What is a SoM Board?

In the ever-evolving world of embedded systems, System on Module (SoM) boards have become a powerful and flexible solution for developers and companies building custom electronic devices. Whether you’re designing a smart home panel, industrial HMI, or an AI-driven edge device, SoM boards can dramatically reduce development time, risk, and cost.

What is a SoM Board?

A System on Module (SoM) is a compact, pre-engineered computing module that integrates the core components of an embedded system, such as:

  • CPU (Processor)
  • RAM (Memory)
  • Flash storage
  • Power management
  • Sometimes GPU, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, and basic I/O

Unlike a single-board computer (SBC), which is typically ready-to-use as a standalone device, a SoM must be mounted onto a carrier board (also called a baseboard) that provides the specific I/O ports and connectors needed for a particular application.

How Does a SoM Work?

A SoM works like the “brain” of your product. Once paired with a customized carrier board, it forms a complete embedded computing platform tailored to your exact needs. Developers can focus on designing the I/O, interfaces, and enclosures without worrying about the complexity of CPU design and OS porting.

Here’s how a typical setup works:

  • The SoM handles processing and memory tasks.
  • The carrier board adds USB, HDMI, Ethernet, RS485, PoE, GPIO, and other custom interfaces.
  • The combined system runs an operating system like Android, Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Buildroot), or Windows, depending on the application.

Key Advantages of SoM Boards

  1. Faster Time-to-Market
    SoMs eliminate the need to build computing platforms from scratch. They come pre-certified and pre-tested, allowing companies to launch products faster.

  2. Flexible Design
    SoMs can be used across multiple projects by simply designing different carrier boards.

  3. Reduced Development Risk
    Since the core functions are handled by the SoM, developers reduce the chances of design failure.

  4. Scalability
    You can easily upgrade to a more powerful SoM (e.g., from RK3566 to RK3588) without redesigning the entire system.

SoM vs SoC vs SBC – What’s the Difference?

Feature SoM SoC SBC
Form Modular (soldered or pluggable) Chip-level (requires PCB) Complete board with I/O
Usage For custom hardware builds Embedded in SoM or board Ready-to-use dev or end product
I/O Interfaces Requires carrier board Needs integration Built-in ports
Customizability High Very High (chip-level) Low to Medium

Common Use Cases for SoM Boards

  • Smart Home Panels
  • Industrial HMI Terminals
  • Retail Digital Signage
  • Medical Devices
  • Robotics and Drones
  • IoT Gateways
  • AI Edge Computing Devices

Portworld SoM Solutions

At Portworld, we provide high-performance, low-power SoM boards based on industry-leading platforms such as Rockchip RK3566, RK3568, and RK3588. Our modules support multiple operating systems and are fully customizable with OEM/ODM services.

Recommended Products:

  1. Portworld P6802 SoM Board (RK3568)

  • Dual Ethernet (1x PoE), MIPI LCD, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2
  • Supports Android 11, Ubuntu, Debian, Buildroot
  1. Portworld YC-P6602 SoM Board (RK3566)

  • Ideal for Android-based smart panels and signage
  • Custom PCBA, firmware development, and industrial-grade components
  1. Portworld RK3588 SoM (Coming Soon)

  • For high-end AI and multimedia applications

We also offer complete support services:

  • Hardware Design (carrier board layout)
  • Software BSP & SDK development
  • Firmware customization
  • Global compliance and packaging (CKD/SKD/PCBA)