What is a System-on-Module (SoM)?

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What is a System-on-Module (SoM)?

By Jerry Chen October 29th, 2025 383 views

A System-on-Module (SoM) is a compact embedded circuit board that integrates core computing components to accelerate product development and deployment. It sits between a traditional System-on-Chip (SoC) and a full motherboard, offering high flexibility and scalability. SoMs are widely used in industrial automation, robotics, surveillance, edge computing, and more.


Key Features of SoM

  • Modular Design: Combines CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) on a standardized PCB.

  • Rapid Deployment: Developers can plug the SoM into a custom carrier board to build a complete system, avoiding complex low-level hardware design.

  • High Expandability: Supports various I/O interfaces (GPIO, USB, Ethernet, SPI, UART), making it easy to connect sensors, displays, and peripherals.

  • OS Compatibility: Compatible with Linux, Android, RTOS, and often comes with pre-installed drivers and SDKs to speed up software development.


SoM vs. SoC Comparison

Feature SoM (System-on-Module) SoC (System-on-Chip)
Composition Multiple chips on a PCB All functions integrated into a single chip
Expandability High, supports external peripherals Limited by chip packaging
Development Time Short, ideal for rapid prototyping Long, requires custom design and validation
Use Cases Industrial control, edge computing, smart terminals Smartphones, smartwatches, consumer electronics


Typical Applications

  • Industrial Gateways & Controllers: ARM-based edge gateways supporting multi-protocol communication and remote management.

  • Smart Vision Systems: Integrated AI accelerators for image recognition and video analytics.

  • Robotics & Automation: Real-time control and high-performance computing.

  • Medical Devices: Data acquisition, processing, and remote diagnostics.


The SOM340 series core board is built on the high-performance domestic processor Allwinner T507-H, featuring a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 architecture with a clock speed up to 1.416GHz. With its rich interface resources—including UART, SPI, PWM, ADC, CAN, and EMAC—and robust industrial-grade design, SOM340 is highly suitable for control-oriented devices such as motion controllers, data acquisition units, power DTUs, and automation terminals. Whether in time-critical industrial environments or multi-protocol edge gateways, SOM340 delivers a reliable and efficient embedded solution.
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