COM-HPC



The computer-on-module for high performance compute (COM-HPC) form factor standard targets high I/O and computer performance levels. Each COM-HPC module integrates core CPU and memory functionality and input and output including USB up to Gen 4, audio (MIPI SoundWire, I2S and DMIC), graphics, (PCI Express) up to Gen. 5, and Ethernet up to 25 Gbit/s per lane. All I/O signals are mapped to two high density, high speed and low profile connectors on the bottom side of the module. COM-HPC employs a mezzanine-based approach. The COM modules plug into a carrier or base board that is typically customized to the application. Over time, the COM-HPC mezzanine modules can be upgraded to newer, backwards-compatible versions. COM-HPC targets Industrial, Military/Aerospace, Gaming, Medical, Transportation, IoT, and General Computing embedded applications and even scales up to RAM and performance hungry server or edge server applications.

History
The PICMG work-group officially started in October 23, 2018.
 * Rev. 1.00 Release date: Feb 19, 2021
 * Rev. 1.10 added HD Audio as alternative for SoundWire, functional safetey signals and a second 5V standby power pin. Release date: Jan 21, 2022
 * Rev. 1.20 added definition for the Mini. Release date: Oct. 3, 2023
 * Rev. 1.30 work started June 25, 2024. Major topics for the workgroup are:
 * Signal integrity for PCIe Gen 6
 * Modern Standby S0ix
 * CXL

Types
There are 3 different pin outs defined in the specification.

Size
The specification defines 6 module sizes: The sizes A, B and C are typical Client Type sizes. The larger D and E sizes are typical Server Type sizes to support full size DRAM modules
 * Size Mini: 95 xx
 * Size A: 95 xx
 * Size B: 120 xx
 * Size C: 160 xx
 * Size D: 160 xx
 * Size E: 200 xx

Specification
The COM-HPC specification is hosted by PICMG. It is not freely available but may be purchased from the PICMG website. PICMG provides a preview version for free download. The COM-HPC hardware specification will be released Jan 2021. Further COM-HPC related documents will be released in 2021
 * Carrier Board Design Guide for Ethernet KR
 * Full Carrier Board Design Guide
 * Platform Management Specification
 * Embedded EEPROM Specification (EEEP)