Taipei, Taiwan (June 16)-AAEON Technology Inc. has signed on to support the new 3.0 specification of the world's leading Computer-On-Module Standard ETX^® initiated by Kontron.  ETX 3.0 introduces 2x Serial ATA without changing any of the ETX pins, making new modules 100% pin-to-pin compatible with previous versions which ensures long-term support for the vast number of embedded application solutions.  These COMs are highly integrated applications in industries such as:  Medical, gaming, entertainment, military and aerospace.

ETX 3.0 modules, such as ETX-LX, integrate 2x Serial ATA via two slim-line connectors that are designed onto the top-side of the CPU module itself, avoiding the need to modify the ETX-connectors of the module and carrier board.  ETX 3.0 also includes a USB 2.0 to be used via the existing ETX connectors.

AAEON, Kontron and other members of the ETX Industrial Group (www.etx-ig.org) have adopted the ETX 3.0 with plans to keep the standard viable until at least year 2010.  Additional modules built around dual-core processors and others from Intel^®, AMD^® and VIA^® are planned for release over the course of this year, with more to follow.

ETX and ETXexpress
Computer-On-Modules such as ETX and most recently, ETXexpress (based on COM Express) are implemented in embedded systems tailored to meet customer needs.  Advantages include:  Concentration on core competencies, short time to market, low design risk and freely scaleable performance.  ETX modules with PCI bus are geared towards applications with low to medium performance.  PCI Express bus-based ETXexpress modules are designed for high-end applications.  In the future, the ETX standard will undergo further development in scalability and performance.  PCI will be used in embedded systems just as the ISA bus of today.

About AAEON
Founded in 1992, AAEON Technology produces a wide spectrum of OEM/ODM Industrial PCs.  The product portfolio includes high-quality Embedded SBCs, Operator Panels, Panel PCs, Medical PCs, Embedded Controllers, Industrial Slot PCs, PC/104 modules and accessory equipment.  AAEON maintains branch offices and distributors in the USA, Europe, Mainland China and Singapore for its global transactions.  These sales avenues enable AAEON to provide service to all of its customers worldwide - quickly and directly.  Early in 2004, AAEON founded a new Panel Appliance Division which enables it to offer its system products in specific classifications.  AAEON forecasts that ODM/OEM projects will represent 50% of sales.