Feature: Embedded Systems
The role of customised Carrier Boards 1. Tailoring for specific applications While SoMs provide a robust foundation, customised carrier boards bring the application-specific functionality required for specialised systems. Whether it’s a rugged design for the transportation industry or a compact form factor for medical devices, customised carrier boards ensure that the system meets precise operational demands. 2. Optimised performance and features Custom carrier boards enable developers to optimise system performance by tailoring connectivity, power configurations and I/O interfaces. This level of customisation ensures that the final product is not only efficient but also equipped to handle the specific challenges of its intended environment. 3. Seamless integration Integration can be a major hurdle in complex systems. Customised carrier boards streamline this process by ensuring compatibility between the SoM and the application’s unique requirements. Tis reduces risks of incompatibility, minimises downtime during development and enhances overall system reliability.
Expanding the scope: additional advantages of SoMs 1. Simplified upgrades SoMs enable straightforward upgrades to newer technologies. By designing a system with modularity in mind, businesses can swap out the SoM for a newer, more advanced module while retaining the existing carrier board. This approach extends the lifecycle of products and reduces long-term development costs. 2. Multi-Vendor ecosystem The standardisation of many SoM formats, such as COM Express or SMARC, provides access to a broad vendor ecosystem. This allows businesses to select from a wide range of SoMs that best fit their performance, power and cost requirements, ensuring maximum flexibility in supplier choice, reducing supply chain risk.
3. Reduced risk and improved reliability Using a pre-tested SoM reduces the risk of design flaws in critical system components. This reliability ensures stable performance in demanding environments, such as industrial automation or healthcare, where downtime is not an option.
Case studies: real-world applications 1. Medical device development In a recent project, a COM Express SoM was paired with a customised carrier board to create a portable diagnostic device. The processor is using the latest ARM processor from NXP with an included NPU to increase performance for their AI diagnostics software. With a customised carrier board, we have the option to upgrade the SoM in the future if more performance is required as the AI application develops, saving future development time. 2. Transportation solutions A ruggedised SoM-carrier board combination was deployed in advanced telematics systems for fleet management. The custom design provided robust connectivity and endured harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliable performance across the fleet. As the market requirement landscape changes, the carrier board design can be tweaked and a new SoM selected for higher performance. 4. Industrial automation In the industrial sector, a custom carrier board supporting high-speed interfaces was developed for robotics and process control systems. This solution not only optimised performance but also allowed for seamless integration into existing workflows, boosting efficiency and productivity. 5. Defence In the defence sector, an increasing key factor is local design and production. Being UK based, we have the options to design and produce the carrier board locally with partners able to produce the SoM within Europe. Include this with the ability to design for a long product
lifecycle, it becomes invaluable to the defence sector.
Future trends in SoMs and customisation As the demand for edge computing and AI/ML applications grows, SoMs are evolving to include specialised processors and enhanced connectivity features. Future SoMs will increasingly integrate AI accelerators, advanced security features, and low-power designs, making them indispensable for next-generation applications. Customisation will remain at the heart
of these advancements. Tailored carrier boards will continue to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge SoMs and the specific needs of various industries. Our team is dedicated to staying ahead of these trends, ensuring that we deliver solutions that are not only innovative but also aligned with the future of technology. Additionally, emerging standards
for modular computing, such as Compute Express Link (CXL), are set to revolutionise the SoM landscape. These standards promise even greater performance and integration capabilities, paving the way for new possibilities in high-performance computing and IoT.
Why choose a partner for SoM and Carrier Board Solutions? The combination of System-on-Modules and customised carrier boards offers unmatched advantages for developing high-performance, application-specific systems. From reducing time-to-market to enabling scalability and cost efficiency, these solutions are transforming the way products are designed and deployed. Partnering with an experienced
provider ensures that you receive not only the right hardware but also the expertise to tailor solutions to your unique requirements. Our proven track record in delivering SoM and carrier board solutions positions us as a trusted partner for your embedded system needs. Reach out to our team to explore how we can help drive innovation in your next project.
www.electronicsworld.co.uk Dec 2024/Jan 2025 27
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