Portwell adds a new COM Express type 6 module with new gen Intel core ultra processors
Portwell has expanded its COM Express module product line with the PCOM-B65A. This module utilises the new generation Intel Core Ultra processor and is based on the COM Express Basic size form factor (125 mm x 95 mm), continuing the popular legacy of rich I/O interface solutions. To meet growing computing demands for optimised performance per watt, richer I/O interfaces, and increased memory/storage capacity, there is an increasing need for embedded computing to provide faster, more efficient processing capabilities while meeting stringent and evolving reliability requirements.
In today’s era, as advocated by Portwell, scalability and upgradeability remain fundamental key considerations in computing technology innovation and solution design. The well-recognised Computer-on-Module (COM) modular computing concept and the latest COM Express prove this. The Module Base Specification Revision 3.1 expands the usability of COM Express, supporting high-speed interfaces such as PCIe Gen 4 and USB4. This upgrade aims to extend the highly scalable modular embedded computing design approach, offering a new computer module solution that combines next-generation CPU technology with high-speed input/output interfaces for greater upgradeability and configuration flexibility.
The new Intel Core Ultra processor series employs various manufacturing technologies, including the new Intel 4 node process, ultimately packaged into a single chip using Foveros technology. Intel Core Ultra processor centres around SoC tile, combining compute tile, graphics tile, and I/O tile to form a complete processor chip. The new Intel Core Ultra processor series 1 offers up to 16 cores, including 6 performance cores (P-cores) and 8 efficiency cores (E-cores) and additional 2 low power E-cores, capable of up to 22 threads and 24MB Intel Smart Cache. It integrates an Intel Arc* GPU with up to 128 Execution Units (EUs), enhancing rapid and dynamic visual processing. Moreover, the entire series of processors comes with an additional 2 low power E-cores, offering outstanding energy efficiency, especially suitable for fanless, small form factor solutions designed for edge computing applications.
In response to the explosion of new generation AI demands, industrial computers have evolved from edge computing to edge AI. The new generation Intel Core Ultra processor series integrates a NPU for dedicated AI computing, this offers more efficient AI inference capabilities for various power and space-constrained edge applications. Additionally, it provides industrial-grade features to accelerate real-time performance and intelligence in challenging IoT edge computing environments.
The Portwell PCOM-B65A COM Express Type 6 module offers high scalability and input/output performance, making it suitable for a variety of use cases. It can be designed as a driver for edge servers and a core computing component for small, high-performance embedded computers. For small embedded computing devices and systems, the Portwell PCOM-B65A can support onboard PCIe NVMe SSD, thereby reducing the need for additional storage deployment on the carrier board. This, in turn, helps optimise system configuration, thereby reducing the physical size to meet the challenging layout and space constraints of a wide range of edge computing use cases.
