XTX™ - facelift for ETX®

XTX embedded computer modul and a custom baseboard

XTX™ is an expansion and continuation of the well-established and highly successful ETX^® standard. XTX™ offers the newest I/O technologies on this proven form factor. Now that the ISA bus is being used less and less in modern embedded applications XTX™ offers an array of different features on the X2 connector than those currently found on the ETX^® platform. These features include new serial high speed buses such as PCI Express™ and Serial ATA^®. All other signals found on connectors X1, X3, and X4 remain the same in accordance to the ETX^® standard (Rev. 2.7) and therefore will be completely compatible.

The XTX industrial group is an independent interest group of companies and individuals.

Basic concepts of the XTX Consortium:

• Support and promote XTX form factor as an OPEN INDUSTRIAL STANDARD
• Apply the latest XTX specifiation in their own embedded designs
• Use modern serial bus architecture in a proven form factor
• Share knowledge about XTX and keep XTX close to market needs
• Reach other users within the ETX world

XTX - the next generation of serial bus MODULE

All companies worldwide, designing or using embedded computer modules, are invited to join as members. Please subscribe to the member list.

High-Speed Analog Simulation validates XTX

PCI Express datapath at a XTX solution (click for full resolution)

Simulation of PCI Express signal path proves industrial usability of XTX

Deggendorf June 30, 2005 - XTX expands the ETX standard with PCI Express, Serial ATA and more. The extremely high data rate of 2.5 GBit/s per lane of PCI Express is very demanding on signal transmission quality. This means that the Hirose FX8 connector becomes a critical item when ensuring signal transmission quality. For this reason a complex high-speed simulation model has been created in order to validate that the Hirose FX8 connector used on the XTX form factor is capable of carrying these signals while maintaining signal transmission quality.

This simulation model used included the complete signal pathway originating from the chipset, through the Hirose FX8 connector and all the way to the PCI Express device located on the custom specific baseboard. The use of Express Cards and PCI Express slot expansions was also included in the simulation model. This simulation model was designed to test the Hirose FX8 connector, which is the most critical part, and is based on measurement results submitted by Hirose.

Using this highly competent simulation model has proven that the high-speed transmission rate of PCI Express can be maintained over a signal length of more then 10 inches on a custom baseboard. These results confirm that XTX is capable of implementing PCI Express.

Detailed results of this simulation will be documented in the XTX specification as well as the XTX design guide.