* [[start]] * [[som|System on module]] * [[usomiq-beaglebone|Mentorel Beaglebone uSomIQ]] * [[usomiq|uSomIQ AM335x]] * [[somiq|SomIQ family]] * [[blueshark|BlueShark family]] * [[devkit|DevKits]] * [[usomiq-bone-cape|uSomIQ Bone Cape]] * [[somiqboard|Somiqboard]] * [[atoll|Atoll]] * [[expansion|Expansion boards]] * [[somiq-wlan|SomIQ-WLAN]] * [[os|OS support]] * [[ubuntu|Ubuntu Linux]] * [[sw-hints|SW hints]] * [[tslib|Tslib]] * [[qt-embedded|Qt embedded]] Follow us * [[http://twitter.com/mentorel|Twitter]] * [[http://www.linkedin.com/company/mentorel|LinkedIn]] * [[https://www.facebook.com/mentorel.company|Facebook]] * [[https://plus.google.com/105868322858146792212/posts|Google+]] * [[http://www.mentorel.com|MENTOREL home page]]
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====== System on Module ====== 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. ====== SOM families ====== ===== SomIQ ===== A new family of System on Module is based on the recent Texas Instruments series of Cortex-A8 processors with DSS (display sub-system). This 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). ===== BlueShark =====
