System on Module (SoM)

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Common System on module components include a CPU, RAM, flash memory, a power management unit, wired and wireless communication interfaces.

• Microcontroller, at least one microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) core
• Memory blocks including a selection of ROM, RAM, EEPROM and/or flash memory
• Timing sources
• Industry standard communication interfaces: such as USB, FireWire, Ethernet, USART, SPI, I²C
• Peripherals including counter-timers, real-time timers and power-on reset generators
• Analog interfaces including analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters
• Voltage regulators and power management circuits

Computer on Module (CoM), also known as a System on Module (SoM), is a single physical embedded module integrated into a system function that contains core components including SoC, memory blocks, power unit etc., which then be connected to a suitable carrier board via pins to create a complete embedded mianboard/development board.

System on Module (SoM) is a compact and integrated board that combines a microprocessor, memory, power management, and other essential components into a single module. It serves as a building block for creating more complex systems, thereby simplifying the design and development process. By leveraging SoMs, companies can significantly reduce both the time and cost associated with bringing new products to market. 

• Faster Time-to-Market: SoMs can significantly reduce development time, allowing products to reach the market quicker. This can provide a crucial advantage in highly competitive industries.
• Reduced Development Risk: By using pre-tested and verified modules, the risk of encountering design flaws and unexpected issues is minimized compared to designing complex systems from scratch.
• Cost Reduction: SoMs can lower overall development costs by simplifying lifecycle management and reducing the bill of materials costs.
• Scalability and Flexibility: SoMs offer scalability and flexibility, permitting developers to adjust and upgrade designs according to needs. The modular design allows for easy integration of new technologies during the development process.
• Simplified Hardware and Software Development: SoMs provide a friendly design environment for both hardware and software developers, avoiding the challenge of building complex PCBs from scratch and allowing them to focus on product-specific functions.
• Easy Integration of Advanced Technologies: Developers can easily integrate AI models and other advanced technologies on SoMs to meet new application demands.
• Reduced Complexity: By integrating multiple system functions, SoMs reduce design complexity, allowing developers to deploy multiple applications using a single carrier board.

These advantages make SoMs widely used across various industries, including IoT, industrial automation, medical devices, and edge computing, among others.

The System on Module (SoM) and the carrier board together form a complete solution for embedded systems. The SoM handles core computing and processing functions, while the carrier board provides the necessary interfaces, power, and peripherals. This modular design allows developers to flexibly apply the SoM across different projects while customizing the mainboard to meet specific application needs. This combination not only accelerates development and time-to-market but also simplifies the design and upgrade process, offering high scalability and future-proofing for the system.

• System on Module (SoM): A SoM is a compact, pre-packaged module that integrates a processor, memory, and essential system functions into one single unit. It is designed to handle the core processing needs of an embedded system with minimal engineering effort. The SoM serves as a building block that developers can use and reuse across different projects, providing a standardized framework for complex designs.
• Carrier Board: The carrier board, provides the necessary interfaces, connectors, and peripherals that allow the SoM to communicate with the external environment. It is designed to accommodate the SoM and provide power distribution, I/O connectivity, and any additional features the specific application requires.

In System on Module (SoM) design, several connection methods are commonly used to interface the SoM with the carrier board or other components. These connection methods include:

• Board-to-Board Connectors:These connectors create a direct physical link between the SoM and the carrier board. They provide reliable high-density and high-speed connections, suitable for complex applications requiring extensive I/O options.
• Pin Headers: Pin headers are simpler connection methods where the pins of the SoM are directly inserted into corresponding sockets or soldered onto the carrier board. They are often used for prototyping and less complex designs.
• Edge Connectors: Edge connectors allow the SoM to slide into a slot on the carrier board. This method is common in applications where fast assembly and disassembly are necessary, offering ease of maintenance and replacement.
• Soldered Connections: For systems that require enhanced reliability and performance, the SoM can be directly soldered onto the carrier board. This provides a permanent and robust connection but limits flexibility in terms of module replacement.

Each connection method has its own set of advantages and trade-offs, impacting factors such as ease of assembly, system robustness, and flexibility for upgrades or changes. The choice of connection method depends on the specific requirements of the application, including considerations for performance, cost, and ease of manufacturing or maintenance.

ARM SoM and MIPS SoM are both types of System on Module (SoM) that utilize different CPU architectures – ARM and MIPS, respectively. They are used in various applications due to their distinct features and benefits. Here’s a look at some typical aspects and applications of each:

Typical ARM SoM:

• Features: ARM SoMs generally feature ARM Cortex processors, which could range from low-power Cortex-M series for microcontroller applications to high-performance Cortex-A series for more demanding tasks. They often include built-in memory (RAM and Flash), connectivity options (such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), and multiple I/O interfaces.
• Applications: Due to their power efficiency and performance, ARM SoMs are widely used in mobile devices, consumer electronics, industrial control systems, automotive applications, and IoT devices. They benefit from a large ecosystem and a broad range of available software and hardware support.
• Example: An ARM SoM might include a Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, Mali GPU, multiple USB interfaces, and support for various operating systems like Linux or Android.

Typical MIPS SoM:

• Features: MIPS SoMs often feature MIPS32 or MIPS64 processors, known for efficient pipeline and multithreading capabilities, which are advantageous in specific processing tasks. They may also include essential peripherals and interfaces similar to ARM SoMs.
• Applications: MIPS SoMs are commonly used in networking equipment (like routers and gateways), digital consumer electronics, and embedded systems that require robust data-handling capabilities. Their architecture can be beneficial in applications requiring efficient multitasking and high-throughput processing.
• Example: A MIPS SoM might incorporate MIPS64 processor cores, SDRAM, Ethernet connectivity, and several GPIOs designed for telecom equipment or smart home devices.

Both ARM and MIPS SoMs serve distinct market needs and are chosen based on factors such as power requirements, available development resources, target application performance, and ecosystem support. ARM’s wide adoption provides a versatile solution for diverse applications, while MIPS offers strong processing capabilities for specialized fields such as telecommunications and multimedia.