Chapter 2 Specifications
18 Reference Manual COM830
Security Features
The COM 830 can be equipped optionally with a “Trusted Platform Module” (TPM 1.2). This TPM 1.2
includes co-processors to calculate efficient hash and RSA algorithms with key lengths up to 2,048 bits as
well as a real random number generator. Security sensitive applications like gaming and e-commerce will
benefit also with improved authentication, integrity and confidence levels.
Suspend to Ram
The Suspend to RAM feature is available on the COM 830.
Ampro Tech Notes
The COM 830 has some technological features that require additional explanation. The following section
will give the reader a better understanding of some of these features. This information will also help to gain
a better understanding of the information found in the System Resources section of this manual as well as
some of the setup nodes found in the BIOS Setup Program description section.
Comparison of I/O APIC to 8259 PIC Interrupt mode
I/O APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt controller) mode deals with interrupts differently than the
8259 PIC.
The method of interrupt transmission used by APIC mode is implemented by transmitting interrupts through
the system bus and they are handled without the requirement of the processor to perform an interrupt
acknowledge cycle.
Another difference between I/O APIC and 8259 PIC is the way the interrupt numbers are prioritized. Unlike
the 8259 PIC, the I/O APIC interrupt priority is independent of the actual interrupt number.
A major advantage of the I/O APIC found in the chipset of the COM 830 is that it's able to provide more
interrupts, a total of 24 to be exact. It must be mentioned that the APIC is not supported by all operating
systems. In order to utilize the APIC mode it must be enabled in the BIOS setup program before the
installation of the OS and it only functions in ACPI mode. You can find more information about APIC in the
IA-32 Intel Architecture Software Developer's Manual, Volume 3 in chapter 8.
Intel® Matrix Storage Technology
The ICH7M-DH provides support for Intel® Matrix Storage Technology, providing both AHCI and
integrated RAID functionality.

AHCI

The ICH7M-DH provides hardware support for Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI), a new
programming interface for SATA host controllers. Platforms supporting AHCI may take advantage of
performance features such as no master/slave designation for SATA devices (each device is treated as a
master) and hardware-assisted native command queuing. AHCI also provides usability enhancements such
as Hot-Plug.

RAID

The industry-leading RAID capability provides high performance RAID 0 and 1 functionality on the 2
SATA ports of ICH7M-DH. Software components include an Option ROM for pre-boot configuration and
boot functionality, a Microsoft* Windows* compatible driver, and a user interface for configuration and
management of the RAID capability of ICH7M-DH.
NOTE You must ensure that your operating system supports APIC mode in order to use it.