A group of embedded systems companies, including Congatec AG and MSC Vertriebs GmbH, have published the first version of a multi-vendor specification for Computer-On-Modules (COMs).

The Qseven specification, which is intended for mobile and ultra mobile applications, defines fast serial differential interfaces such as PCI Express and Serial ATA.

It also defines a standard application programming interface (API) which covers features such as watchdog timer, I²C Bus, LCD brightness control, BIOS user memory and system temperature.

The SDIO interface is also a new COM feature. Rugged and cheap SD-Cards can be used as bulk memory. Qseven defines an 8 Bit SDIO interface that is capable of supporting MMC 4.0 cards thereby providing a maximum data transition rate of 52MByte/s.

The Secure Digital Standard also enables other applications such as WLAN, Bluetooth, RFID, etc. while using the same card format.

The standard also defines battery management and a maximum power consumption of 12 Watts in order to enable mobile applications.