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. Using a SOM allows customers to avoid the complex effort associated with designing a CPU subsystem from scratch. This method drastically shortens time to market and technical risk, while also reducing development costs.
There are a number of benefits to the SOM approach vs. ground-up development. These include cost savings, reduced risk, a variety of processor choices, and a small footprint. Even more importantly, customers can achieve first-to-market advantage: Your software team is able to leverage off the shelf hardware with the same processing core as the finished product, giving the ability to perform hardware and software development in parallel.
Critical Link invented the System on Module (SOM) concept based on years of experience in developing embedded systems for customers across the commercial, industrial, medical and military sectors. We provide a wide range of SOM offerings in our MitySOM family.
MitySOM vs Chip-Down Design
| Key Selection Criteria | Chip-Down | SOM |
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| Hardware can be customized to fit requirements |  |
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| Utilize the latest technology to maximize performance & features | |
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| One-stop-shopping at approved distributors for parts sourcing | |
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| Application Engineering support |  |
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| Software development can work in parallel with hardware design | |
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| Reduce complexity by leveraging proven DDR layout | |
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| Leverage proven HW design, board schematics, IP, BSPs | |
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| Tested and configured Linux kernel & Yocto filesystem, supports on-board interfaces | |
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| Offload parts obsolescence management for life of design | |
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| Accomplish more while reducing cost, schedule, and risk | |
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