AAEON’s Industrial Power Module Ramps Up Processing Power with 8th Gen Intel Core Processors
The COM-WHUC6 module, measuring at 95mm x 95mm, can support up to 64GB of eMMC memory with two available DDR4 slots.
AAEON has announced a new industrial power module, COM-WHUC6, that can be configured to AAEON's WiTAS 2 standard for operation over a -40°C to 85°C temperature range.
The COM-WHUC6 COM Express module. Image used courtesy of AAEON
This, AAEON explains, makes the device a useful option for applications involving a range of harsh environments. The COM-WHUC6 will support embedded applications ranging from automated inspection to mobile medical devices.
The popular Compact Type 6 form factor allows the unit to be widely compatible and readily upgradable when necessary.
Notable Features
With its focus on processing optimization, the (PDF) COM-WHUC6 is powered by (PDF) 8th Generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3 and Celeron (previously Whiskey Lake) ULT series processors. The unit can support up to 64GB of eMMC memory with two available DDR4 slots.
To ensure high-speed connectivity, AAEON also designed the device with I/O support for USB 3.2 Gen2. Support is also provided for eDP/LVDS, VGA, and DDI. Expansion capabilities are available for five PCIe devices and for two SATA III devices.
Block diagram for the COM-WHUC6 COM Express module. Image used courtesy of (PDF) AAEON
COM-WHUC6, which features a "high-definition audio interface," comes in a 95mm x 95mm package. AAEON also offers Trusted Platform Module TPM 2.0 as an option.
I/O Specifications
- Gigabit Ethernet: Intel I219 GbE
- USB: Eight USB 2.0 and four USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Serial port: Two 2-wire UART (TX/RX)
- Hard drive interface: Two SATA 3 with provisions for a total of three
- Interfaces: Eight 8-bit GPIO, SMBus, I2C, LPC
- Expansion slots: Four PCIe x1 and one PCIe x4
CPU Options
The COM-WHUC6 is currently available with four possible CPU choices. Their current specifications are enumerated below.
As stated by David Hung, product manager with AAEON’s embedded computing division, “The COM-WHUC6 is a highly versatile COM module . . . . With the 8th Generation Intel Core and Celeron processors along with its wide temperature design, the COM-WHUC6 can be deployed anywhere for any task."
The device requires a 12-volt power supply and typically draws 18 watts of power. If the full WiTAS 2 temperature range isn’t required, the COM-WHUC6 can be specified for a 0°C to +60°C operating temperature range. It is certified to CE/FCC Class A standards.
The COM-WHUC6 comes in two versions. Image used courtesy of AAEON
The COM-WHUC6 is currently available in two versions: the COM-WHUC6-A10-0001 and the COM- WHUC6-A10-0003. The primary difference is in the CPUs; the former is equipped with an Intel Core i7-8665UE processor, while the latter features an Intel Core i3-8145UE processor.
Around the Industry
The COMe-cAL6 (E2) from Kontron is a “computer on module” that complies with COM Express compact, Pin-out Type 6. It too comes in a 95mm x 95mm package. The COMe-cAL6 (E2) features Intel's Atom E3900 series, Pentium processors, and Celeron processors.
Another module comparable to COM-WHUC6 is Advantech's SOM-6882. This device, and other members of its product family, are also based on Intel’s 8th generation processors. It is available in a wide range of configurations in the same 95mm x 95mm dimensions.
