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Cooling
The heatspreader serves as a thermal interface
between the embedded computer module and
the cooling solution of the system. Thus, e.g. the
excess heat can be passed directly to the system
housing. The heatspreader is defined in the COM
specification and is uniformly implemented for all
modules.
Economical
By avoiding expensive and sensitive cable
connections, solutions based on embedded
computer modules are already economical in
mid-sized quantities.
Customer specific solution
The carrier board contains all the special
functionalities required by the corresponding
embedded application. This could be special
interfaces, a unique power supply, as well as the
mechanical design and the slot placement. The
embedded computer module itself is plugged in
like a component. This ”component” represents a
complete computer that is the intelligence of the
application.
Computer-On-Modules - the Concept
Flexible and robust
mechanical solutions
In comparison to most computer boards,
modules are very small and allow for very
compact solutions. Because the modules are
firmly screwed down, solutions are possible even
for the most difficult environmental conditions.
Long-term availability
The excellent long-term availability of all
congatec modules is further extended as a result
of the clearly defined module interface enabling
broad market offers.
Minimized development risk
The complexity of carrier board development is
significantly reduced when embedded computer
modules are used. With lower complexity, the
probability of error is naturally lower as well. This
means the cost and time frame of the project
can be met with a significantly lower risk.
Embedded computer modules are highly integrated single board computers
particularly suited for implementing customized solutions. Embedded computer
modules are used when standard single board computers are not suitable for
mechanical reasons or due to a lack of expandability.
The difference between boards
and modules
Embedded computer modules are very small
computer boards that can be integrated in
almost every application without a cable
connection. Every signal is transmitted via
small, densely packed board-to-board industrial
connectors to a customer- or application-specific
carrier board. This carrier board contains all the
hardware expansions and also allows the cable
less distribution of the required interfaces.
Computer boards are equipped with numerous
and various connectors in order to allow
the connection of a variety of peripherals
and expansions. Complex solutions based
on computer boards require many cable
connections, which is frequently a cause of
problems during tough industrial use.
Scalability
congatec currently offers modules from 500 MHz
to 2.66 GHz. However, not only is the computer
performance scalable, but also the interface
configuration. You get precisely the performance
your application needs.
Time-to-market
With a module-based solution, a complex
CPU board design with accompanying BIOS
development is not necessary. Modular solutions
are therefore ready for market significantly faster.
To accelerate the time-to-market even further,
congatec offers starter kits. With this, hardware
and software development can get under way
immediately. Appropriate board-support pack-
ages for all standard operating systems provide
an additional head start.