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What is a SOM

MitySOM® System on Modules (SOMs) are small form factor boards with a CPU, FPGA, or DSP, along with memory, power, and I/O capability. SOMs are designed to plug into a baseboard. By using a SOM, customers avoid the complex effort associated with designing a CPU subsystem from scratch. Not only does this free up engineering resources to focus on building company IP, but SOMs also drastically shorten time to market and technical risk, while reducing development costs.

There are a number of benefits to the SOM approach vs. ground-up development. Initially these include cost savings, reduced technical and production risk, a variety of processor choices, and a small footprint. Even more importantly, customers can achieve first-to-market advantage. Starting from day one your software team is able to leverage off the shelf hardware with the same processing core as the finished product. As a result, your team has the ability to perform hardware and software development in parallel.

Critical Link invented the System on Module concept based on years of experience developing embedded systems for customers across the commercial, industrial, medical and defense industries. Today our SOMs are used worldwide in a wide variety of applications, enabling advancements in technology that can be scaled like never before.

Explore our system on module product families.

 

The image shows how a system on module - or SOM - can be connected to a base board, with callouts for each of the featured interfaces

MitySOM vs Chip-Down Design

Key Selection Criteria Chip-Down System on Module
Hardware can be customized to fit requirements SOMs support HW customization
Utilize the latest technology to maximize performance & features
One-stop-shopping at approved distributors for parts sourcing Critical Link SOMs are available directly, or through many of the top distributors including Digikey, Arrow, Mouser, and Avnet.
Application Engineering support Critical Link provides application engineering support to our customers. In contrast, semiconductor companies, and even very few other SOM companies, provide that level of direct engagement to customers.
Software development can occur in parallel with hardware design SOMs enable SW development to happen in parallel, rather than following HW design
Reduce complexity by leveraging proven DDR layout SOM customers avoid the risk and complications that come with individual DDR designs
Leverage proven hardware design, board schematics, IP, BSPs
Tested and configured Linux kernel & Yocto filesystem, supports on-board interfaces
Offload parts obsolescence management for life of design With a chip-down design, customers must manage their own parts obsolescence. This is not the case with a SOM.
Accomplish more while reducing cost, schedule, and risk SOMs have a proven track record of reducing technical risk, accelerating time to market, and minimizing resource load on your team

 

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