System on Chip vs. System on Module

System on Chip
A single integrated circuit (IC) that houses all or most of the components of a computer or other electronic system is called a system on-chip (SoC). This includes the secondary storage interfaces, CPU, RAM, and input/output (I/O) interfaces. As one kind of electronic device, SoCs have a wide range of applications, such as embedded systems, Internet of Things devices, and mobile phones. Generally speaking, they are more energy-efficient and smaller than traditional multi-chip systems.

System on Module
A system on module (SoM) is an electronic circuit that combines all of a computer system's critical parts onto a single module. This includes the processor, storage, and I/O controller. It is easy to connect SoMs to a carrier board to create a complete system because they are frequently substantially smaller than traditional embedded boards. SoMs only require power to operate, as opposed to SoCs (systems on chips), which integrate all of these components onto a single chip. As a result, they offer greater versatility and affordability for a wider range of uses. One way to think of SoMs is as electronic motherboards that house the essential parts of a MINI PC. They frequently combine CPUs, storage, and pins to create a system-on-a-chip, which is then connected to a suitable carrier board via pins.

Differences between SoCs and SoMs

• Architecture: SoMs are modules that contain multiple chips, while SoCs are single chips.
• Components: SoCs normally contain every part needed for a full system, whereas SoMs frequently only have the CPU, memory, and I/O ports.
• Applications: While SoCs are usually used in portable devices, SoMs are frequently used in scenarios where flexibility is required but size and power consumption are also important considerations.
• Cost: Generally speaking, SoCs are more costly than SoMs.
• Complexity: Compared to SoMs, SoC design and manufacturing are frequently more challenging.

Advantages and Disadvantages of SoCs
Advantages of SoCs

• Smaller footprint and space requirements: Requires less space and has a smaller footprint than traditional embedded systems because all of the parts are integrated onto a single chip in SoCs. This can reduce weight and space requirements in system designs, which is crucial for spaces-constrained applications like embedded systems for cars, drones, and other mobile devices.
• Higher performance and flexibility: Because SoCs integrate several components onto a single chip, they can frequently provide greater performance and flexibility than traditional embedded systems. Applications that demand a lot of processing power or that must be tailored to meet particular needs may find this to be crucial.
• Cost-effective for mass production: Because the costs of design and development can be distributed over a large number of units, System-on-a-Chip (SoC) technology can be economical for mass production. Because of this, they are a good option for applications like consumer electronics and industrial automation where a large number of units are required.
• Greater system reliability and lower power consumption: Because SoCs integrate several components onto a single chip, they can provide reduced power consumption and increased system reliability compared to traditional embedded systems. Applications like security systems and medical devices, where dependability and power efficiency are crucial, should take note of this.
• Reduced development time and risk: System-on-a-chip (SoC) offerings offer a pre-validated platform that can be easily tailored to meet particular needs, thereby mitigating development time and risk associated with new product development. For businesses that need to launch new products fast, this can be a huge benefit.

Disadvantages of SoCs

• Higher initial cost: Compared to a conventional embedded system, the initial cost of a SoC may be greater. This is because SoCs necessitate the integration of several parts onto a single chip.
• Limited upgradeability: Individual components of a SoC cannot be upgraded once installed. If the needs of the system change over time, this could be a drawback.
• Not suitable for all applications: Not every application is a good fit for SoCs. They might not be appropriate, for instance, for applications that need to be tailored for harsh environments or that demand high-security levels.
• Vendor lock-in: Usually, a single vendor produces SoCs. If the need arises, switching vendors may become challenging as a result.
• Lack of standardization: SoCs do not have a single standard. Because of this, selecting a SoC that works with other parts and systems may be challenging.

Advantages and Disadvantages of SoMs
Advantages of SoMs

• Smaller form factor and weight: System-on-a-Chip (SoM) designs can save space and weight because SoMs are generally lighter and smaller than conventional embedded boards. This is crucial for spaces-constrained applications, like embedded systems in cars, drones, and other mobile devices.
• Higher performance and flexibility: Because multiple components are integrated onto a single chip, SoMs can frequently offer greater performance and flexibility than traditional embedded boards. Applications that demand a lot of processing power or that must be tailored to meet particular needs may find this to be crucial.
• Cost-effective for mass production: Because the costs of design and development can be distributed over a large number of units, SoMs may be economical for mass production. Because of this, they are a good option for applications like consumer electronics and industrial automation where a large number of units are required.
• Greater system reliability and lower power consumption: Because multiple components are integrated onto a single chip, SoMs can offer both lower power consumption and greater system reliability than traditional embedded boards. Applications like security systems and medical devices, where dependability and power efficiency are crucial, should take note of this.
• Reduced development time and risk: System on a Module (SoM) offers a pre-validated platform that can be easily tailored to meet specific needs, which helps to cut down on both of these factors when developing new products. For businesses that need to launch new products fast, this can be a huge benefit.

Disadvantages of SoMs

• Higher initial cost: Compared to a conventional embedded board, the initial cost of a system-on-a-chip (SoM) may be greater. This is because SoMs necessitate the integration of several parts onto a single chip.
• Limited upgradeability: Individual components of a SoM cannot be upgraded once it has been installed. If the needs of the system change over time, this could be a drawback.
• Not suitable for all applications: SoMs might not be appropriate for every application. They might not be appropriate, for instance, for applications that need to be tailored for harsh environments or that demand high-security levels.
• Vendor lock-in: Usually, a single vendor produces SoMs. If the need arises, switching vendors may become challenging as a result.
• Lack of standardization: SoMs do not have a single standard. Selecting a SoM that is compatible with other parts and systems may become challenging as a result.

Conclusion

SoCs and SoMs are two types of integrated circuits that combine multiple components. They are employed in various contexts and have various architectures. It is up to the specific requirements of each application to determine which option is best.​