What are computer-on-modules?

Computer-on-modules are small circuit boards that are plugged into a standard connector on an application-specific carrier board and contain the processor with all of its vital peripherals.

Most interface circuitry is situated on the module, including PCI Express, Ethernet, SATA, display interfaces, general purpose I/O and similar interfaces. The interfaces are routed to the appropriate ports on the carrier board. 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.

COMs save money. The cost of the development and end product are dramatically reduced when compared with a full custom design.
This holds true for the product‘s entire life-cycle.
COMs provide cost advantages from the start:

• Lower engineering cost
• Lower product cost
• Lower cost of life cycle management

COMs minimize risk. Basic changes during the design phase, or in the middle of a product‘s life cycle, are easily managed. Simply plug in the next-generation COM module and continue.
COMs allow for easy upgrades

• Lower design risk
• Lower transition risk

COMs are flexible and can meet all performance requirements. The modules support a wide range of performance levels starting from NXP i.MX6 up to the Intel® Xeon® processor, as well as future architectures. The COM standards are well established and are already prepared for the future.

• Scalability
• Easy performance and technology upgrades

COMs put you in a leading position. The use of customized carrier boards reduces necessary engineering effort by separating your design work from the embedded PC technology.
Focus on your own core competency.

• Faster time to market
• Faster engineering
• Faster reaction time to market changes