ETX (form factor)

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ETX®, standing for Embedded Technology eXtended, computer-on-module (COM) is a highly integrated and compact (3.7 x 4.4 in.) (95 x 114 mm) that can be used in a design application much like an integrated circuit component. Each ETX COM integrates core CPU and memory functionality, the common I/O of a PC/AT (serial, parallel, etc.), USB, audio, graphics, and Ethernet. All I/O signals as well as a full implementation of ISA and PCI buses are mapped to four high density, low profile connectors on the bottom side of the module.

ETX® boards are available with AMD Geode, VIA, Intel Pentium, Celeron and Celeron processors.

Kontron Embedded Modules is a founding member of the ETX Industrial Group (ETX-IG). ETX® and ETXexpress® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Kontron Embedded Modules GmbH.

Evolution of the ETX Standard

One of the fastest-growing concepts in the embedded world is the "Computer-On-Module" or COM. One of the principal COM implementations available in the market is the Embedded Technology eXtended (ETX) specification, first developed by Kontron (formerly JUMPtec) in the early 2000.

As technology evolves, the ETX standard has undergone further developmentin scalability and performance. In April 2006, Kontron and the members of the ETX Industrial Group released the latest generation of the ETX 3.0 specification. The ETX Industrial Group (www.etx-ig.org) is an independent association of companies and individuals that work to exchange knowledge about ETX, communicate with users of the ETX world, monitor trends and ensure the ETX standard fulfills the market’s needs. Membership is open to companies all over the world who develop and produce ETX modules. Members of the ETX Industrial Group include Kontron Embedded Modules GmbH, Advantech, MSC Vertriebs GmbH, ADLINK Technology, Evalue Technology Inc., SECO Srl, Arbor Technology Corp., Axiomtek Co., Blue Chip Technology, AAEON Technology Inc., AEWIN Technologies Co., IBase, Honeywell – CMSS and American Portwell Technology.

To obtain a copy of the ETX 3.02 specification, visit the ETX Industrial Group website http://www.etx-ig.org .

ETX Connector Layout

ETX 3.0 Connector Area

The first ETX 3.0 board from Kontron

Mechanical Dimensions od ETX

	ETX	COM Express / ETXexpress
Dimensions	95 × 114 mm	110 ×155 (extended) 95 × 125 mm (basic) 95 x 95 (compact)
Legacy¹ support	Full legacy	Legacy except ISA
PCI Express support	-	up to 6 Lanes (basic)
PCI Express Graphic support	-	up to 16 Lanes
Ethernet support	10/100	10/100/1000
IDE support	2 IDE, 2 SATA	IDE, 4 SATA
LPC support	-	yes
USB support	4 USB	8 USB
Audio support	AC'97, Line In/Out, Mic	AC'97, Line In/Out, Mic, AC'97 digital, HDA
Notes: "Legacy" is defined as the older PC peripherals and bus, such as ISA bus, RS-232 serial, IEEE 1284 parallel, floppy, and PS/2 keyboard & mouse. ETX 3.0 adds SATA via a topside connector on the board.