside a specified portion of the memory block for hot-swappable or CardBus devices. The available options range from 8MB to 512MB. There is also an “Auto”...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.8. Boot Settings The Boot Settings screen has one link that goes to the Boot Settings Configuration screen. Figure 23: Illustration of Boot Settings screenBoot Settings Configuration The Boot Settings Configuration screen has several features that can be run during the system boot sequence.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.8.1.1. Quick Boot The Quick Boot feature enables the BIOS to skip certain tests in order to speed up the boot sequence. This feature has two options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”. 3.8.1.2. Quiet Boot The Quiet Boot feature hides all of the Power-on Self Test (POST) messages during the boot sequence.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.8.1.6. Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display This feature determines if the BIOS will display a POST message that informs the user how to access the BIOS Setup Utility. This feature has two options: enabled and disabled. Note: 1. If the Quiet Boot option is enabled, the settings of this feature will have no effect.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.8.2. Boot Device Priority Figure 25: Illustration of Boot Device Priority screen 3.8.2.1. 1 Boot Device To specifies the boot sequence from the available devices. The available boot devices are detected dynamically according to real situation and variable options will be provided.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.9. Security Settings The Security Settings screen provides a way to restrict access to the BIOS or even the entire system. Figure 26: Illustration of Security Settings screenChange Supervisor Password This option is for setting a password for accessing the BIOS setup utility.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual power to the system). A soft reboot (i.e., Ctrl+Alt+Del) will not work because the keyboard will be locked. This feature has two options. Setup The Setup option forces users to enter a password in order to access the BIOS Setup Utility.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10. Advanced Chipset Settings The Advanced Chipset Settings screen has two links for accessing North and South bridge functions. Though the VX900 is a single chip solution, the North and South bridge categories are still for grouping features.
COMe-8X91 User Manual Figure 28: Illustration of North Bridge VIA VX900 Configuration screen 3.10.1.1. NB HDAudio Codec 1 The NB HDAudio Codec 1 feature enables the BIOS to control the high definition audio codec in the chipset. This feature has two options: “Enable”...
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.1.2. DRAM Clock/Timing Configuration The DRAM Clock/Timing Configuration screen has one feature for controlling the system DRAM. All other DRAM features are automated and cannot be accessed. Figure 29: Illustration of DRAM Frequency/Timing Configuration screen 3.10.1.2.1. DRAM Clock The DRAM Clock option enables the user to determine how the BIOS handles the memory clock frequency.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.1.2.2. Bank Interleave This item is for setting the interleave mode of the SDRAM interface. Interleaving allows banks of SDRAM to alternate their refresh and access cycles. One bank will undergo its refresh cycle while another is being accessed.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.1.2.13. RDRDY This feature has 2 options: “Slowest” and “Default”. 3.10.1.2.14. Conversion Circuit This feature has 2 options: “Auto” and “Async”. 3.10.1.2.15. DRAM 32-Bit data width This feature has 2 options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”. 3.10.1.2.16. DramInitMethod This feature has 2 options: “Auto” and “Force_SW”.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.1.3. OnChip VGA Configuration The OnChip VGA Configuration screen has features for controlling the integrated graphics controller in the VX900 chipset. Figure 30: Illustration of OnChip VGA Configuration screen 3.10.1.3.1. Hide D1F1 This feature has 2 options: “Disabled” and “Enabled”.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.1.3.5. Select Display Device 1 and 2 The Select Display Device feature enables the user to choose a specific ® display interface. This feature has four options: CRT, LCD, HDMI and DP. If both Select Display Device 1 and Select Display Device 2 are set to the same interface, then any display device connected to the other interface will not function.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.1.4. PCIE-NB Configuration The PCIE-NB Configuration screen has features for controlling the PCIE Express interface in the VX900 chipset. Figure 31: Illustration of PCIE-NB Configuration screen 3.10.1.4.1. Reset PCIE When Link Fail This feature has 2 options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual This feature has 2 options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”. 3.10.1.4.8. PCIE PE0 Control This feature has 2 options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”. 3.10.1.4.9. PCIE PE1 Control This feature has 2 options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”. 3.10.1.4.10. PCIE PE2 Control This feature has 2 options: “Enabled” and “Disabled”.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.2. South Bridge VIA VX900 Configuration The South Bridge VIA VX900 Configuration screen has the following features. Figure 32: Illustration of South Bridge VIA VX900 Configuration screen 3.10.2.1. SATA Gen2 Support The SATA Gen2 Support feature enables to BIOS to determine whether SATA 3Gb/s or 1.5Gb/s specifications are followed.
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COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.10.2.4. OnChip UART Mode This feature has two options: “Enabled” or “Disabled”. 3.10.2.5. SDIO Host Controller This feature has two options: “Enable” or “Disable”. 3.10.2.6. HPET Support The HPET Support feature enables the BIOS to determine if the high precision event timer in the chipset is ON or OFF.
COMe-8X91 User Manual 3.11. Exit Options Figure 33: Illustration of Exit Options screen 3.11.1. Save Changes and Exit Save all changes to the BIOS and exit the BIOS Setup Utility. The “F10” hotkey can also be used to trigger this command.
For embedded operating systems, the related drivers can be found in the VIA Embedded website at www.viaembedded.com. 4.2. Linux Driver Support The VIA COMe-8X91 mainboard is highly compatible with many Linux distributions. Support and drivers are provided through various methods including:...
COMe-8X91 User Manual Appendix A. COMEDB3 Carrier Board Reference A.1. Board Specifications COM Express Module Type Support Mini Form Factor Type 10 Audio VIA VT2021 High Definition Audio Codec Super I/O VIA VT1211 LPC super I/O BIOS AMI BIOS ...
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COMe-8X91 User Manual Onboard Pin Header 1 x Serial pin header with 2 sets of TX and RX signals 2 x COM pin headers (support 2 COM ports with +5V/+12V power select option RI pin) 1 x LPT pin header ...
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COMe-8X91 User Manual Storage Temperature -40°C to 70°C Operating and Storage Humidity 95% relative humidity Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Microsoft Windows Embedded Standard 7 Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows XPe Microsoft Windows CE 6.0 ...
COMe-8X91 User Manual A.2. External I/O Connectors The COMEDB3 has a wide selection of interfaces. It includes a selection of frequently used ports as part of the external I/O coastline. A.2.1. Rear I/O Figure 34: Rear I/O ports and connectors...
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