njnir.com Single Board Computers (SBCs) integrate all essential components on one circuit board, offering simplicity and ease of use for development and prototyping. System on Modules (SOMs) provide a compact, modular solution with core processing, memory, and interfaces, enabling scalability and customization when paired with carrier boards. Choosing between SBCs and SOMs depends on project requirements for flexibility, size, and design complexity in embedded systems.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Single Board Computer (SBC) | System on Module (SOM) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Complete computer built on one circuit board | Compact computing core designed for integration into custom carrier boards |
| Form Factor | Fixed and larger size, ready-to-use | Small, modular, customizable |
| Flexibility | Limited customization options | High customization for carrier board and peripherals |
| Use Case | Prototyping, development, educational projects | Embedded systems, industrial applications, scalable design |
| Performance | Varies; mid-range processing and I/O | Tailored performance depending on module choice |
| Integration | Stand-alone device; no external custom board needed | Requires carrier board for full system integration |
| Cost | Lower initial cost for small projects | Higher upfront due to additional carrier board development |
Introduction to SBC and SOM
Single Board Computers (SBC) integrate all essential components of a computer--such as the processor, memory, and input/output interfaces--onto a single circuit board, offering a compact and cost-effective solution for embedded systems and prototyping. System on Module (SOM) includes a complete computing module with CPU, memory, and power management, designed to be mounted onto a custom carrier board for enhanced scalability and customization in industrial applications. SBCs provide out-of-the-box functionality with minimal design effort, while SOMs allow greater flexibility for tailoring hardware to specific project requirements.
Core Differences Between SBC and SOM
System on Chip (SoC) integrates all components of a computer or electronic system into a single chip, optimizing performance, power consumption, and space efficiency. Single Board Computer (SBC) is a complete computer built on a single circuit board, including processor, memory, and input/output interfaces, designed for ready-to-use applications. The core difference lies in integration level: SoC serves as the central silicon component inside devices, whereas SBC provides a fully functional computing platform with standardized connectivity and expandability.
Hardware Architecture Comparison
System on Chip (SoC) integrates all components, including CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O ports, into a single silicon chip, offering compact design, lower power consumption, and enhanced performance efficiency. Single Board Computer (SBC), by contrast, assembles separate hardware modules such as CPU, RAM, storage, and peripheral interfaces on a single circuit board, allowing greater flexibility and easier hardware customization. SoCs are ideal for embedded systems requiring minimal space and power usage, while SBCs provide modularity and expandability suitable for prototyping and development environments.
Performance and Processing Capabilities
System on Chip (SoC) integrates CPU, GPU, memory, and peripherals on a single chip, offering superior performance and energy efficiency compared to a Single Board Computer (SBC), which combines discrete components on a motherboard. SoCs provide optimized processing capabilities for embedded and mobile applications by minimizing latency and maximizing throughput through tightly coupled hardware. SBCs, while more flexible and easier to upgrade, generally deliver lower processing power and higher latency due to separated components and broader hardware configurations.
Connectivity and I/O Interfaces
System on a Chip (SoC) integrates multiple components including CPU, memory, and connectivity modules on a single chip, providing streamlined I/O interfaces such as UART, SPI, I2C, and USB with low latency and power consumption. Single Board Computers (SBCs) feature discrete components on a motherboard, supporting extensive I/O options like Ethernet, HDMI, multiple USB ports, GPIOs, and expansion slots for versatile connectivity. SoCs prioritize compact, efficient embedded application interfaces, while SBCs offer broader connectivity and I/O flexibility suitable for prototyping and diverse peripheral support.
Customization and Scalability
System on Chip (SoC) designs offer higher customization by integrating specific components tailored to unique applications, enabling optimized performance and power efficiency. Single Board Computers (SBCs) provide greater scalability through modular hardware and software options, supporting a wide range of peripherals and allowing easy upgrades or expansions. SoC customization suits specialized, fixed-function deployments, while SBC scalability benefits versatile projects requiring frequent adaptations and broader functionality.
