Mobile processor cuts embedded power consumption

COM Express module is first to use Intel's Menlow low power platform that consumes just one-tenth the power of other ultra-low-voltage single-core platforms

New from Congatec, the conga-CMEN is claimed to be the industry's first COM Express module based on Intel's latest low power platform for mobile computing, the Intel Menlow. Fabricated using the latest 45nm process and high-K dielectric technology, the Intel Menlow platform comprises the Silverthorne processor, coupled with the Poulsbo chipset with integrated 3D graphics.
This extreme power saving solution consumes just one-tenth the power of other ultra-low-voltage single-core platforms.

This revolutionary technology will enable all types of ultra mobile and fanless applications, leading to the availability of really small solutions with extremely good battery runtime.

ACPI 3.0 with Congatec's intelligent battery management technology is included in the conga-CMEN board, which in combination with the conga-SBM2C smart battery manager module will allow mobile and battery operated systems to be easily realised.

All Congatec boards are equipped with the company's embedded BIOS, including a board controller that enhances embedded features such as system monitoring, watchdog timer and the I2C bus.

With the ability to isolate itself from the main x86 processor, these features are also available in standby mode, hence promoting further power saving functionality.

The conga-CMEN also offers a rich feature-set, including: two PCI Express lanes, two SATA interfaces, an EIDE interface, Gigabit Ethernet, high definition audio, PCI bus, I2C, an LPC (low pin count) interface, eight lines of USB 2.0 and two SDIO sockets.

It also offers integrated graphics supporting EPI (Embedded Panel Interface) with automatic panel detection of almost any flat panel display.