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 standardized computing platform.
How Does 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 ModulesCOM 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 Type | Form Factor | Actual Size |
|---|---|---|
| Type 10 | Mini | 55 × 84 mm |
| Type 6 | Compact | 95 × 95 mm |
| Type 7 | Basic | 95 × 125 mm |
What Is a COM Express Carrier Board and Why Is It Important?
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 options
Carrier 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 Computer-on-Module standards designed for different performance, size and power requirements.
COM Express provides a broad range of performance and I/O options, while Qseven and SMARC are commonly used where smaller form factors and lower power consumption are important.
COM-HPC is a higher-performance PICMG Computer-on-Module standard designed for applications requiring greater I/O bandwidth and power than COM Express can provide. COM-HPC complements rather than simply replaces COM Express, making the two standards relevant to different system requirements.
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?
Choosing a COM Express module starts with the application and workload. From there, evaluate processor performance, memory, I/O, power, thermal requirements, form factor and carrier-board compatibility.
Processor
In selecting a processor, it is important to consider its performance characteristics. It is important to analyse such factors as the processor generation, number of cores, graphics performance, and specific applications like industrial automation, machine vision, and edge computing.
Memory
It is essential to determine the type, size, and configuration of memory. By and large, this will be dictated by the operating system, applications, and processing needs.
I/O Interfaces
It is necessary to define the I/O interfaces to which peripheral devices will be connected. In this regard, PCIe, USB, SATA, Ethernet, and video interfaces are worth considering.
Power
It is always critical to compare power performance and budget since a given module will have power requirements that must be matched by the system power budget. This factor is closely related to the power draw of the processor.
Thermal
It is essential to understand the operating thermal budget in advance as some times, the industrial applications require cooling infrastructure.
Form Factor
It is always critical to consider the COM Express form factor in relation to the space allocated to the module. For instance, mini, compact, and basic modules have different physical dimensions.
Carrier Board
It is essential to select a module that is compatible with the given carrier board. In this regard, the pinout of the connector and the interfaces that need to be supported are also worth considering.
Not sure which module fits your application?
Talk to a COM Express engineerWhich Portwell COM Express Modules Are Available?
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
Which Portwell COM Express Modules Are Available?
Portwell offers COM Express Type 6, Type 7 and Type 10 modules across different processor platforms, form factors and performance levels. The complete portfolio includes modules for industrial automation, machine vision, edge computing, networking and other embedded applications.
| 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 |
Looking for more COM Express modules?
View All COM Express ModulesWhy Choose Portwell COM Express Modules?
Portwell combines embedded computing expertise with a portfolio of hardware platforms designed for industrial and application-specific systems. OEMs and system integrators can work with Portwell to identify suitable computing solutions based on their technical requirements, with engineering assistance and product lifecycle support throughout development.
COM Express Modules for OEMs and System Integrators in India
Portwell India provides COM Express Type 6, Type 7 and Type 10 modules for OEMs and system integrators developing industrial automation, machine vision, edge computing and networking solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Type 6 modules balance processing, graphics, and general I/O for applications like industrial automation and machine vision. Type 10 uses the smaller Mini form factor and targets space-constrained embedded systems where footprint matters more than I/O count.
Type 7 COM Express modules are built for high-speed networking and server-class I/O, making them the standard choice for edge servers, network appliances, and communication systems.
No. COM Express, Qseven, and SMARC are all Computer-on-Module standards but 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 PICMG Computer-on-Module standard built for higher I/O bandwidth and power than COM Express supports. It sits alongside COM Express as a higher-performance option rather than replacing it, so COM Express remains the standard choice for most current industrial and embedded designs.
Portwell's COM Express lineup includes modules built on Intel Core Ultra 200 Series processors and Intel 12th/13th Gen H/P/U processors, paired with DDR5 memory across Type 6 Basic and Compact form factors.
Only if your application needs interfaces a standard carrier board doesn't provide. Because COM Express follows the PICMG COM.0 standard, many designs can reuse an existing carrier board and swap only the module.
Start with your I/O requirements: choose Type 6 for balanced graphics and general I/O, Type 7 for high-speed networking with more PCIe/Ethernet lanes, and Type 10 when board space is the limiting factor.
COM Express modules connect to the carrier board through a mezzanine connector defined by the PICMG COM.0 standard. Type 10 modules use a single 220-pin connector, while Type 6 and Type 7 modules use two 220-pin connectors for 440 pins total.
No. Type 6 and Type 7 use the same connector family but different pinouts, so a carrier board designed for a Type 6 module will not correctly wire a Type 7 module's high-speed networking lanes, and vice versa.
About Author
Stephen Athokpam
Stephen Athokpam is an Embedded Computing Systems Specialist at Portwell, covering COM Express modules, industrial motherboards, and edge AI systems for OEMs and system integrators.
