SOM vs SBC | What is the Difference and How to Choose the Right Solution

When selecting the best embedded solution for your application, deciding between a SOM (System on Module) and an SBC (Single Board Computer) can be challenging. These two systems, while similar in purpose, offer distinct advantages depending on your project’s needs—whether it’s for industrial automation, IoT, or robotics.

What is a SOM?

A SOM is essentially the brain of a computer—offering just the CPU, memory, and storage—without the peripheral circuitry needed for communication with external systems. Its strength lies in its flexibility. By pairing a SOM with a custom-designed baseboard, you can create a solution tailored to specific hardware requirements. However, this flexibility comes at a cost. Developing a baseboard requires time, resources, and specialized expertise, which can delay time to market and significantly increase development costs.

Advantages of Using a SOM

• Unique Customizations: Ideal for applications with specific hardware needs, where off-the-shelf solutions don’t fit.
• Scalability: SOMs allow for incremental upgrades by changing only the module without redesigning the entire system.
• Small Form Factor: SOMs, being more compact, are suitable for space-constrained applications.

Challenges of Using a SOM

• Longer Development Cycle: Designing and validating a custom baseboard for a SOM requires a significant investment in engineering resources and time.
• Increased Total Cost: Though the SOM might be cheaper upfront, the total cost of development rises with the need for custom baseboards and additional software support.
• Limited Off-the-Shelf Software Support: SOMs typically require additional software development such as writing or modifying drivers, adjusting the device tree, and ensuring proper integration with the operating system. For companies without dedicated software development teams, this can be a significant challenge.
• Signal Integrity: High-speed interfaces like PCIe and USB require careful PCB design to maintain signal integrity.
• Risk in Hardware Design Issues: Creating a custom baseboard introduces risks in hardware design, especially when integrating multiple high-speed buses or specialized peripherals.

What is a Single Board Computer (SBC)?

A Single Board Computer (SBC) is a complete embedded system on one board. It integrates the CPU, memory, storage, power regulation, and I/O interfaces like Ethernet, USB, and GPIO headers, making it a fully functional system out of the box.

Advantages of Using an SBC

SBCs are a complete solution. They include all the essential components like the CPU, DRAM, and flash storage, but they also come with peripheral circuitry and standard connectors pre-installed—such as RJ45 Ethernet, USB ports, and GPIO headers. This all-in-one design dramatically simplifies integration and shortens the development cycle.

For many companies, an SBC offers a fast and reliable route to market. It eliminates the need for custom hardware development, allowing developers to focus on software and application-level innovation. With robust board support packages (BSPs) already provided by manufacturers, SBCs come with pre-configured drivers and software support, reducing the complexity of system setup.

Gateworks’ Venice line of SBCs is a prime example of how SBCs can handle rugged industrial environments. They feature pre-built power circuitry, Ethernet jacks, USB ports, PCIe slots, and more. There is also a need for broad customization options that would allow you to tailor a design for specific needs without redesigning the entire system, which companies like Gateworks can cater to.

Why SBCs Are Often the Better Choice

1. Faster Time to Market: SBCs offer a ready-made platform that eliminates months of hardware development. This can be crucial for companies looking to bring products to market quickly.
2. Cost-Efficiency: While a SOM might seem like the more affordable option upfront, the hidden costs of baseboard development can push the total cost beyond that of an SBC solution. With an SBC, you get a complete system without the need for custom PCB design.
3. Proven Stability: SBCs are pre-designed and tested, ensuring the entire hardware stack works seamlessly. This reduces the risk of costly errors during development and increases overall reliability.
4. Wireless Flexibility & Peripheral Support: SBCs come equipped with a wide range of interfaces like Mini-PCIe and M.2 slots, allowing for easy integration of wireless, cellular, and sensor modules—without the need for custom hardware development.
5. Customization Options: If you need specific peripherals or connectors, manufacturers offer extensive customization options—making SBCs versatile without the complexity of designing a custom baseboard from scratch.

For most embedded applications, SBCs provide the ideal balance between performance, flexibility, and ease of development. When time, cost, and simplicity are critical, SBCs are often the smarter choice.

Interested in a deeper technical breakdown? Read our full technical article here. Explore detailed comparisons between SOMs and SBCs to make an informed decision for your next project.