Many embedded applications today require not only significant processing performance, but also increased I/O function in a compact form factor: Enter COM Express. In utilizing the COM method of a module containing all of the components for a host computer (offered as an COTS component) attached to a carrier board (COTS-developed or custom per application), the COM Express form factor is poised to become the de facto architecture for balancing performance, size, I/O and thermals within the embedded computing market.