The terms “Computer-on-Module”
and “System-on-Module” (referred to throughout as the “module”) are used
synonymously to refer to a type of embedded single board computer which does
not contain any real world interfaces, and therefore needs to be used in
conjunction with a carrier board (sometime referred to as a base board).
They are generally built around microprocessors, system-on-chips or microcontrollers. They integrate additional devices and peripherals which are needed to realise a fully functional computer, which normally includes RAM, non-volatile storage and power supplies.
They are essentially another layer of abstraction that sits above the SoC (System-on-Chip) concept, providing further integration in areas of hardware and software that are not application specific, but are application agnostic.
What is the Difference between a CoM and a SoM?
The terms “Computer-on-Module” and “System-on-Module” are used interchangeably and are widely accepted as synonyms. It may be arguable that historically the term CoM came from the x86 and embedded PC world, whereas the term SoM has its roots in modules which are built around SoC based devices leveraging the ARM and other lower power, highly integrated architectures.
What Industries Use a CoM/SoM?
Practically any industry you can think of. It is the same as asking what industries use Personal Computers. Just as a PC can be used for a multitude of tasks from playing games and surfing the web to designing cars and aircraft, the concept of a module is not confined to a set of specific applications or industries. Computer Modules are application agnostic; they are not aware of the underlying details of the system they are being used in, and nor do they care, meaning there are no hard rules as to the industries or applications in which they may be used.
They are generally built around microprocessors, system-on-chips or microcontrollers. They integrate additional devices and peripherals which are needed to realise a fully functional computer, which normally includes RAM, non-volatile storage and power supplies.
They are essentially another layer of abstraction that sits above the SoC (System-on-Chip) concept, providing further integration in areas of hardware and software that are not application specific, but are application agnostic.
What is the Difference between a CoM and a SoM?
The terms “Computer-on-Module” and “System-on-Module” are used interchangeably and are widely accepted as synonyms. It may be arguable that historically the term CoM came from the x86 and embedded PC world, whereas the term SoM has its roots in modules which are built around SoC based devices leveraging the ARM and other lower power, highly integrated architectures.
What Industries Use a CoM/SoM?
Practically any industry you can think of. It is the same as asking what industries use Personal Computers. Just as a PC can be used for a multitude of tasks from playing games and surfing the web to designing cars and aircraft, the concept of a module is not confined to a set of specific applications or industries. Computer Modules are application agnostic; they are not aware of the underlying details of the system they are being used in, and nor do they care, meaning there are no hard rules as to the industries or applications in which they may be used.
