Ampro Corporation XTX 820 - Manual (Page 11)

XTX 820 Reference Manual 5
Chapter 2 Product Overview
This introduction presents general information about the XTX Architecture and the XTX 820 Computer-
On-Module (COM). After reading this chapter you should understand:
• XTX Computer-On-Module concept
• XTX 820 architecture and features
• Major components
• Connectors
• Specifications
ETX
®
Concept and XTX
™
Extension
The Embedded Technology eXtended (ETX) module concept is an off the shelf, multi vendor, single-
board-computer that integrates all the core components of a common PC and is mounted onto an
application specific baseboard. ETX modules have a standardized form factor of just 95 mm x 114 mm
and use an identical pin compatible connector on the four system connectors. The ETX module provides
most of the PC functional requirements for any application. These functions include, but are not limited
to, graphics, sound, keyboard/mouse, IDE, Ethernet, parallel, serial and USB ports. Four ruggedized
connectors provide the baseboard interface and carry all the I/O signals to and from the ETX module.
Baseboard designers can utilize as little or as many of the I/O interfaces as deemed necessary. The
baseboard can therefore provide all the interface connectors required to attach the system to the
application specific peripherals. This versatility allows the designer to create a dense and optimized
package, which results in a more reliable product while simplifying system integration. Most
importantly ETX applications are scalable, which means once a product has been created there is the
ability to diversify the product range through the use of different performance class ETX modules.
Simply unplug one module and replace it with another, no redesign is necessary.
XTX™ is an expansion and continuation of the well-established and highly successful ETX standard.
XTX offers the newest I/O technologies on this proven form factor. Currently, the ISA bus is found less
often in modern embedded applications that offer a greater array of features. Consequently, the X2
connector for XTX replaces ISA with features that are currently not found on the ETX platform. These
features include new serial high speed buses such as PCI Express™, ExpressCard, AC'97 HD audio, and
Serial ATA®. XTX also provides the AC'97 High Definition Audio (HDA) and two additional USB 2.0
ports, bringing the USB total to six USB ports. The USB 2.0 and PCI Express interfaces can also
support the next generation PCMCIA card in the ExpressCard. All the other signals found on the X1,
X3, and X4 connectors remain the same in accordance with the ETX standard (Rev. 2.7) and therefore
will be completely compatible. If the embedded application still requires the ISA bus, then a PCI-ISA
bridge can be implemented on the application specific baseboard. If this solution is too costly then the
readily available XTX LPC bus located the Ampro XTX module can be used.
ETX or XTX modules work like a high-integration chip, plugging into your custom circuit board design
to provide specific control for your logic application. See Figure 2-1.
X
T
X
820st
ac
k
XTX 820 Module
Custom Baseboard Design
Stack Connectors
(4 pairs)
M2.5 PEM Nuts
Spacing 3mm (4)
M2.5 Screws (4)
Figure 2-1. XTX 820 and Custom Baseboard