Concept - DFI GH9A3 User Manual

X Concept
COM Express
Computer-on-module (COM) Express is a PC form factor designed with the core computing in-
tegrated on a fairly compact module. All the I/O signals and power supply are concentrated and
mapped to the board-to-board connectors on the bottom side to interface with a carrier board
that is typically customized to fit the application. When an upgrade or change of application is
needed, the physical separation of the core computing and the I/O of COM Express cuts back
the cost greatly, whereas canonical IPC designs would typically require an entire makeover. The
COM Express module can be replaced when there is only need to upgrade for higher computing
performance, while the carrier board can be redesigned when there is solely change in applica-
tion. COM Express also comes in different form factors and signal Types cut out for different
scales and aspects of the system's application. Detailed specifications of COM Express are
available on the website of PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG).
Common for all Form Factors
Extended only
Basic only
Compact only
Compact and Basic only
Mini only
Compact
Mini
18.00
6.00
0.00
User's Manual | GH9A3
106.00
Extended
91.00
Basic
70.00
51.00
4.00
Carrier Board
This design guide addendum organizes and provides the recommendations of DFI's COM carri-
er board design for COM-Express Modules. All other Schematic Guidelines for the carrier board
are applicable and can be found in the PICMG Design Guide V1.0. Please contact DFI sales and
application engineers if there are any questions about designing the carrier board, or you plan
to use this processor in applications other than mobile or desktop platforms.
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
CPU Cooler /
Heatsink
COM Express
module
Carrier Board
8