Computer-on-module boards often delegate
expansion to a custom carrier board.
Diamond Systems takes a different approach
by including PC/104-Plus expansion on its
Atom-based ETX Pluto, which is built around
a 1.6-GHz Intel Atom ETX module with a
945GSE chipset (see the figure).
The ETX Pluto handles up to 2 Gbytes of
small-outline dual-inline memory-module
(SODIMM) DDR2. Its high-resolution display
controller can drive low-voltage differential
signal (LVDS) displays. Peripheral interfaces
include dual 100-Mbit/s Ethernet, two SATA,
IDE, four USB 2.0 ports, four serial ports,
AC’97 audio, SMBus, I2C, IRDA, digital IO,
PS/2 ports, a parallel port, and a Compact
Flash socket.
The ETX processor module’s form factor
matches the interface board. The module also
has its own metal heatsink for fanless operation.
Expansion is provided via the PC/104-
Plus ISA and PCI bus connectors. Pricing
starts at $599.
DIAMOND SYSTEMS
www.diamondsystems.com