Press Release

ESMexpress Module XM1 with Intel Atom

System-On-Module Standard for Extreme Environmental Conditions

• Intel Atom Z530 or Z510 up to 1.6 GHz
• Up to 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM
• Gb Ethernet, SATA, USB, SDVO, LVDS, HD Audio, PCI Express
• -40°C to +85°C screened
• Conductive cooling

Nuremberg/Munich, Germany April 24, 2008 – MEN Mikro Elektronik presents the first ESMexpress modules, which comply with the new, proposed ANSI-VITA 59 standard (in preparation). The XM1 is the first Intel-based member of this System-On-Module family for harsh environments and safety-critical applications in the embedded market. With the new Intel Atom and high-performance graphics, the XM1 is ideally suited for visualization applications for the railway, avionics, medical engineering and industrial automation markets.

XM1 – The Perfect Visualization Platform for Intel Atom

Two variants of the recently presented Intel Atom – Z530 with 1.6 GHz or Z510 with 1.1 GHz – form the heart of the XM1, the first Intel-based ESMexpress module. Thanks to the 45nm technology the processor from Intel’s new UMPC family perfectly complements the advantages of the XM1. Low power dissipation, extended temperature range, space-saving design and seven years minimum availability combined with a favorable price/performance ratio open up new application possibilities which until now could not be realized with Intel products of the Pentium M class.

The XM1 is equipped with a soldered DDR2 SDRAM with up to 1 GB memory space and supports other memory types like USB Flash on the carrier board.

All interfaces provided by the Intel System Controller Hub are used by the XM1 and can be led to different carrier boards. These are PCI Express, Gigabit Ethernet with Wake-On-LAN-functionality, 8 USBs with host and client support, SATA, LVDS, SDVO and HD audio. Legacy I/O interfaces like COM and PATA can be used alternatively on a standard carrier board.

A real-time clock and a board management controller with watchdog complete the functionality of the ESMexpress module.

For testing of all functions of the XM1 and for developing the application the XC1 universal carrier board in ATX format can be used. The XM1 can also be plugged onto COM Express carrier boards (basic form factor type 2) via the adapter board AE12.

Robust Mechanics for Harsh Environments

Having a total power dissipation of 7 Watts maximum, the XM1 is specified for an operating temperature of -40°C to +85°C with conduction or convection cooling. Like all ESMexpress modules it is installed in a closed housing which also guarantees 100% EMC protection. To ensure shock and vibration resistance MIL- and railway-compliant connectors are used and all components are soldered. In addition the board is coated against humidity and dust.

About ESMexpress

ESMexpress modules are complete computers on a plug-on module. By configuring the I/O on an individual carrier board the functionality can be tailored to the application, thus saving costs and time-to-market. The ESMexpress standard has been developed for applications requiring highly robust electronics which ensure safe and reliable operation even in harsh environmental conditions. This applies in particular to the fields of railway and avionics, partially to industrial automation and medical engineering as well as mobile applications in general. ESMexpress is currently in the process of ANSI-VITA standardization. The official designation will be ANSI-VITA 59, RSE Rugged System-On-Module Express.

MEN Mikro Elektronik – Mission and Profile

Since its foundation in 1982 our company designs and manufactures failure-safe computer boards and systems for extreme environmental conditions in industrial and safety-critical embedded applications. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions while maximizing reliability and flexibility.

With nearly 200 employees and subsidiaries in France and the USA we have an annual revenue of 28 million Euros with an export share of about 50%. Customized solutions make for more than half of our revenue. In addition the standard product range includes far more than 100 different computer boards with Intel Pentium and multi-core processors and PowerPC with the corresponding BIOS, BSP and driver software, manifold I/O boards and completely configured systems based on:

• ESMexpress and ESM Embedded System Modules
• 3U and 6U CompactPCI, CompactPCI Express and VMEbus
• PMC, XMC and M-Modules as system-independent mezzanine I/O standards

The consistent use of FPGA technology gives us high flexibility when configuring customized and standard products.

Our products are used worldwide as control, measuring, test or simulation computers in all kinds of embedded applications. These comprise extremely safety-critical markets such as railways, including buses and commercial vehicles, aerospace technology or the medical industry, but also mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, telecommunications and the automotive industry. Computer systems in such applications are in operation up to 24 hours every day and often need to be available for 10 years and longer. Ideally no failures must occur to avoid costly downtimes of machines or danger to human life.

We are certified to ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 in order to offer our customers the highest quality in products and services while considering environmental protection and occupational safety on the basis of a recognized quality management system. To meet the severe quality requirements in critical applications we are working on certification to AS 9100 (aerospace) and IRIS (railways).

Our aim is to constantly improve and to provide the highest technology and innovation level. Our business ethics is determined by the principles of the United Nations' Global Compact Initiative (human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption).

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In addition, press documents may contain statements that are forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations as of the date of a particular release. Actual results may differ materially from those projected because of a number of risks and uncertainties.