Portwell, a Taiwan-based embedded systems manufacturer, has launched a new COM Express Type 6 basic module. This module, called Portwell PCOM-B65A, is based on the Intel Core Ultra processor platform and can come with an H-series or U-series processor from the same series.
The series Intel Core Ultra (14th Gen), Formerly known as Meteor Lake, it uses Intel's hybrid 3D performance architecture, which consists of an SoC with a complex architecture and which promises great improvements over the previous generation. This architecture optimizes performance and efficiently distributes workloads. In addition, it has an integrated neural processing unit that offers AI acceleration low consumption with an integrated NPU, such as AMD Ryzen with its Ryzen AI or Apple with its Neural Engine.
The PCOM-B65A COM Express module's set of I/O and AI features make it a perfect for various embedded applications, such as medical devices, automation, IoT and industrial control, etc.. And all with small dimensions, since it follows a basic COM Express form factor (125x95mm).
What is a COM Express module?
Un COM Express module, Also known as Computer-On-Module, it is a computing component in a small form factor. This standard, defined by PICMG, provides a way to obtain a complete device for applications where size is important, and with quite advanced connectivity capabilities.
For example, depending on its size we can have various sizes:
- Mini (84x55mm): Used for type 10 low power modules.
- Compact (95x95mm): used for type 6 modules, like this case of the Portwell that we describe here.
- Basic (95×125 mm): Used for both type 6 and type 7 modules.
COM Express modules are classified into various types, each with a specific set of features and functionalities, and with its advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific application that you are going to use them:
- Type 2- These modules are compatible with older interfaces such as PCI and PATA.
- 6 type: Modules of this type have additional PCI Express channels, USB 3.x, DisplayPort outputs and no longer multiplex the PEG port with graphic signals.
- Type 7- This type was recently introduced to enable server-type applications. It has up to four 10 Gb Ethernet ports and up to 32 PCI Express channels. It is designed to work without a graphical interface.
- Type 10: Type 10 low power modules are implemented using the Mini size, in those applications where low consumption is necessary.
Technical specifications of the Portwell PCOM-B65A COM Express
Portwell PCOM-B65A has the following Technical specifications:
- Allows you to choose between different Intel Core Ultra U/H SoCs series, such as:
- Intel Core Ultra 7 MS3 165H with 16 cores (6P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.4 Ghz, Up to 5.0 GHz in Turbo mode, with 24MB cache memory, Intel 8Xe LPG iGPU @ 2.3 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU and 28W TDP
- Intel Core Ultra 7 T4 155H with 16 cores (6P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.4 Ghz, Up to 4.8 GHz in Turbo mode, with 24MB cache memory, Intel 8Xe LPG iGPU @ 2.25 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU and 28W TDP
- Intel Core Ultra 5 MS1 135H with 14 cores (4P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.7 Ghz, Up to 4.6 GHz in Turbo mode, with 18MB cache memory, Intel 8Xe LPG iGPU @ 2.2 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU and 28W TDP
- Intel Core Ultra 5 T3 125H with 14 cores (4P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.2 Ghz, Up to 4.9 GHz in Turbo mode, with 18MB cache memory, Intel 7Xe LPG iGPU @ 2.2 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU, and 28W TDP
- Intel Core Ultra 7 MS3 165U with 12 cores (2P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.7 GHz, Up to 4.9 GHz in Turbo mode, with 12MB cache memory, Intel 4Xe LPG iGPU @ 2.0 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU, and 15W TDP
- Intel Core Ultra 7 T4 155U with 12 cores (2P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.7 Ghz, Up to 4.8 in Turbo mode, with 12MB cache memory, Intel 4Xe LPG iGPU @ 1.95 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU, and 15W TDP
- Intel Core Ultra 5 MS1 135U with 12 cores (2P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.6 Ghz, Up to 4.4 GHz in Turbo mode, with 12MB cache memory, Intel 4Xe LPG iGPU @ 1.9 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU, and 15W TDP
- Intel Core Ultra 5 T3 125U with 12 cores (2P+8E+2LPE) @ 1.3 Ghz, Up to 4.3 GHz in Turbo mode, with 12MB cache memory, Intel 4Xe LPG iGPU @ 1.85 GHz, Intel AI Boost NPU, and 15W TDP
- *Note- All iGPUs feature hardware acceleration engine for AV1 encode/decode, H.265 (HEVC) 8-bit codec, and are compatible with DirectX 12.1, OpenGL 4.6 and oneAPI APIs.
- Supported RAM: Up to 96 GB DDR5 SO-DIMM @ 5600 MT/s
- Storage: 4x SATA3 6Gb/s (2x SATA shared with PCIe lane)
- Video connections:
- 1x eDP/LVDS
- 3x DDI with DisplayPort 1.4a, HDMI 2.0b, and VGA support
- Up to 4x independent screens
- Connection to the wired network: Intel i226 (5GbE)
- USB ports: 4x USB 3.2 Gen2, 8x USB 2.0
- Expansion slots or buses:
- 1x PCIe Gen 4 x8 (H-series), 2x Gen 4 x4, and 8x PCIe Gen 3 x1 (Up to 24x PCIe Gen 4)
- I2C, SMBus
- 2x re-addressable UART
- 8-bit GPIO (4 input, 4 output)
- Security module: TPM 2.0 SPI
- Power supply: 12V DC, AT/ATX support
- Dimensions: 125×95 mm (COM Express Type 6 Basic)
- Supported temperature range: 0°C to 60°C during storage, and -40°C to 85°C when operating
- Supported relative humidity: No data at the moment
- Supported operating systems: Microsoft Windows 10/11, and GNU/Linux (official support for Ubuntu)
More information - Portwell official website