What is an ARM System-on-Module?

An ARM System-on-Module (SoM) is a compact, ready-to-use computing module built around an ARM-based processor. In essence, it’s a small circuit board that contains the “brains” of an embedded system – including the microprocessor (typically an ARM System-on-Chip, or SoC), memory, power management, and often additional peripherals – all in one integrated module. Unlike a raw chip or microcontroller, an ARM SoM comes pre-engineered with the complex circuitry needed to run an operating system and connect to standard interfaces. The SoM is designed to plug into a carrier board (or baseboard) that provides the “body” of the system – i.e. the application-specific connectors, sensors, power supply, and other I/O needed for the final product. In other words, the SoM handles the heavy lifting of computing and connectivity, while the carrier board handles the custom hardware for your particular device.

One key point is that a System-on-Module is not the same as a System-on-Chip (SoC). An SoC is a single silicon chip that integrates a CPU core (or multiple cores) along with built-in peripherals on one die. ARM SoCs (such as those from NXP i.MX or Qualcomm Snapdragon families) provide the processing and maybe some hardware accelerators on one integrated chip. An ARM SoM, by contrast, includes that SoC plus all the supporting components (high-speed memory, flash storage, oscillators, etc.) assembled on a main board. This gives the SoM a physical form factor (often credit-card sized or smaller) that can be handled like a small board rather than a delicate BGA chip, making it a plug-and-play module for embedded design. It also means the module can incorporate features that wouldn’t fit on a single chip – for example, high-density RAM, power regulation circuitry, and even wireless radios or sensors. In summary, the ARM SoC is the integrated processor chip, while the ARM SoM is a module containing that chip and everything needed to make it a working computer.

Another distinction is between a System-on-Module and a Single-Board Computer (SBC). A single-board computer (like a Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone) is a complete standalone board with processor, memory and all necessary connectors on one board. A SoM, on the other hand, usually lacks the physical ports/connectors for peripherals – those are provided by the carrier board. The SoM often uses board-to-board connectors or an edge connector to interface with the carrier. This modular approach yields a smaller core module and allows the carrier board to be customized or simplified, since the complexity is largely confined to the SoM itself. In practice, an ARM SoM is sometimes called a Computer-on-Module (CoM) – the terms are often used interchangeably – and it represents a middle ground between building a device entirely from scratch (chip-down design) and using an off-the-shelf SBC.

Architecture and Key Components of an ARM SoM

At the heart of an ARM SoM is, of course, an ARM-based processor or SoC. ARM processors (based on the RISC architecture originally from Advanced RISC Machines) are widely used in SoMs due to their excellent balance of performance and energy efficiency. Around this processor, the module integrates a number of essential components that together form a complete embedded computing system. Typical components found on an ARM System-on-Module include:

• ARM CPU / SoC: The central processor, often a multi-core ARM Cortex-A series or similar, which executes the operating system and application code. This could be, for example, an NXP i.MX, TI Sitara, or another ARM SoC, providing processing, graphics, and maybe on-chip peripherals. The ARM SoC is the primary computing engine and defines the performance and capabilities of the module.
• Memory (RAM & Flash): SoMs include volatile memory (DDR RAM) for program execution and data, as well as non-volatile storage (e.g. NAND flash or eMMC) to hold the bootloader, OS, and persistent data. High-speed memory like DDR3/DDR4 is soldered close to the CPU on the module to ensure fast data access, and flash provides storage without needing an external drive.
• Power Management: Integrated power management ICs (PMICs) on the module handle voltage regulation and power sequencing for the SoC and other components. This ensures that the various parts of the SoM receive stable power (often converting from a single supply on the carrier board) and that startup/shutdown sequences are properly managed – a critical aspect for reliability in embedded systems.
• Clock & Reset circuitry: The module will typically have clock oscillators or crystals for timing (e.g. a clock source for the CPU) and reset generation circuits. These ensure the SoC and peripherals operate with the correct timing and can be reset reliably.
• I/O Interfaces: A variety of interface controllers are part of the SoM design. Common high-speed interfaces exposed include USB ports, Ethernet MAC (often two for industrial use), display interfaces (LCD/MIPI DSI or HDMI), camera inputs, and PCIe or SDIO. Additionally, low-speed interfaces like UART, I²C, SPI, CAN bus, and GPIO are provided via the module’s connectors, allowing connection to sensors, actuators, and other peripherals on the carrier board. Essentially, the SoM brings out all the I/O signals of the SoC to defined pins/pads so the carrier can use them as needed.
• Wireless connectivity (optional): Many modern ARM SoMs integrate wireless modules or chipsets, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios, and sometimes cellular (LTE/NB-IoT) or GNSS receivers. These pre-integrated wireless features are especially common for IoT-focused SoMs, giving the module built-in connectivity. Some modules even come with pre-certified radio chips and antennas, which simplifies adding wireless connectivity to your product (no need to design RF circuits or go through separate FCC certification in many cases).
• Other peripherals: Depending on the target application, a SoM might also include additional elements like security chips (TPM/security IC) for encryption, FPGA or microcontroller co-processors (in hybrid SoM designs), or analog components. For example, there are SoMs that combine an ARM processor with an FPGA on the same module for high-performance industrial tasks. These additional components extend the capabilities of the module beyond what the main SoC alone provides.

