Common Building Block

Common Building Block (CBB) was a set of technical standards for laptop components introduced by Intel in 2005, and adopted by some manufacturers.

Creation

In 2004, the Common Building Block program promoted the use of industry-accepted mechanical and electrical specifications for three notebook components: 14.1-inch, 15-inch, and 15.4-inch liquid crystal displays (LCDs); 9.5mm and 12.7mm optical disc drives (ODDs); and 2.5-inch hard disk drives (HDDs). The program consisted of:

• A Web site to provide a centralized repository of information about the program, participants, and platform and ingredient specifications
• A continually updated list of CBB-compliant ingredients (submitted by suppliers)
• A testing and verification service for candidate products

The defunct repository site mobileformfactors.org was established to standardize components, and included:

• Hard disk drives
• Optical disc drives
• Liquid crystal display panels
• Battery packs
• AC/DC power adapters
• Keyboards
• Customizable notebook panels

References

• Common Building Block Specifications
• Intel pushes for conformity in notebooks
• Intel looks to attract leading notebook vendors for CBB initiative, 17 oct 2006