A computer-on-module (COM) or System on Module (SOM) is a type of single-board computer (SBC), a subtype of an embedded computer system. An extension of the concept of System on Chip (SoC), COM lies between a full-up computer and a microcontroller in nature.

Today's COM modules are complete embedded computers built on a single circuit board. The design is centered on a microprocessor with RAM, input/output controllers and all other features needed to be a functional computer on the one board. However, unlike a single-board computer, the COM will usually lack the standard connectors for any input/output peripherals to be attached directly to the board.

The module will usually need to be mounted on a carrier board (or “baseboard”) which breaks the bus out to standard peripheral connectors. Some COMs also include peripheral connectors and/or can be used without a carrier.

A COM solution offers a dense package computer system for use in small or specialized applications requiring low power consumption or small physical size as is needed in embedded systems. As a COM is very compact and highly integrated, even complex CPUs, including multi-core technology, can be realized on a COM.

Using a carrier board is a benefit in many cases, as it can implement special I/O interfaces, memory devices, connectors or form factors. Separating the design of the carrier board and COM makes design concepts more modular, if needed. A carrier tailored to a special application may involve high design overhead by itself. If the actual processor and main I/O controllers are located on a COM, it is much easier, for example, to upgrade a CPU component to the next generation, without having to redesign a very specialized carrier as well. This can save costs and shorten development times. On the other hand, this only works if the board-to-board connection between the COM and its carrier remains compatible between upgrades.

Compact and cost-effective System on Module based on very popular processor Texas Instruments Sitara AM335x. The module utilizes high speed DDR3 memory and NAND flash for OS and applications storage. uSomIQ is connected to a baseboard by two high-speed mezzanine connectors FCI MezzoStak, that are very reliable and cheap.

A new family of System on Module is based on the recent Texas Instruments series of Cortex-A8 processors with DSS (display sub-system). These modules comprise Sitara and DaVinci processors AM35xx, AM37xx and DM37xx. Modules are highly integrated and power efficient due to using intelligent PMICs (power management controller). SomIQ modules use very reliable and optimized for high-speed applications mezzanine connectors.

BlueShark modules are based on OMAP35xx processors from Texas Instruments. These modules evolve from 2009 running a series of versions ver.1, ver.2, ver.3, ver.4. Presently only versions v3.1 and v4.2 are in production. BlueShark modules are in industry standard SO-DIMM form-factor.