In the world of embedded systems, the shift toward System on Modules is transforming the way manufacturers and developers approach product design and development. As embedded systems become more complex and demand for faster time-to-market increases, SoM provides a compelling solution that offers numerous benefits over traditional custom designs. In this article, we’ll explore why system on module arm are becoming the future of embedded systems and how they offer distinct advantages for both manufacturers and developers.
What is a System on Module?
A System on Module is a small, integrated circuit board that combines most of the essential components of an embedded system. This includes the processor (CPU or microprocessor), memory, storage, I/O interfaces, and sometimes even networking capabilities, all on a single module. Unlike traditional designs, which may require designing and sourcing individual components, SoMs are pre-integrated solutions that streamline the design and development process.
1.Accelerating Time-to-Market
For manufacturers and developers, time-to-market is a critical factor in the success of any product. Traditional embedded system designs often involve long design cycles, starting from the selection of individual components to final integration and testing. This can delay product launches and increase the cost of development.
With SoM, much of the system design work is already done. The module is essentially a ready-to-use, pre-integrated solution, so manufacturers can focus on designing the custom parts of their products—such as the carrier board—instead of worrying about complex system-level integration. As a result, SoMs significantly shorten the development timeline, enabling manufacturers to bring products to market faster.
This is especially important in industries like IoT, consumer electronics, automotive, and smart devices, where innovation is fast-paced and staying ahead of competitors is crucial.
2. Cost Efficiency
Designing embedded systems from scratch can be both time-consuming and costly. By leveraging SoMs, manufacturers can achieve cost efficiencies in several areas:
- Reduced R&D costs: SoMs come with pre-tested designs, eliminating the need for custom development and hardware testing.
- Lower production costs: As SoMs are mass-produced, they benefit from economies of scale, making them more affordable than custom solutions.
- Fewer components: The integration of various components into a single module reduces the complexity of sourcing, stocking, and managing individual components.
For developers, using SoM means they don’t need to invest heavily in designing and sourcing every individual part, leading to cost-effective, ready-to-deploy solutions.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
One of the standout features of SoMs is their scalability. Manufacturers can use the same SoM platform for multiple products across different product lines. For example, a base SoM can be adapted for consumer electronics, industrial devices, or even automotive systems with minimal changes to the carrier board.
In addition to scalability, SoMs provide flexibility in the customization of the final product. Developers can design a custom carrier board to meet the specific needs of their application while retaining the core benefits of the SoM’s pre-integrated components. This modularity allows for easier upgrades and expansion without requiring a complete redesign of the embedded system.
Geniatech, for example, offers a range of SoMs designed to cater to diverse industries and applications, from AIoT solutions to industrial automation. Developers can select a SoM that fits their requirements and then customize it according to their specific use case.
4.Simplified Design and Integration
For embedded system developers, one of the main challenges is the complexity of integrating components like CPUs, GPUs, memory, storage, and I/O interfaces. This process involves not only choosing compatible components but also dealing with the difficulties of integration and testing.
By using an SoM, much of this complexity is handled for you. The system-on-module comes with integrated hardware and pre-installed software support, reducing the need for extensive testing and troubleshooting. Manufacturers can focus on designing the carrier board and connecting the SoM to peripheral devices, simplifying the entire design process.
SoM platforms often come with software stacks, drivers, and SDKs that allow developers to begin work quickly without worrying about firmware or low-level drivers. This makes SoM-based systems especially useful in industries where software and hardware must be tightly integrated, such as AI-powered devices, smart sensors, and automated machinery.
5.Future-Proofing with Advanced Features
The rapid pace of technological innovation means that embedded systems are constantly evolving. Manufacturers need a solution that not only meets their current needs but can also support future advancements. SoMs are highly adaptable to new technologies and can be easily upgraded to incorporate the latest features.
For example, SoMs can support newer processors (such as ARM Cortex-A and R series), advanced connectivity standards (like 5G, Wi-Fi 6), and cutting-edge AI technologies (such as AI accelerators or Neural Processing Units (NPUs)). This future-proofing makes SoM an ideal choice for manufacturers looking to build long-lasting products that can be easily upgraded to take advantage of emerging technologies.
6. Focus on Core Competencies and Innovation
For manufacturers, the shift to SoMs allows them to focus more on their core competencies—whether it’s the design of a custom housing, adding specific features, or building software solutions—while leaving the hardware integration to the module provider. This leads to more innovative products as manufacturers can allocate more resources to areas that differentiate their product in the market.
7. Robust Ecosystem and Community Support
A significant advantage of using a widely adopted SoM platform is the supportive ecosystem surrounding it. Manufacturers and developers gain access to a wealth of resources such as development boards, software libraries, documentation, and forums. This community support is invaluable in troubleshooting issues, discovering best practices, and learning from other developers’ experiences.
Conclusion
The adoption of System on Modules is not just a passing trend; it represents the future of embedded system design. With faster time-to-market, cost efficiency, scalability, simplified integration, and the ability to future-proof designs, SoMs are transforming how manufacturers and developers approach embedded systems.
As industries increasingly adopt AIoT, smart devices, and connected solutions, SoMs will continue to play a crucial role in enabling faster, more flexible, and innovative product development. For those looking to embrace this change, Geniatech offers a range of SoM solutions tailored to meet the demands of various industries, helping businesses stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Whether you’re developing a new IoT device, an AI-powered smart solution, or an industrial control system, embracing SoM is a smart move that will streamline development and open up new possibilities for innovation.
