COM Express Type 10: What Is It, And Why Is It Important?

Versatility plays a crucial role in popularizing COM Express, whether used as a standalone board or plugged into a carrier board to enhance capability and improve performance. Typically, COM Express is a type of Computer-on-Module and a subset of System-on-a-Chip (SoC). It features a single circuit board consisting of RAM and an Intel processor. But what exactly is a com express 10? Read on to find out.

What is the COM Express Type 10?

COM Express Type 10 is an industry-specific standard board targeting applications with ultra-small form factors. It is designed for low-power platforms like handheld devices for industrial, transportation, and controllers for outdoor applications. For example, the CPM Express Type 10 Mini is ideal for entry-level processing with ultra-low power consumption. Yet, it can support graphics and optimized I/O count, mainly used for mobile applications.

Some of the most common com express 10 modules include the nanoX-EL with Intel Atom x6000 processor, nanoX-AL with Intel Atom E3900 series, Pentium, and Celeron SoC nanoX-BT with Intel Atom E3800 series SoC or Celeron Processors. Another COM Express Type 10 includes the nanoCOM-BT4 with Intel Atom E3800/Celeron N2000 Series Processor SoC.

Key Features of the COM Express Type 10

  • Extremely small size: 84mm x 73.415mm
  • Extreme temperate range: -40°C to +85°C
  • Supports the latest generation of low-powered CPUs
  • Multi-vendor, multi-CPU support
  • 2x USB 3.0 Type A, 6 x USB 2.0, 2x RS-232, 2x GbE, 1x mSATA
  • Perfect for space-constrained applications, demanding conditions, and harsh environments

Benefits of the COM Express Type 10

While previous Atom processor generations delivered power efficiency, they were scorned for their low performance. The COM Express type 10 packs numerous features that suit various industrial uses and applications. Some fundamental benefits of the COM Express Type 10 include the following;

ECC Memory Support

Com express 10 remains a popular module segment and Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory support. This makes it a perfect choice for applications such as finance, banking, and telecommunications. Unlike standard RAM modules, ECC modules comprise extra functions to verify data flow and regulate it by correcting errors. The correction mode helps correct single-bit errors and identify double-bit errors.

Successful Revamp

COM Express Type 10 features the new Silvermont microarchitecture with several crucial and recognized extensions. These include the Core i series, competitive graphics with DX11 and OpenGL 3.2, and accelerated chain-of-command execution. Manufacturing of com express 10 uses the latest 22nm tri-gate transistor technology, which enhances performance while reducing power consumption. According to Intel, the same power consumption delivers three times greater performance than previous Atom processor generations.

Detailed New Features

Although the new Atom and Celeron processor provides four rather than 16 execution units, the graphics are based on Intel Gen7 that support OpenGL in version 3.2 and DirectX version 11. The addition of AES-NI enables the Atom and Celeron processors to deliver hardware support for the AES encryption algorithm in real-time. Other new and improved features include power-saving modes of up to C6, DisplayPort, PCI Express Gen 2, and SATA Gen 2.

Bottom Line

Equipped with the new Intel Atom and Intel Celeron processors, the COM Express Type 10 offers low power draw while delivering the best performance. It is an industry-standard, small processor that fits in any carrier card regardless of size and shape. Re-configuring the carrier with various processors and I/O can help enhance performance.