The Computer-on-Module concept
Your fastest way to dedicated systems with high design security & agility
What are CoMs?
Computer-on-Modules (CoMs) are small circuit boards that are plugged into standardized connectors on an application-specific carrier board. As application-ready super-components, these modules include all key embedded computing building blocks such as CPU, GPU, and RAM as well as a broad set of standard interfaces in a function-validated complete package.
Within one CoM standard, all interfaces are routed via the same dedicated signal pins to the standard-compliant carrier board, which makes modules interchangeable across different vendors and processor generations.
The application-specific circuit parts are accommodated on the carrier board. When designing your carrier board, you decide which of the electrically available computer properties you actually need, and which extensions you want to develop.
This CoM approach enables engineers to cost effectively design innovative solutions within the shortest time to market and to stay highly agile to adapt to technical evolutions.
All advantages at a glance
Faster time to market
CoMs save time as they separate the application-specific design work from the underlying embedded computing technology. Designers can fully concentrate on their core competencies and leave the computing functionality to the CoM.
Lower development cost
CoMs save money compared to full custom designs by reducing the non-recurring engineering costs for development and upgrades. With standardized CoMs, developers don’t have to spend time on a complex design-in process.
Reduced design risk
CoMs minimize risk. Basic changes during the design phase, or in the middle of a product‘s lifecycle, are easily managed. Simply plug in the next-generation computer module and continue. Easily design whole product families using different CoMs on one basic design.
Increased agility
CoMs are highly scalable to meet all performance requirements, from low-power to high-performance, and from Arm technology to x86. Conquer the challenges of rapid technological evolution with a simple module change to implement more performance and new possibilities like AI.
Maximized ROI & sustainability
CoMs increase the lifetime of your application. Existing designs can easily be upgraded to fulfill new and unforeseen demands with a simple module change. Even systems that have been in use for several years can be upgraded, extending the lifespan of your hardware.
Increased investment security
CoMs make your application independent from technological changes, obsolescence challenges and technology provider as they enable a seamless migration to newer technologies and different providers while preserving compatibility and software investments.
Our high-performance CoM ecosystems
Depending on your performance, bandwidth and space requirements, we offer different high-performance ecosystems. Namely: COM-HPC, COM Express, SMARC and Qseven.
COM Express
Your most versatile building blocks, from battery-powered mobile devices to entry-level embedded servers
Want to learn more about Computer-on-Modules?
Download our whitepaper to learn more about the benefits of Computer-on-Modules
Computer-on-Module standards
A lot is happening in the Computer-on-Module market today. With SMARC 2.1, a new version of the low-power module specification is now available. And COM-HPC, the soon-to-come high-end embedded computing standard, is also raising many new questions. So what do OEMs and system designers need to know?
Download Technical Article
Video: What are Computer-on-Modules?
Duration: 1:42 min
Discover how Computer-on-Modules (CoMs) accelerate hardware development, increase design agility, unlock avenues for innovation, and simplify sourcing, ultimately paving the way for the creation of successful products.
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