Small Form Factor, Qseven(TM), Gaining Momentum

The Qseven™ consortium, initiated by congatec AG and SECO, today announced the addition of two embedded computer module vendors. Both MSC Vertriebs GmbH, from Germany, and Hectronic, from Sweden, are taking steps to actively support the new small form factor.

The Qseven™ platform has been developed with performance and flexibility in mind while allowing various processor configurations. With a maximum power consumption of around 12 Watts specified in the standard, the new form factor is expected to appeal to manufacturers of applications that require fanless operation. Where heat dissipation is an issue, a thermal cooling interface has been defined to help transfer any heat generated to a cooling solution.

This new standard is expected to enable state-of-the-art technology with long-term availability, using the latest low power technologies such as the Intel® Atom™ processor Z5xx series.

In order to enable real interchangeability, an API software interface will be defined for the embedded features such as a watchdog timer, I²C bus, LCD backlight control, BIOS user storage area and temperature control. Support for the API is mandatory for all Qseven™ vendors. All types of mobile and ultra mobile applications will profit from this clearly defined interface.

Qseven™ also provides extensive connectivity through industry standard interfaces, including: 4x PCI Express lanes; 2x SATA; 6x USB 2.0; 1x 1000BaseT Ethernet; 2x SDIO 8 Bit; VIP (Video Input Port); HDA (High Definition Audio); I²C Bus; and LPC (Low Pin Count Bus).

Compared to other small form factor approaches, Qseven™ features an onboard graphics controller with output options for 2x 24-bit LVDS, SDVO, DisplayPort™ and HDMI™. It also supports the new VESA DisplayID™ standard to automatically detect the attached flat panel display.

The innovative form factor offers unparalleled flexibility in configuration. By leveraging the Mobile PCI Express Module (MXM) connector format, Qseven™ offers two different connector heights, from 5.5mm and 7.8mm. Through this configuration it is hoped the Qseven™ platform will be as simple to integrate as a DIMM memory module.

Typical applications will include automation / DIN rail systems, automotive, and any other application where an ultra mobile embedded computing system is required.

“We see the Qseven™ as a great initiative to approach new applications in fanless, mobile and battery powered systems, which current solutions do not support very well. This will open new markets with a strong industry commitment from the Qseven™ community,” says Wolfgang Eisenbarth, director of marketing at MSC.

Targeting next generation embedded processors built using 45nm technology, the Qseven™ format will complement the low power and small size of these processors. By exploiting the small form factor of the industry’s latest processors, the Qseven™ format offers high performance computing power, delivered in a board measuring just 70mm x 70mm.

“The Qseven™ platform is a great initiative and will allow embedded designers to take advantage of the benefits of the new UMPC platforms such as Intel’s Atom. We see this new module standard as a perfect fit for applications where very small form factors, competitive cost, x86 performance and ultra low power consumption are important requirements. Hectronic is planning to release an Atom-based module as their first offering within the Qseven™ family later in 2008,” said Hectronic sales and marketing manager, Patrik Björklund.

The current supporting companies; congatec AG, SECO, MSC and Hectronic; are extending an invitation to all vendors to join the open consortium and plan to release a general specification and a design guide by the end of Q2/2008.

Intel and Intel Atom are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. COM Express is a registered trademark of PICMG. ETX is a registered trademark of Kontron Embedded Modules GmbH. XTX is a registered trademark of congatec AG. DisplayPort, HDMI and DisplayID are registered trademarks of the VESA consortium.

About congatec

congatec is an innovative and experienced manufacturer of embedded computer boards. The highly skilled employees have more than 200-manpower years of experience in the fast growing embedded computer industry. Based in Deggendorf Germany, the company’s objective is to engineer and market industrial computer modules based on standard form factors. congatec’s products are available for all business segments and industries. Customers can be found in industrial control, medical, automotive supplies, aircraft and transportation fields. Typical applications are machine control, vending machines and visualization terminals. congatec’s main know-how includes the support of our embedded BIOS features, excellent driver support as well as full-featured board support packages. Customers receive complete product lifecycle support starting early during the design-in stage. congatec products are manufactured by specialized contract manufacturers who fulfill the latest quality standards.

Phone: 760-635-2602

ron.mazza@congatec.com

www.congatec.us

About Hectronic

Hectronic is the leading embedded PC platform provider in the Nordic region and the company is now expanding its sales activities into other European markets. Hectronic develops boards and embedded systems as both standard products and custom solutions. Customers include large OEMs in industrial, military and telecom markets, plus channel partners ranging from systems integrators and design consultants to other solutions providers. Hectronic’s renowned technical expertise has led to the development of numerous products that lead the market in terms of price/performance, small size and low power consumption. Hectronic is a privately held company owned by the founders and Verdane Capital, a major Nordic venture capital firm focused on the technology sector.

Hectronic AB

Box 3002, SE-750 03 Uppsala, Sweden

+46 18 66 07 00

sales@hectronic.se

www.hectronic.se

About MSC

MSC Vertriebs GmbH is a European-wide service company in the field of electronic components, board-level products, and customer specific development of industrial hardware. Founded in 1982, the MSC Vertriebs GmbH operates today as a pan-European distributor and manufacturer in a consolidated company with over 1600 employees.

Products requiring extensive technical support, such as COM Express™, Qseven™,ETX® components, EXM 32™, microcontrollers & tools, programmable logic & tools, ASICs, industrial motherboards, power and linear products, displays, optoelectronics, as well as memory modules are our specialty and make MSC one of the leading companies for high-tech solutions. MSC distinguishes itself by its competent applications and development engineers, as well as its design capacity for hardware, ASICs, and BIOS partner with source code license from Phoenix Technologies.

MSC Vertriebs GmbH

Industriestr. 16, Stutensee, 76297, Germany

+49 7249 910-472

boards@msc-ge.com

www.msc-ge.com

Picture and text available for download at http://pr.congatec.com.