Advantech, congatec and Ampro Computers, three leading embedded platform providers, have announced a new alliance to help promote the XTX standard for computer-on-modules. The goal is to provide existing ETX users with a logical and cost effective upgrade path that avoids large-scale carrier board redesign and provides access to the newest serial technologies such as PCI-Express, SATA and LPC. All embedded industrial platform providers are invited to join the new XTX alliance in order to help drive and develop the specification further.
The XTX standard
XTX was developed to evolve the ETX standard and close the gap between ETX and COM Express. Customers looking for a logical and cost effective upgrade path from ETX to high performance I/Os can now choose the XTX form factor rather than re-engineer their designs. XTX maintains the same mechanical dimensions and connectors so ETX solution developers can keep their existing carrier board and heat spreader designs, giving them a quick, simple, risk-free way to upgrade to state-of-the-art technologies such as PCIe, SATA, LPC, ExpressCard, high definition audio and additional USB ports. The XTX specification now offers the best upgrade path for legacy ETX solution developers by reducing risks and costs while speeding up development and market release time. Each alliance member brings to the specification many years of experience and expertise in the embedded industrial market field.
"In addition to maintaining the commitment to develop SOM-ETX, Advantech has joined the alliance with Ampro and congatec in order to work on the XTX standard so that we can provide the most compatible and best price/performance solutions. By adapting XTX, our SOM-ETX customers can easily upgrade to state-of-the-art processors and chipset solutions that support high performance I/O technologies such as PCI-Express and SATA while keeping the original form factor," said Jeff Chen, Advantech CTO.
From the editor's desk: Pricing surge reshapes engineering reality Technews Publishing
News
The recent and continuing surge in memory prices has become more than a supply-chain story confined to global semiconductor markets. We have watched in disbelief as the ASP of memory has risen by over ...
Read more...New appointment for Links Field team Links Field Networks
News
Links Field Networks is excited to welcome Jarrod Hutton to the company as a technical sales representative, bringing a powerful combination of technical expertise, creativity, and a genuine passion for innovation.
Read more...Solar skills empower Alexandra youth
News
To support developing renewable energy skills, Yellow Door Energy launched YDE Lumen30, a programme that trained 30 young people from Alexandra township in Johannesburg.
Read more...RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version