This compact module incorporates an ARM Cortex-A5 processor (Atmel ATSAMA5, under the large chip), high-speed memory, and a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth radio (shielded module at top-right). The board-to-board edge connector at bottom enables integration with a carrier board, providing a complete embedded computing solution.

All these components are assembled on a miniature printed circuit board as a unified module. The module itself typically uses high-density connectors (or occasionally solder pads) to mate with the carrier board. Some SoMs follow standardized form factors – for instance, SO-DIMM edge connectors (like the Raspberry Pi Compute Module uses), or mezzanine connector standards such as SMARC, Qseven, or the newer OSM (Open Standard Module). These standards define the pin-outs and physical dimensions, making it easier to design carrier boards or even swap SoMs from different vendors as long as they conform to the same standard. For example, SMARC modules use a mezzanine connector and a standardized pin layout, enabling a degree of interchangeability among modules from different manufacturers. Other SoMs are solder-down modules, which have no removable connector – instead, they are soldered directly onto the main board for maximum compactness and ruggedness (often seen in high-volume or size-constrained designs). In any case, the functional idea is the same: the ARM SoM is a building block providing a complete computing subsystem, and you attach it to your custom board which implements the rest of your device (connectors, power supply, specialized interfaces, etc.).

SoM vs. SoC vs. Single-Board Computer: A Comparison

To put ARM System-on-Modules in context, it helps to compare them with the alternatives – designing a custom board around an SoC (“chip-down” design) versus using a ready-made single-board computer. The table below summarizes the differences:

Approach	Characteristics & Use Case
Chip-Down Design (SoC)	Using an ARM System-on-Chip directly on a custom PCB. You select the processor and all supporting components individually and design the entire circuit from scratch. This offers maximum control over the hardware and potentially lower unit cost at very high volumes. However, chip-down design is complex and resource-intensive: engineers must handle high-speed PCB layout (DDR memory routing, impedance matching, etc.), power sequencing, and extensive testing. It often requires multiple board revisions to get a stable design. This approach is common in mass-produced consumer electronics (like smartphones or tablets) where an optimized cost and size is critical and volumes justify the development effort. For lower volumes or teams without deep hardware expertise, chip-down can be risky – mistakes in design can lead to costly delays.
ARM System-on-Module (SoM)	Using a pre-made module with an ARM SoC and core components already integrated. The SoM acts as a drop-in component providing a proven computing core. This approach significantly reduces development complexity and risk, since the challenging parts (CPU, memory, PMIC, wireless, etc.) are already engineered and tested. It accelerates development because you can focus on designing a simpler carrier board for your application rather than a complex six or eight-layer CPU board. SoMs offer flexibility – many are pin-compatible across a family, so you can scale performance by swapping modules, and they often come with ready BSPs (Board Support Packages) for an OS. The trade-off is a slightly higher BOM cost per unit (you pay for the convenience of the module) and reliance on the SoM vendor for long-term supply. ARM SoMs are ideal for industrial, medical, and IoT applications where time-to-market, reliability, and scalability matter more than squeezing out the last penny of unit cost.
Single-Board Computer (SBC)	Using an off-the-shelf SBC (like a Raspberry Pi, BeagleBoard, etc.) as the computing element. An SBC is a fully assembled board with connectors, often built around an ARM SoC or similar. This approach offers immediate usability – just plug in peripherals and go – making it great for prototyping or low-volume products. SBCs usually come with pre-installed OS and rich I/O (USB, HDMI, etc.). However, they are less customizable: you cannot easily change or strip out components, and the form factor and connectors are fixed. For deployment, SBCs may be bulkier than a custom SoM+carrier solution, and not all SBCs are designed for extended temperature or long-term supply (which is a concern in industrial/medical). In summary, SBCs shine in fast evaluation and hobbyist or proof-of-concept projects; SoMs, in contrast, are more often used when designing a refined, product-specific board with the SoM embedded as a component (combining some benefits of custom design with the convenience of pre-made modules).

