SMARC and OSM: Best Practices for System-on-Module SOM

SMARC and OSM are two of the standards used by designers and engineers to create Computer-On-Modules (COM).

The SMARC standard, acronym for Smart Mobility ARChitecture, is generally based on processors with ARM architecture with high energy efficiency, but can also be equipped with other SoC architectures such as x86. The OSM standard, acronym for Open Standard Modules, was developed with the aim of integrating PC modules of extremely compact and versatile dimensions.

So what are the characteristics and peculiarities of the SMARC and OSM standards? What are their strengths and weaknesses, and for which projects are they really suitable?

SMARC, which stands for "Smart Mobility ARChitecture", is a standard developed since 2012 and designed for applications that require very low power consumption, low cost and high performance. This standard offers a versatile and adaptable solution, perfect for a wide range of applications, from mobile devices to embedded systems.

SMARC modules are typically based on ARM SOCs, such as those used in common devices such as tablets and smartphones, but also support low-power alternatives, including SOCs and X86 CPUs oriented on RISC CPUs. The main feature that has led this standard to global diffusion is high energy efficiency, with a very low power consumption.

SMARC offers two size options for modules: 82 mm x 50 mm for more compact designs and 82 mm x 80 mm for higher performance and larger SoCs. Both sizes feature 314 pins with a pitch of 0.5 mm. This low-profile connector ensures easy and secure integration into devices, allowing flexibility and scalability.

Both options of these modules are designed to be used as core components within embedded systems, hosting the main CPU and essential circuitry. Thanks to their modular design, they can be integrated with specific carrier boards for the possible use cases, adding functionality such as audio CODECs, touch controllers and wireless devices.

OSM, an acronym for Open Standard Module, is one of the latest standards in terms of integrated circuit design used to develop ultra-compact PC modules. OSM modules are significantly smaller than traditional modules. The largest module, measuring 45x45 mm, is 51% smaller than the most compact SMARC standard (82x50 mm). Thanks to the BGA design, OSM modules offer a higher density of interfaces and functionality, while maintaining a small form factor.

The latest Open Standard Module is available in 4 different sizes: the most compact format of 15x30 mm (188 LGA), the second of 30x30 mm (332 LGA), the third of 45x30 mm (476 LGA) and the largest of 45x45 mm (662 LGA).

The profile is also incredibly thin, thanks to the fully automatic SMT (Surface Mount Technology) assembly which provides high resistance to vibrations, impacts and general mechanical stress.

SMARC and OSM are two different standards used for the development of embedded modules.

SMARC was designed to be used within embedded systems, edge computing and smart mobility. It offers a flexible platform, scalable performance and low energy consumption with highly efficient modules.

OSM is instead a very young project and dedicated to the creation of future-proof PC boards, where the concepts of miniaturization and modularity are taken to the extreme.

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