Learn from 5 aspects why FPGA SoM is so popular!
Latest update time：2024-11-13
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The demand for FPGAs continues to rise as applications such as data centers, high-performance computers, medical imaging, precision layout traces, specialized PCB materials, form factor constraints, and thermal management expand. In the past, hardware designers would choose a "chip down" architecture, selecting a specific silicon device for the application and developing a completely custom board. While this approach allows for a highly optimized implementation, it requires significant development time and cost to reach a production-ready state. To save time and money, design teams are now considering more integrated solutions such as multi-chip modules (MCMs), system-in-package (SiPs), single-board computers (SBCs), or
system-on-modules (SoMs)
.
The FPGA SoM market is rapidly expanding, enabling more users to adopt FPGA-based platforms. These SoMs are widely adopted in various applications due to their adaptable architecture and user-friendly design .
FPGA System-Level Module Overview
Unlike a standalone single-board computer,
an FPGA SoM is a compact computing module
designed to be integrated into a larger system. The module includes basic components such as high-speed DDR memory, flash memory, power management, common interface controllers, and board support package (BSP) software, as well as support for high-speed transceiver modules and multiple communication protocols such as Ethernet, USB, and PCIe.
The SoM approach offers significant advantages, providing a
pre-built, pre-tested module containing core computing components and software
, which reduces development time, reduces costs, and simplifies the component procurement process. This allows R&D teams to focus on the company's specific needs, resulting in more predictable design cycles and better business outcomes. In addition, the SoM is
scalable and flexible
, making it easy to upgrade or modify components without a complete overhaul of the entire system. By leveraging the SoM, companies can bring products to market faster, reduce the risk of design errors, and improve overall efficiency, making the SoM an attractive solution for a variety of advanced applications.
Availability
An SoM-based approach can significantly reduce development time, resulting in faster time to market. Because SoMs are
pre-tested and certified by manufacturers such as
iWave
, designers can integrate these modules into products faster and with fewer errors. Such
pre-validation ensures that the modules meet high reliability and performance standards
, eliminating the need for extensive in-house testing and troubleshooting. By leveraging SoMs, companies can streamline development cycles and reduce the time and resources spent on the design and verification process (Figure 1). This allows companies to focus on their unique value proposition and core competencies without getting bogged down in complex system integration. The modular nature of SoMs also provides flexibility in the design process, allowing changes and adjustments to be made even at a late stage of development without requiring extensive rework.
Figure 1: Using a SoM can significantly reduce design time, resulting in faster time to market. (Image source: iWave)
Development cost and complexity
Leveraging a production-ready and qualified SoM can significantly reduce the complexity of FPGA system design
.
By integrating a pre-tested SoM into product development, companies can reduce the risks associated with hardware design errors and compatibility issues. This approach not only speeds up time to market, but also reduces overall development and certification costs. The SoM undergoes a rigorous testing regime that includes rigorous electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, as well as various environmental stress tests such as thermal cycling and aging testing. These tests ensure that the module can withstand harsh operating conditions while maintaining reliable performance, minimizing the need for extensive in-house testing and validation efforts.
Product modularity and scalability
One of the main advantages of adopting a SoM-based approach for FPGA system-on-chip (SoC) solutions is
enhanced modularity and scalability
.
SoM designs support a wide range of FPGA logic densities, I/O configurations, and transceiver capabilities. This flexibility enables product designers to select the right SoM that meets their specific application requirements without having to redesign the entire hardware architecture. For example, a single carrier board architecture can accommodate different SoM configurations, from small FPGAs with basic functionality to larger, more complex FPGAs with advanced processing capabilities.
This modularity benefits the design’s seamless scalability and future-proofing
, making it easy to upgrade to newer FPGA generations or add additional functionality as market requirements change.
Figure 2: FPGA SoCs offer enhanced modularity and scalability. (Image source: iWave)
Supply Chain and Product Lifecycle Management
Supply chain management for FPGA-based systems involves coordinating numerous components procured from different suppliers.
A SoM-centric approach simplifies this complexity by consolidating procurement and supply chain management responsibilities with SoM vendors, such as iWave.
These vendors can maintain strategic partnerships with key component suppliers and employ proactive forecasting techniques to ensure stable supply capabilities and competitive pricing. This proactive management approach shortens lead times, minimizes procurement risks, and optimizes inventory management, ultimately helping companies save costs and improve operational efficiency.
Figure 3: A SoM-centric approach can simplify complexity by integrating procurement and supply chain management responsibilities. (Image source: iWave)
Effective Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is essential to maintain the longevity and competitiveness of FPGA-based products. SoM vendors play a key role in this regard by continuously monitoring component obsolescence and market trends. They proactively update SoM designs and software packages to incorporate new features, enhancements, and security patches. This proactive approach reduces the risks associated with component EOL (End of Life) announcements, ensuring seamless product continuity and minimizing disruption to customer operations. By delegating PLM responsibilities to SoM vendors, companies can focus internal resources on innovation and core competencies rather than on managing supply chain dynamics and reducing product lifecycle risks.
Benefits for Software Developers
Using SoMs can simplify and accelerate the software development process for FPGA-based systems.
These modules come with pre-verified board support packages (BSPs) and reference designs, providing a stable, standardized software development environment. Developers can use these resources to speed up the development of application software without having to adjust the software for different hardware configurations, thereby reducing complexity. This approach not only shortens the development cycle, but also enhances the reliability and compatibility of the software, allowing developers to focus on optimizing the performance and functionality of their applications.
iWave works with leading FPGA vendors such as AMD, Altera, and Achronix to provide a diverse and comprehensive
SoM portfolio
. This partnership gives iWave early access to cutting-edge FPGA technology, allowing it to develop a variety of SoMs and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) modules that fit different application needs. For example, under AMD's Zynq UltraScale+ family, iWave offers a variety of options such as the iW-RainboW-G35M, iW-RainboW-G30M, and iW-RainboW-G47M, each of which offers different configurations to suit different performance requirements. Similarly, iWave has collaborated with Altera and Achronix to launch SoMs such as the iW-RainboW-G58M Agilex 5 SoC FPGA and the iW-RainboW-G64M Speedster7T SoM, demonstrating its ability to meet the requirements of a variety of FPGA platforms.
Conclusion
In addition to the SoM portfolio, iWave supports customers with a range of FPGA design services, including carrier board design, FPGA IP development, porting, customization, Linux and board support package (BSP) porting, certification, and mechanical design. Since its founding in 1999, iWave has focused on embedded system engineering design, serving industries such as industrial, medical, automotive, and avionics. iWave's expertise in FPGA and SoC FPGA technology enables it to deliver powerful solutions that meet stringent industry standards, enabling seamless product development for customers around the world.
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