Power Consumption and Thermal Management
Single Board Computers (SBCs) generally exhibit higher power consumption compared to System on Modules (SOMs) due to their integrated components and broader functionality, which increases energy demands and heat generation. SOMs benefit from more efficient thermal management by integrating specialized chips designed to minimize power usage and dissipate heat effectively within compact embedded systems. Optimized power consumption in SOMs leads to reduced cooling requirements, enhancing system reliability and extending device lifespan in power-sensitive applications.
Application Suitability and Use Cases
Single Board Computers (SBCs) excel in prototyping, educational projects, and embedded systems requiring compactness and low power consumption, making them ideal for IoT devices, robotics, and home automation. Systems on Module (SOMs) provide scalable computing power and customizable interfaces suited for industrial automation, medical devices, and advanced machine vision applications where integration and long-term support are critical. SBCs offer ready-to-use solutions, while SOMs enable tailored hardware-software co-design for complex, high-performance use cases.
Cost and Development Considerations
Single Board Computers (SBCs) generally offer lower upfront costs due to their integrated design, making them ideal for straightforward applications with limited customization needs. System on Modules (SOMs) involve higher initial investment because of their modular architecture, but they provide enhanced scalability and flexibility for complex projects requiring tailored development. Development time can be shorter with SBCs due to ready-to-use hardware, while SOMs demand more engineering effort but facilitate easier upgrades and long-term cost savings in evolving product lines.
Choosing Between SBC and SOM for Your Project
Choosing between Single Board Computers (SBC) and System on Modules (SOM) depends on project requirements such as size, scalability, and integration complexity. SBCs offer a fully functional, standalone platform ideal for rapid prototyping and development, while SOMs provide a compact, modular solution optimized for embedding into custom hardware designs. Evaluate processing power, I/O options, and long-term product lifecycle support to determine the best fit for your specific application.
System-on-Chip (SoC)
System-on-Chip (SoC) integrates multiple hardware components such as CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O interfaces into a single chip, offering higher performance and energy efficiency compared to the separate components typically found in Single Board Computers (SBCs).
Carrier Board
Carrier boards in SBCs provide fixed integration for specific applications, while SOM carrier boards offer modular expandability and customization for diverse industrial use cases.
Embedded Computing
SBCs offer a complete single-board solution ideal for straightforward embedded computing, while SOMs provide modular, scalable compute cores optimized for customization and integration in complex embedded systems.
Edge Device
SBCs (Single Board Computers) offer versatile, low-cost solutions for edge devices with general-purpose computing, while SOMs (System on Modules) provide compact, scalable, and power-efficient integration ideal for customized, high-performance edge applications.
Modular Architecture
SBC (Single Board Computer) features a compact, integrated design, while SOM (System on Module) offers a modular architecture enabling flexible customization and scalability in embedded systems.
Development Kit
Development kits for SBCs typically offer complete hardware and software integration for a specific application, while SOM development kits provide modular, scalable computing cores designed for customization and integration into larger systems.
I/O Expansion
SBCs typically offer limited I/O expansion compared to SOMs, which provide modular, scalable I/O interfaces for customizable hardware integration.
Compute Module
Compute Modules offer a compact, scalable solution with customizable I/O and power options, making them ideal for embedded applications compared to traditional Single Board Computers.
Board Support Package (BSP)
Board Support Package (BSP) in System on Module (SOM) offers pre-integrated hardware abstraction and optimized drivers tailored for compact, modular designs, whereas Single Board Computers (SBC) typically require more customized BSP development for broader hardware configurations.
Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL)
The Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) in SBCs typically offers limited flexibility due to fixed hardware integration, whereas in SOMs, HAL provides greater adaptability by abstracting hardware components, enabling seamless customization and scalability.
SBC vs SOM Infographic
