Bottlenecks in Product Development and How to Mitigate Them with SMARC Computer-on-Modules
Tiitus Aho
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Introduction
Product development in the embedded systems and IoT domains is fraught with challenges, including tight deadlines, cost constraints, and the need for high-performance solutions. These bottlenecks often slow down time-to-market and increase the risk of project failures. One effective way to address these challenges is by adopting SMARC (Smart Mobility Architecture) Computer-on-Modules (CoMs). SMARC CoMs are standardized, scalable, and modular platforms that streamline development and mitigate common bottlenecks.
This article explores the primary bottlenecks in product development and how SMARC CoMs help overcome them.
Common Bottlenecks in Product Development
Lengthy Design Cycles
Developing a custom solution from scratch involves:
These processes can take months, delaying time-to-market.
Scalability Challenges
Designing hardware for a single application often leads to rigidity. When market demands change or new features are required, redesigning the hardware becomes costly and time-consuming.
Complex Compliance and Certification Processes
Embedded systems must meet stringent regulatory standards for safety, connectivity, and emissions. Achieving compliance for custom designs can significantly extend development timelines.
Integration and Interoperability Issues
Integrating multiple peripherals, sensors, and communication interfaces into a cohesive system often requires specialized expertise, which can create bottlenecks in development.
Lack of Flexibility for Prototyping
Custom chip-down designs offer limited flexibility during the prototyping phase, making it difficult to experiment with features or adapt to evolving requirements.
High-Speed Signal Design Complexity
Modern CPUs often operate at high frequencies, requiring advanced signal integrity techniques for designing PCBs with high-speed interfaces such as DDR memory, PCIe, and MIPI. Issues such as signal reflection, crosstalk, and impedance mismatches add complexity to custom designs, increasing the risk of failures and delays in development.
Long-Term Product Maintenance
Maintaining a product over its lifecycle often requires hardware updates, support for new standards, and addressing obsolescence. Custom chip-down designs necessitate repeated redesigns to accommodate changes, which can lead to high maintenance costs and extended downtime.
How SMARC Computer-on-Modules Mitigate Bottlenecks
Accelerated Development
SMARC CoMs provide pre-validated and ready-to-use hardware platforms, significantly reducing the design cycle. Developers can focus on application-specific customization rather than core hardware design, cutting down development time by up to 50%.
Modular and Scalable Design
SMARC CoMs are available in various configurations, enabling scalability. Developers can select modules with different processing capabilities, memory sizes, and connectivity options without altering the overall design. This scalability supports product line expansion and future upgrades, enabling the creation of differentiated products within the same hardware framework. For example:
This approach minimizes development overhead while allowing a wide range of products to be built on a unified platform.
Simplified Compliance
Many SMARC CoMs come with pre-certified components for connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) and compliance with safety standards. This eliminates the need for redundant testing and accelerates regulatory approval.
Rich Peripheral Support
SMARC CoMs offer support for multiple interfaces, including:
This comprehensive support simplifies the integration of peripherals and ensures interoperability.
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Prototyping Flexibility
SMARC CoMs are designed to work with off-the-shelf carrier boards, making it easy to prototype and test different configurations. Developers can experiment with features and finalize the design without committing to a custom PCB early in the process.
Choice of Silicon Suppliers
The SMARC platform supports modules from a variety of silicon suppliers, including NXP, Qualcomm, Renesas, Intel, and AMD. This diversity offers several advantages:
Simplified High-Speed Signal Design
By using SMARC CoMs, developers avoid the complexities of designing and validating high-speed signal interfaces like DDR, PCIe, and MIPI. These modules come with pre-engineered layouts that are optimized for signal integrity, reducing the risk of design errors and allowing developers to focus on application-specific needs rather than intricate PCB design challenges.
Easier Long-Term Maintenance
SMARC CoMs simplify product maintenance by:
Case Study: Accelerating Product Development with SMARC CoMs
Scenario
A company developing a smart home hub faced delays due to hardware design complexity and challenges in integrating various sensors and connectivity protocols.
Solution
The team adopted a SMARC CoM with:
Outcome
Additional Benefits of SMARC CoMs
Cost Efficiency
By leveraging a standardized module, companies avoid the costs associated with custom hardware development and testing.
Long-Term Availability
SMARC CoMs are supported by industry-leading manufacturers, ensuring longevity and availability for long-term projects.
Ecosystem Support
SMARC CoMs come with extensive software support, including BSPs (Board Support Packages) and drivers, enabling faster software development and deployment.
Conclusion
SMARC Computer-on-Modules address critical bottlenecks in product development by providing modularity, scalability, and pre-validated solutions. They enable faster development cycles, simplify compliance, and support rapid prototyping, making them an ideal choice for embedded systems and IoT applications.
For companies looking to stay competitive in fast-evolving markets, adopting SMARC CoMs is a strategic move to streamline development and accelerate innovation.