What is a System-on-Module?

A System-on-Module (SOM) is a miniature circuit board that includes all the essential components of a fully functioning computer. That includes a CPU, memory, storage device and interface controllers – such as Ethernet or WiFi.

SOMs are designed to be plugged into a carrier board, which provides the necessary connectors and interfaces for the SOM to interact with the rest of the system or device, including a power connector. Most SOMs include an operating system with device drivers, alongside comprehensive support to help engineers integrate the SOM.

The benefits of using System-on-Modules

Embedded systems are evolving rapidly which means faster development cycles, and a greater need for cost efficiency. It simply leaves less wiggle room to spare for product development. With this constraint in mind, System-on-Modules offer several advantages for engineers and product development teams:

Accelerate time to market – engineers can minimize risk by using an SOM as a proven off-the-shelf solution. SOMs are pre-designed, and pre-validated, which eliminates the need for extensive hardware design and testing. It reduces development time so companies can get products to market faster.
Optimize development costs – using a SOM lowers overall project expenses as companies can avoid the costs associated with designing and manufacturing custom hardware.
Offload complexity – designing a computer system for embedded applications requires expertise in hardware and firmware and is not the core competency of most device manufacturers. SOMs handle complex hardware integration, freeing up developers to focus on their core application software and unique product features – allowing for faster innovation.
Reduce supply chain challenges – companies that build an on-board computer from independent components must contend with using many different suppliers. SOMs simplify the supply chain by consolidating multiple components into a single module – from a single supplier. This reduces the effort and risks involved in managing many suppliers.
Ensure long-term availability – industrial projects usually have product life cycles of 7 to 10 years. Reputable SOM vendors typically guarantee long-term availability of their products, so device manufacturers know that their product can be manufactured and supported for years to come.

It’s also worth noting that SOMs are available in a variety of configurations with different processors, memory, and I/O options. So, while companies are not designing from scratch there is nonetheless significant flexibility to customize.

SOM applications in industry

SOMs are a perfect fit for many different environments. In the medical field, SOMs power sophisticated diagnostic equipment and portable medical devices, enabling faster and more accurate healthcare solutions. Building automation systems leverage SOMs to control lighting, HVAC and security, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Precision measurement and laboratory devices rely on SOMs for their computational power and data acquisition capabilities, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

We also see SOMs in industrial control systems, where plants utilize SOMs to monitor and control complex processes, increasing efficiency and productivity.

Using Compulab System-on-Modules

CompuLab has been serving industrial customers for over 30 years. Our products, operation and support model have been optimized to ensure that our SOM offerings meet the diverse and demanding needs of the embedded industrial market. Benefits include:

In-House manufacturing – all Compulab products are manufactured in company-owned, ISO9001:2015 and IPC-A-610 certified facilities. Our in-house production guarantees high quality and logistical flexibility, ensuring that products are reliable and meet stringent industrial standards.
15-Year product availability – Compulab guarantees a 15-year product availability, which is crucial for industrial projects that have life cycles of 7-10 years. Product availability can be extended with well-established last-time-buy and component stocking programs.
Configure-to-Order – Compulab System-on-Modules are offered with SMT-level configure-to-order with orders of 100 units, enabling maximal flexibility and customer cost optimization with no NRE.
Comprehensive documentation – Compulab provides full Board Support Packages (BSPs) and ready-to-run images for Linux, Android, and Windows. Customers benefit from detailed technical reference manuals, carrier-board design packages and reference schematics. Compulab Developer’s Wiki provides comprehensive documentation, facilitating easier integration and development.
Direct engineer support – technical support is provided directly by Compulab product design engineers. This direct support streamlines the design flow for customers, ensuring that they receive expert assistance and can quickly resolve any technical issues during development.

These advantages make Compulab SOMs a robust and reliable choice for industrial applications, providing flexibility, long-term support, and high-quality manufacturing.

For more information, please refer to our System-on-Module product listing.