System-on-chips (SoCs), system-on-modules (SoMs), and single-board computers (SBCs) all deliver on the promise of simplified hardware integration and help to reduce the number of discrete components in a device. This is achieved by bringing together functions such as memory, processing, and connectivity into one component that enables easy integration with a range of peripherals. Designers have to buy fewer components, the supply chain is simplified, form factors can be minimized, and different functions are effectively pre-integrated.

It’s not all plain sailing, though. There is a clear hierarchy of integration that needs careful consideration to choose the right approach for your device. Each approach involves different costs, development time, scale, and performance, so take care in balancing your device’s needs with SoC, SoM, and SBC characteristics.

SoC it to me

The SoC is the simplest of these advanced components. It is composed of a highly integrated microchip that contains the central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), memory controller, and input/output (I/O) interfaces on a single piece of silicon. Connectivity modules can also be embedded directly onto the silicon, depending on the selected specification.

Supplied as a bare chip, the customer can only solder it onto a circuit board, and it needs additional power regulators and memory to function. SoCs are widely used in devices such as smartphones and tablets and can be viewed as a first step to simplifying device design by bringing together some but not all essential functions onto a single chip.

SoM thing more

The SoM takes things up a level. It’s a printed circuit board that contains memory and power circuitry in addition to the SoC. It supports components such as RAM, flash memory, and power integrated circuits. In addition, SoMs can include integrated connectivity modules which help to simplify hardware development because various connectivity options across cellular, wireless, and wired interfaces can be pre-integrated into the design.

SoMs are designed to be plugged or soldered onto a baseboard that contains ports and interfaces for peripherals for the end product. The modular nature of a SoM means it can be used as the compute core across multiple use cases simply by customizing the baseboard for different features. SoM use cases include devices in industrial automation such as robots, edge intelligence and vision tools, medical devices, and IoT and smart city applications.

All aboard for a standardized product

The final step after SoCs and SoMs is the SBC, which is also referred to as the single-board module (SBM). This is an entire, complete, and ready-to-use computer built onto a single printed circuit board (PCB). It includes the SoC, memory, power management, built-in connectivity modules, and all the standard I/O interfaces integrated directly onto the board. An SBC is a standalone product that is complete directly from the box. Typical examples include Quectel Pi boards, Raspberry Pi, or Arduino boards.

SoCs, SoMs, and SBCs all provide valuable features and capabilities that can simplify product design and build. It boils down to choosing the right option for your design.

SoCs fit well if you are mass producing more than 100,000 units, need the lowest possible cost, and have access to expert hardware skills in memory and power control. You also need the resources and time to design a board for a bare SoC to integrate into. Development can take years and involve significant costs, but the individual chip cost is very low.

SoMs are a good fit for mid-market deployments of up to 50,000 units. They might involve an upfront fee for designing a custom baseboard, but unit costs drop with volume. SoMs can be ready in months but are dependent on the design of a custom baseboard. The upside is that only moderate hardware skills are required, and you will only need to route simple peripheral connections onto the baseboard.

SBCs, in contrast, are ready to go, off-the-shelf. They’re ideal if you need the fastest time to market for fewer than 10,000 devices. The upfront engineering cost is nothing, but the cost of the board is high. In addition, the board is inflexible, and you can’t change its shape, size, or port locations.

Quectel has product options and experts across SoCs, SoMs, and SBCs that are available to help you make the best choice for your designs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch.