In today's fast-paced technological landscape, product development cycles are continuously shrinking. Companies are under immense pressure to bring innovative solutions to market quickly while maintaining high quality and performance standards. This is where System on Module (SoM) technology emerges as a game-changer, revolutionizing the way embedded systems are designed and deployed. By integrating core components onto a single, compact module, SoMs offer a powerful solution to accelerate product development, reduce time-to-market, and optimize resource allocation.
System on module (SoM) architecture and integration
A System on Module is a compact circuit board that integrates essential components of an embedded system, including the processor, memory, power management, and various interfaces. This modular approach allows developers to focus on their specific application requirements rather than redesigning core system elements for each new product. The architecture of a SoM is designed to be flexible and scalable, enabling rapid prototyping and seamless integration into diverse end products.
SoMs typically feature a standardized form factor and pin-out, making them easily interchangeable and upgradable. This standardization facilitates a plug-and-play approach, where developers can quickly swap out modules to test different configurations or upgrade to more powerful processors without redesigning the entire system. The integration of key components on a single module also significantly reduces the complexity of PCB design and manufacturing, leading to fewer potential points of failure and improved reliability.
Accelerated hardware design with pre-validated SoMs
One of the primary ways SoMs accelerate product development is by providing pre-validated hardware solutions. Instead of designing complex processor subsystems from scratch, engineers can leverage off-the-shelf SoMs that have already undergone rigorous testing and certification processes. This approach dramatically reduces the time and resources required for hardware design, allowing teams to focus on value-added features and application-specific customizations.
Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC integration
The integration of Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs into SoM platforms has opened up new possibilities for high-performance embedded systems. These advanced SoCs combine ARM Cortex-A53 processors with programmable logic, enabling developers to create flexible, software-defined hardware solutions. REFLEX CES offers SoM solutions based on Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs, providing a robust foundation for applications requiring real-time processing and reconfigurable computing capabilities.
NXP i.MX 8 series rapid prototyping
SoMs featuring NXP's i.MX 8 series processors have become popular choices for rapid prototyping in multimedia and IoT applications. These modules offer a balance of performance and power efficiency, making them ideal for products with stringent power consumption requirements. By utilizing pre-integrated i.MX 8 SoMs, developers can quickly create proof-of-concept designs and iterate on their ideas without getting bogged down in low-level hardware design.
Intel atom processor-based SoM solutions
Intel Atom processor-based SoMs provide a powerful x86 architecture option for embedded systems. These modules are particularly well-suited for applications requiring compatibility with existing x86 software ecosystems. The availability of pre-validated Intel Atom SoMs allows developers to leverage familiar development tools and operating systems, further accelerating the product development process.
ARM Cortex-A based SoMs for IoT applications
For IoT devices and edge computing applications, ARM Cortex-A based SoMs offer an excellent balance of performance and energy efficiency. These modules often integrate wireless connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, simplifying the development of connected devices. By choosing an ARM-based SoM, developers can tap into the vast ARM ecosystem and benefit from optimized software libraries and development tools.
Streamlined software development on SoM platforms
SoMs not only accelerate hardware design but also significantly streamline software development processes. Most SoM vendors provide comprehensive software development kits (SDKs) and board support packages (BSPs) that are tailored to their specific hardware configurations. This software ecosystem enables developers to hit the ground running, with pre-configured development environments and optimized drivers for key peripherals.
BSP customization and driver optimization
While SoMs come with pre-configured BSPs, most projects require some level of customization to meet specific application requirements. The modular nature of SoM-based designs allows for easier BSP customization and driver optimization. Developers can focus on fine-tuning drivers for their specific use cases rather than writing low-level hardware drivers from scratch. This approach not only saves time but also leads to more reliable and efficient software implementations.
RTOS integration: FreeRTOS and VxWorks
For applications requiring real-time performance, SoMs offer seamless integration with popular real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as FreeRTOS and VxWorks. Many SoM vendors provide pre-configured RTOS images and examples, allowing developers to quickly implement real-time features and meet strict timing requirements. The availability of these optimized RTOS solutions on SoM platforms can significantly reduce development time for time-critical applications.
Linux kernel adaptation for SoM architectures
Linux has become a dominant operating system in the embedded space, and SoMs are well-suited for Linux-based development. Most SoM vendors provide Linux kernel sources that are already adapted for their specific hardware configurations. This adaptation includes optimized device tree files, kernel configurations, and drivers for on-board peripherals. By leveraging these pre-adapted Linux kernels, developers can focus on application-level development rather than low-level kernel customization.
