System On Module concept and advantages
System on Module (SoM) is comprised of a small processor module with CPU bus accessibility and standard I/O functionality. SoM is an ideal alternative to custom engineering: With a SoM approach you get the best of aspects of both buying an Off-The-Shelf Single Board Computer (SBC) and of a Custom Engineered solution.
Unlike an SBC (Single Board Computer) which includes a set of standard connectors (e.g. Power, USB, Ethernet, etc), the SOM requires a matching a carrier board (or "baseboard") in order to establish a complete system. SOM-based Base-board enables a flexible design, while keeping most of the “off the shelf” SBC advantages (e.g. Time to market , cost-effective solution and proven software support).
Variscite's System on Modules
Variscite's SOMs are low-power, high performance System-on-Modules which serve as building blocks and easily integrate into any embedded solution. They include an extensive range of interfaces and communication protocols and are ready to run any embedded operating system such as Linux and Windows Embedded CE.
Variscite SOMs are widely used in a variety of fields, such as: Medical, Agriculture, Industrial computing, Military and consumer products.
Intrested in our SoMs? Click here to view our various models.
System on Module Advantages
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Design Challenges & |
SOM Integration |
MCU Integration |
|
Hardware |
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| Documentation | Simplified Data Sheet | Complex documentation |
| Reference Design | Simple, cost-sensitive, ORCAD DSN format. Design review – Variscite offers schematic review to each of its customers. |
Available |
| Design Flexibility | Medium | High |
| Design Complexity | Low |
High – DDR interface, power management..etc. |
| Layout | Simple, 4-6 layers, no micro-vias required, Signal integrity -> lower risk and cost |
Complex (DDRs, Complex power lines..) Micro vias in large size PCBs -> high cost Signal integrity done by customer |
| Bring Up | Short Process, focus in application specific peripherals. |
Long HW -SW integration process of basic MCU peripherals. |
| Hardware upgrades (CPU Speed, memory Size) |
Variscite SOMs are pin-2-pin compatible -> Replacing SOM |
Full project re-spin. |
| Software | ||
| Device Drivers | Rich feature set, proven, device drivers for all common peripherals tested by over 100 customers. |
Device drive modifications required, long debug & QA process. |
| Software Features | Unique features such as: Remote software, upgrades, manufacturing servers for concurrent burning at production…etc. |
Poor basic features supplied by IC vendor. |
| Software upgrades, BSP maintenance. |
Free | Costly design process |
| System | ||
| NRE costs | Low | High |
| Time to market | Fast | Slow |
| Design Risks | Low | High |
| Future System upgrade / cost reduction |
Drop-in alternative SOMs | Full project re-spin |