ADLINK cExpress-AR COM Express module

ADLINK Technology has launched the cExpress-AR — a COM Express Type 6 compact module featuring the AMD Ryzen V2000 APU with integrated Radeon graphics. It is claimed to be the first Type 6 module on the market to support an octa-core (8-core) embedded SoC, with up to 16 threads and a turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz. Processor choices include low-power 8-core/6-core APUs with a configurable TDP between 10 and 25 W and high-performance 8-core/6-core APUs with a configurable TDP between 35 and 54 W.

With integrated AMD Radeon Vega graphics, the module supports up to four independent 4K displays via DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and LVDS. ADLINK also offers either eDP or analog VGA as build options by request. HEVC (H.265) 10-bit encoding and decoding is supported by integrated hardware-acceleration.

The product offers a wide range of high-speed interfaces, including 2.5GbE Ethernet that is fully compatible to 1GbE, 6x PCIe x1 Gen3 lanes (optionally up to 8x lanes possible) and 1x PCIe x8 Gen3 (on PEG pins), and 4x USB 3.2 ports. These features are fully compatible with the COM Express Rev 3.0 specification, allowing for existing systems to be upgraded and gain in performance without changing the carrier design.

The APU has a high-performing graphics computing core, making it suitable for use in AI inferencing applications without the need for an additional GPU. Compared to earlier embedded quad-core V1000 processors, the additional cores combined with AMD’s Zen 2 architecture are said to double performance and efficiency.

With double the core count, the product is suitable for use in demanding graphics-based applications such as ultrasound image processing; 4K high-speed video encoding and streaming; embedded gaming and infotainment; and AI inferencing at the edge. It is also suitable for mission-critical applications in harsh environments, featuring standard support for up to 64 GB DDR4 in two SO-DIMMs; ECC error correction based on selected SKUs and configurable TDP (down to 10 W); passive cooling; and 6- to 8-core offerings.