Modern industrial embedded systems require a hardware foundation that delivers reliability, scalability, and long-term availability. Applications such as industrial automation, edge computing, HMI panels, robotics, medical devices, and IoT gateways are increasingly complex. As a result, embedded module platforms must support high-performance processing, rich connectivity, and design flexibility.
System on Modules (SoMs) provide a modular, production-ready solution for industrial embedded design. By integrating core computing components into a compact, standardized form factor, SoMs simplify development, reduce time-to-market, and enable engineers to focus on software innovation, system differentiation, and advanced application features.
Defining a System on Module:
A System on Module (SOM) is a fully integrated computing block that combines:
Arm® Cortex®-based processors
Memory (RAM + flash storage)
Power management and clock circuitry
Essential interfaces for peripherals
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Key Benefits:**
✔ Complete processing and I/O core
✔ Plug-and-play integration with carrier boards
✔ Flexibility for application-specific hardware
✔ Simplified software support with Board Support Packages (BSPs)
SOMs reduce design risk and accelerate development cycles.
Why Use PHYTEC SOMs?
Fast Time to Market :
Designing a custom CPU board around a modern processor-handling DDR memory design, power sequencing, and high-speed I/O-is one of the most complex and time-consuming parts of embedded hardware development. PHYTEC System on Module (SOM) bring that complexity already solved, allowing engineers to move directly to application-specific design.
Reduced Risk and Development Cost :
With decades of embedded expertise behind them, PHYTEC SOMs are engineered for reliability and longevity. By using a proven computing core, you avoid costly redesigns and debugging cycles that come with custom processor board development.
Scalable and Flexible :
PHYTEC SOMs come in many variants - from ultra-compact low-power modules like phyCORE-i.MX RT1170 to high-performance multimedia and industrial modules such as phyCORE®-AM62x and phyCORE®-AM68x - giving you the flexibility to match performance, power, and feature requirements across product lines.
Long Lifecycle and Support :
Industrial, automotive, and connected systems demand long product lifecycles and stability. PHYTEC SOMs and their ecosystem are built with this in mind - offering up to decade-long availability and extensive software support so you can confidently build products that endure.
Popular PHYTEC SOM Families
phyFLEX®-i.MX 95 FPSC - High-Performance AI & Multimedia SoM
Dual, quad, or hexa-core Arm® Cortex-A55 + Cortex-M33/M7
Mali-G310 GPU + eIQ Neutron NPU for AI/ML
Ethernet TSN, USB 3.0/2.0, PCIe Gen3
Display: MIPI DSI, LVDS | Camera: 2× MIPI-CSI2
Industrial I/O: CAN-FD, UART, SPI, I²C, PWM, ADC
Industrial-grade: −40 °C to +85 °C operation
phyCORE®-i.MX RT1170 - Real-Time + Multimedia MCU Module
Dual Cortex‑M7 + Cortex‑M4 cores for real‑time and control tasks
Multimedia peripherals: MIPI‑CSI camera, MIPI‑DSI display, audio codecs
Ethernet, CAN‑FD, UART, SPI, I²C interfaces
Compact 30 × 30 mm footprint for space‑constrained embedded designs
phyCORE®-AM62x - Compact Edge & Multimedia Modules
Quad-core Arm® Cortex-A53 + Cortex-M4F
GPU, dual display, MIPI CSI camera support
Secure Boot & customizable memory
Ideal for industrial HMIs, gateways, edge devices
Compact 43×32 mm footprint with 240-pin interconnect
phyCORE®-AM68x - Performance & Vision
2× Cortex-A72 + 4× Cortex-R5F cores
Multimedia, GPU, dual display, scalable memory
Secure Boot & Linux BSP support
Perfect for machine vision, robotics, and advanced automation
phyCORE®-AM64x-FPGA - Real-Time Control & Automation
Arm cores + integrated FPGA
4× industrial Ethernet ports (EtherCAT®, PROFINET®)
DDR4 with ECC, extended I/O, real-time capability
Ideal for industrial automation & fieldbus systems
Applications That Benefit from PHYTEC SOMs :
PHYTEC SOMs are deployed across industries where performance, reliability, and flexibility matter:
Industrial automation and controls
Edge IoT and gateways
Machine vision and robotics
Medical and diagnostic systems
HMI panels and smart displays
Conclusion
In today's competitive embedded market, adopting a System on Module strategy lets you reduce risk, cut development time, and focus on what differentiates your product. PHYTEC's rich portfolio of industrial-grade SOMs - backed with long-term availability, engineering support, and software tooling - provides a powerful foundation for your next embedded design.
👉 Explore PHYTEC System on Modules:
https://www.phytec.in/en/system-on-module-single-board-computers-phytec/system-on-modules/
FAQ: System on Modules for Industrial Applications
Q1: What is a System on Module (SOM)?
A SOM is a compact embedded computing block integrating processor, memory, power, and interfaces for simplified hardware design.
Q2: How do SOMs reduce development time?
By providing a pre-integrated and validated computing core, SOMs eliminate the need to design complex processor boards from scratch.
Q3: Which SOM is ideal for AI and multimedia workloads?
The phyFLEX®-i.MX 95 FPSC supports AI/ML tasks, GPU acceleration, and high-speed multimedia interfaces.
Q4: Can SOMs handle real-time industrial communication?
Yes. SOMs like phyCORE®-AM64x-FPGA offer deterministic I/O, real-time Ethernet, and fieldbus protocol support for industrial automation.
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