The Design and Benefits of System on Modules
Many embedded system designs use System on Modules (SoMs), compact, integrated single-board processors with standard I/O features. A system on module, often known as a computer on module (CoM), is essentially a whole central processing unit (CPU) that is bundled within a single, enclosed device. In most cases, SoMs are designed to be connected straight to a carrier board without any connectorization. When using COM modules in a device, there is a mixed advantage between a custom-engineered system and the simple design of a single board for immediate use.
The Design Of Systems on Modules
A standard SoM integrates analog and digital functions on one board. It has at least one core of a microprocessor, microcontroller, or digital signal processor (DSP). Another essential component of an SoM is memory blocks, which include different kinds of ROM, RAM, EEPROM, and/or flash memory. The design also incorporates timing sources, industry-standard communication interfaces including USB, FireWire, Ethernet, USART, SPI, and I2C, as well as peripherals like power-on reset generators.
SoMs are typically built on the base of a PCB and can be either encased in a metal container (for EMC compliance) or left open with all components exposed. Furthermore, SoMs always feature a way to connect to external circuits in the form of pins, surface connectors, or wire hooks.
Benefits of Using Computers on Module
COM Modules are used in the design of embedded systems for a variety of reasons, but the main three are as follows:
Easy Production
The configuration of the CPU infrastructure usually needs quite a bit of design effort when building an embedded system. It gets more difficult and takes longer to develop these microprocessors or FPGA subsystems as semiconductor technology advances and becomes more technically complex. The use of a SOM in an embedded system eliminates the extra manufacturing time needed to create a diverse and complicated CPU subsystem. Using SoM technology also has the added benefit of accelerating manufacturing without raising expenses or lowering quality.
Fast Market Launch
Similar to the previous reason, SoMs are used in designing embedded systems as they not only speed up manufacturing but also reduce the period it takes to bring a final product to market. The more quickly and successfully a gadget can be manufactured, the sooner it becomes available for sale and lucrative. In some cases, it is also possible to begin software application development before the custom carrier board is finished, which may further shorten the time to market.
Cost Reduction
Engineering costs and other expenses involved in building a chip-down CPU network can be significantly lowered or avoided completely when using pre-made Systems on Modules. SoMs can also lessen the chance of a final product going end of life (EOL) due to a memory, flash chipset, or CPU going out of production because they are simply swappable with minimal changes to the carrier board. This helps reduce overall spending and avoid having to pay for a full redesign.
Conclusion
COM Modules come with a variety of features and processing speeds. This lets businesses deliver the same carrier board at multiple bandwidths. Without having to consider the CPU and memory individually, customers can quickly develop customized carrier boards that satisfy all of their needs. Anyone can set up their ideal system with the help of easy upgrades and downgrades without burning through their entire funds or a great deal of time.