System-on-Chip vs Single-Board Computer: A Comparison ...

System-on-Chip vs Single-Board Computer: A Comparison Guide

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit difference between soc and sbc.

With the rapid advancements in technology, companies are under constant pressure to keep up by releasing smaller and faster products. A frequent question in engineering meetings is whether to choose a System on Chip (SoC) or a Single Board Computer (SBC) for a design. Each option has its merits and drawbacks, making the decision a complex one.

This article will explore the considerations you need to make when deciding between an SoC and an SBC.

What is a System on Chip (SoC)?

An SoC integrates multiple system components onto a single silicon chip. Typically, a SoC includes an application processor, memory, power management circuits, and various peripherals such as SPI, UART, I2C, USB, SATA, PCI, and PCIe. Some specialized functions may also be incorporated, depending on the vendor. Examples include Fujitsu's ARM-based SoCs with graphics controllers, GainSpan's WIFI SoCs, and AMD's X86-based SoCs.

Pros and Cons of Using a SoC

Benefits of SoCs

• Size – Packs extensive functionality and features into a small package
• Flexibility – Ideal for a variety of board sizes, form factors, and power requirements
• Cost Efficiency – Particularly for application-specific SoCs like video codecs, offering a more economical solution compared to software implementations
• High Volume – Justifies engineering resources and costs for mass production

Drawbacks of SoCs

• Time to Market – Design cycles range from 6-12 months
• Resource Limitations – Not ideal if your team lacks the necessary expertise and resources
• Lower Volume – For low volume, high-margin products, alternative hardware solutions might be more suitable

What is a Single Board Computer (SBC)?

An SBC is a complete computer built on a single printed circuit board. They are relatively simple to design and widely used when quick market entry is essential. SBCs come in various sizes, from traditional ATX/BTX boards to smaller COM modules. Manufacturers often offer customization with minimal or no additional engineering costs.

Pros and Cons of Using a SBC

Benefits of SBCs

• Ease of Use – Eliminates the need for extensive design rule checking (DRC) documents and layout guidelines
• Proven Hardware – Reduces risks associated with board design mistakes
• Customizable – Tailor the board to include only necessary components
• Single Source – Simplifies logistics with fewer components in BOM
• Faster Time to Market – Accelerated design cycles compared to SoCs

Drawbacks of SBCs

• Cost – Not always cost-effective for high-volume products
• Limited Flexibility – Extensive customization needs may favor SoC designs
• Knowledge Investment – Beneficial if intending to use similar SoC across multiple products

Is There an In-Between Option?

If neither SoC nor SBC suits your needs perfectly, consider a module. For instance, Videon offers semi-custom modules based on Fujitsu processors for specific applications like 1080p Encode and Transcode. This alternative combines the customization of a SoC with the rapid deployment of an SBC. By leveraging the expertise and development invested in a SoC, you can bring products to market faster without compromising on specialized features.

Pros and Cons of SBC, SoM, and CoM in Embedded Systems

In the world of embedded systems, numerous acronyms can be confusing. This section explains SBC (Single Board Computer), SoM (System-On-Module), and CoM (Computer-On-Module) in the context of embedded systems, highlighting the pros and cons of each.

Single Board Computer (SBC)

According to Wikipedia, "a single-board computer (SBC) is a complete computer built on a single circuit board, with a microprocessor(s), memory, input/output (I/O), and other features required for a functional computer." They are commonly used in embedded system development as controllers, integrating all necessary components into one board. SBCs can be customized for specific applications, making them resilient and cost-effective. However, once a CPU and memory option is selected, upgrading requires replacing the entire SBC, which can be an advantage in environments needing stable configurations.

System on a Module (SoM) plus Carrier Board

A System-On-Module (SoM) attaches to a carrier board for system expansion. SoM and CoM generally refer to similar concepts: a computer packaged into a single module for easy plug-and-play integration. SoM designs offer scalability by allowing simple module replacements without changing the carrier board, facilitating upgrades and feature additions. Engineers benefit by expediting product market entry with high-performance modules and adjusting them according to final product specifications. This flexibility extends to choosing different SoM modules to meet diverse end-application requirements.

For more information on single board computer vs microcontroller, feel free to reach out for an expert consultation. This could also prove effective in understanding the sbc vs microcontroller better.

Sincerity, innovation, rigor, and efficiency remain our core principles as we strive for long-term growth alongside our consumers. Whether for System-on-Module (SOM), SoM board, or Rockchip SOM, we are committed to providing high-quality products that meet your needs.