COM Express Module

Home Blog COM Express Modules COM Express Modules: Types, Form Factors and How to Choose Written by: Stephen Athokpam, Embedded Computing and Industrial Systems Specialist, Portwell India Published On: 07 September 2026 Table of Contents What Is a COM Express Module? COM Express is a Computer-on-Module (COM) standard that places the main computing functions on a compact module. These functions can include the processor, memory, graphics and core I/O interfaces. The module connects to a carrier board, which provides application-specific I/O, connectors and system expansion. This modular design allows OEMs and system integrators to build embedded systems around a standard computing platform. The three main COM Express Module Types: Type 6, Type 7 and Type 10 are designed for different processing, I/O, Networking and System Requirements. How a COM Express Module Work? A COM Express System has two main parts: COM Express Module The module provides the main computing functions, including the processor, memory and core interfaces. Carrier Board The carrier board provides the application-specific connections, I/O ports and expansion needed by the system. Together, the COM Express module and carrier board form a complete embedded computing platform. The standardized design also gives OEMs more flexibility. When a new processor or computing platform is needed, the module can often be upgraded without redesigning the entire carrier board. Ready to Find the Right COM Express Module? Explore COM Express Modules COM Express Type 6 vs Type 7 vs Type 10 COM Express Type 6, Type 7 and Type 10 are designed for different computing, I/O and size requirements. COM Express Type Form Factor Typical applications Type 6 Balanced processing, graphics, and general I/O Industrial automation, HMI, robotics, machine vision, edge computing Type 7 High-speed networking and high-bandwidth I/O. Edge servers, network appliances, communication systems, high-throughput computing. Type 10 Compact Mini form factor for space- and power-constrained designs Space-constrained embedded systems where footprint matters more than raw I/O count COM Express Form Factors COM Express Modules are available in different standardized form factors. The right form factor depends on the available space, required I/O, thermal conditions and system design. Portwell’s COM Express portfolio includes the following sizes: Form factor Dimensions Typical Use Mini 84 × 55 mm Compact and space-constrained systems Compact 95 × 95 mm Industrial and Embedded systems Basic 125 × 95 mm Systems requiring more space for I/O and expansion What Is a COM Express Carrier Board? A COM Express carrier board connects the COM Express module to the rest of the system. The carrier board can provide: Application-specific I/O Connectors Storage interfaces Networking interfaces Display connections Expansion optionsCarrier board design also depends on the COM Express type. For example, a Type 6 carrier board is designed around the Type 6 pinout and its graphics and general I/O capabilities. A Type 7 carrier board is designed for the different I/O and high-speed networking requirements of Type 7. Therefore, a carrier board designed for one COM Express type is not automatically compatible with another type. COM Express Vs COM-HPC, QSeven, and SMARC COM Express, Qseven, and SMARC are all Computer-on-Module standards, but they target different size and power classes. COM Express generally supports higher performance and more I/O, while Qseven and SMARC are smaller and lower-power, aimed at compact or battery-powered designs. COM-HPC is a newer, higher-performance PICMG standard positioned alongside COM Express rather than replacing it. It targets designs that need more I/O bandwidth and power than the COM Express connector can deliver, while COM Express remains the broader, more established standard for current industrial and embedded designs. How to Choose the Right COM Express Module? Start with the application and workload. Then select the processor, module type, form factor and carrier board based on your system requirements. Processor: match required CPU/GPU performance to the workload (e.g., machine vision inferencing vs. basic HMI control). Memory: DDR generation and capacity the application needs now and after a planned upgrade. I/O: count required PCIe, USB, SATA, Ethernet, and display interfaces — this is usually what decides COM Express Type 6 vs COM Express Type 7. Power: system power budget, especially for fanless or battery-backed deployments. Thermal: cooling method and operating-temperature range for the install environment. Form factor: available space inside the enclosure — Mini, Compact, or Basic. Carrier board: whether a standard carrier board covers your interfaces or a custom one is needed. Not sure which module fits your application? Talk to a COM Express engineer COM Express Applications COM Express modules are used in applications where OEMs need a flexible and scalable computing platform. Common applications include: Industrial automation and robotics Machine vision and industrial HMI Edge computing and Edge AI systems Medical equipment Transportation systems Networking and communication systems, particularly network appliances built on Type 7 Defence and Aerospace Portwell COM Express Modules Portwell offers COM Express Type 6, Type 7 and Type 10 modules across different processor platforms, form factors and performance levels. Selected Portwell COM Express modules include: Product Module Type Processor / Platform Key Features Action PCOM-B65A COM Express Type 6 Basic Module Intel® Core™ Ultra 200 Series DDR5 · PCIe Gen 4 · USB 3.2 · 2.5GbE View Product PCOM-B658VGL COM Express Type 6 Basic Module Intel® 12th / 13th Gen H/P/U Processor DDR5 View Product PCOM-B659 COM Express Type 6 Compact Module Intel® 13th Gen P/U Processor DDR5 · PCIe Gen 4 · USB4 · 2.5GbE View Product Explore the complete Portwell COM Express Portfolio to compare available modules and configurations. Why Choose Portwell COM Express Modules? Portwell combines Computer-on-Module technology with embedded computing expertise to help OEMs and system integrators build scalable and application-specific computing platforms. As part of Portwell’s broader System on Modules portfolio, COM Express modules provide flexibility in processor selection, form factor and I/O configuration. Portwell’s System on Modules Solutions are designed to support long-term product development, reliable deployment and changing computing requirements. Explore Portwell System on Modules COM Express Modules for OEMs and System Integrators in India Portwell India provides COM Express Type 6, Type 7 and Type