Yocto project for custom linux distributions
The Yocto Project has emerged as a powerful tool for creating custom Linux distributions for embedded systems. Many SoM vendors provide Yocto layers specific to their hardware, enabling developers to easily create tailored Linux distributions. This approach allows for fine-grained control over the software stack while benefiting from the standardization and reproducibility offered by the Yocto Project framework.
Time-to-market reduction through SoM implementation
One of the most significant advantages of using SoMs in product development is the dramatic reduction in time-to-market. By eliminating the need to design and validate core system components, SoMs can shave months off traditional development cycles. This acceleration is particularly crucial in competitive markets where being first to market can make or break a product's success.
The time savings provided by SoMs extend beyond initial development. When it comes time to upgrade or refresh a product line, SoMs allow for rapid iterations and seamless transitions to newer technologies. This agility enables companies to respond quickly to market demands and stay ahead of the competition.
SoM-based designs can reduce development time by up to 50% compared to traditional custom hardware approaches, allowing companies to bring products to market faster and more efficiently.
Furthermore, the modular nature of SoMs facilitates parallel development workflows. Hardware and software teams can work simultaneously, with hardware engineers focusing on carrier board design while software developers begin application development using evaluation kits. This parallel approach further compresses development timelines and improves overall team productivity.
Scalability and flexibility in product development
SoMs offer unparalleled scalability and flexibility in product development, allowing companies to create entire product families based on a single core design. This scalability is particularly valuable for companies looking to address multiple market segments or performance tiers without starting from scratch for each new product.
Pin-compatible SoM families for easy upgrades
Many SoM vendors offer pin-compatible module families that span a range of performance levels. This compatibility allows developers to create a single carrier board design that can accommodate multiple SoM variants. As a result, companies can easily offer entry-level, mid-range, and high-performance versions of their products without significant redesign efforts. This approach not only reduces development costs but also simplifies inventory management and production processes.
Cross-platform software portability
The standardized nature of SoM platforms enhances software portability across different hardware configurations. Developers can write applications that are largely agnostic to the underlying hardware, focusing instead on high-level APIs and abstractions. This portability allows companies to reuse significant portions of their software across product lines, further accelerating development and reducing maintenance costs.
Modular design principles in SoM-based products
SoMs encourage the adoption of modular design principles throughout the product development process. By breaking down complex systems into manageable modules, teams can more easily collaborate, test, and iterate on individual components. This modular approach extends beyond hardware, influencing software architecture and system integration strategies. The result is more maintainable, upgradable, and adaptable products that can evolve with changing market requirements.
Cost-efficiency analysis of SoM vs. custom design
While the upfront cost of SoMs may be higher compared to individual components, the overall cost-efficiency of SoM-based designs often outweighs traditional custom approaches. To understand the true cost implications, it's essential to consider the entire product lifecycle, including development, testing, certification, and long-term maintenance.
SoMs significantly reduce engineering hours required for hardware design and validation, translating to lower development costs. The pre-certification of many SoM components can also streamline regulatory approval processes, further reducing time and expenses associated with bringing a product to market.
In terms of production costs, SoMs can offer economies of scale, especially for low to medium volume products. SoM manufacturers can leverage their purchasing power to secure components at better prices, passing these savings on to their customers. Additionally, the simplified assembly and testing processes associated with SoM-based designs can lead to lower manufacturing costs and improved yield rates.
It's important to note that the cost-efficiency of SoMs becomes particularly evident when considering the total cost of ownership over a product's lifecycle. The ease of upgrades, reduced maintenance requirements, and improved time-to-market all contribute to long-term cost savings that may not be immediately apparent in a simple bill of materials comparison.
When evaluating SoM solutions, companies should consider not just the immediate component costs, but also the potential for accelerated revenue generation and reduced long-term support costs.
Ultimately, the decision to use SoMs versus a fully custom design should be based on a comprehensive analysis of project requirements, time constraints, and long-term product strategy. For many applications, the accelerated development and reduced risk offered by SoMs provide a compelling value proposition that extends far beyond simple component costs.
As embedded systems continue to grow in complexity and diversity, System on Modules are likely to play an increasingly important role in accelerating product development across various industries. By providing a flexible, scalable, and pre-validated foundation for embedded designs, SoMs enable companies to innovate faster, reduce development risks, and respond more agilely to market demands. Whether you're developing IoT devices, industrial controllers, or advanced multimedia systems, considering a SoM-based approach could be the key to gaining a competitive edge in today's fast-paced technology landscape.