In practice, many companies start development on an SBC or evaluation kit for speed, then transition to an ARM SoM + custom baseboard for the final product to get a tailored solution without a full chip-down design. This approach provides a path to production: the SoM ensures much of the design is proven, and the custom carrier can be optimized to the product’s needs. Notably, if a product achieves very high volume success, one can even migrate from an SoM to a chip-down design later for cost reduction – but only after de-risking the design using the SoM in the crucial early stages.

Benefits of Using an ARM System-on-Module

Adopting an ARM System-on-Module for your embedded design brings a host of advantages. As a wireless/embedded engineer might say, using a SoM is like getting a head-start on the complex parts of design, allowing you to concentrate on your application’s unique features. From an organizational perspective, it can also be a strategic move to improve time-to-market and reduce development uncertainty. Below we outline the key benefits of ARM SoMs:

1. Accelerated Development & Time-to-Market: Perhaps the biggest advantage, ARM SoMs dramatically shorten the development cycle for embedded products. Since the processor, memory, and often wireless connectivity are pre-integrated on the module, engineers can skip the arduous board bring-up of a new CPU design and jump straight to application development. This can save many months of design time – one industry study noted a 9–12 month reduction in development time for an IoT product by using a commercial SoM or SBC instead of a full custom design. Faster development means you can get your product to market sooner and respond to customer needs or changes more quickly. It also allows parallel hardware and software development: software teams can start coding on reference boards or the SoM itself while the carrier board is being designed, further shaving off time. In fast-moving tech markets, this agility is crucial. Being first (or early) to market with a solution can significantly impact a product’s success.
2. Reduced Engineering Complexity & Risk: Designing a high-speed digital board with an advanced ARM SoC is non-trivial – it requires careful DDR memory layout, power sequencing, RF design (if wireless is involved), and dealing with subtle hardware bugs. By using an SoM, you offload that complexity to the module vendor, who has already invested in making a reliable design. This greatly reduces the risk of project delays or failures due to hardware issues. The SoM is a known-good subsystem; your team doesn’t need to be experts in, say, DDR3 signal integrity or RF antenna tuning to use it. Moreover, SoMs undergo thorough testing and validation by their manufacturers. They are often built to industrial-grade tolerances (for temperature, EMI/EMC, etc.), meaning you get a robust foundation. All of this adds up to higher confidence in your hardware from the get-go. Instead of betting your project on a brand-new untested board design, you’re incorporating a proven module. This risk reduction is especially valuable for startups or teams with tight schedules – it can make the difference between meeting your launch date or scrambling through multiple prototype failures.
3. Lower Development Cost (Especially at Low-to-Mid Volumes): At first glance, buying a System-on-Module (which might cost, say, $50–$150) looks more expensive than buying the raw components (perhaps a $20 SoC, $5 RAM, etc.). However, when you factor in the engineering labor, PCB fabrication, assembly, and debugging costs, SoMs often provide overall cost savings. You aren’t investing months of engineer time designing a complex 8-layer board, and you aren’t ordering expensive small-batch PCB runs for each iteration. This is why SoMs are cost-effective for low and moderate production volumes – the module vendor achieves economies of scale by producing in volume, and you effectively share those costs with other customers. Additionally, you avoid high NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) costs up front. For example, you don’t need to buy hundreds of components to meet minimum order quantities or pay for specialized micro-BGA assembly for prototypes – the SoM manufacturer has done that. As a result, even though the module has a margin built into its price, your overall development budget may be much lower. And importantly, by preventing potential redesigns (due to complex errors), SoMs help avoid those “surprise” costs where a single board failure can waste thousands of dollars and weeks of time. In short, for many projects there is a cost optimization sweet spot in using SoMs: you pay a bit more per unit but save a lot in design expenses and time. (If your product later scales to millions of units, you might then justify a custom design – but the SoM often remains the cheaper path until that scale is reached.)
4. Longevity and Supply Chain Assurance: Most ARM SoM vendors target industrial and medical markets, meaning they prioritize long-term availability and stable supply. If you design in a popular ARM SoC chip yourself, you might face the chip’s end-of-life in a few years, forcing a redesign. SoM suppliers mitigate this by managing component obsolescence for you – they often guarantee availability of the module (or an easy upgrade path) for 7+ years, sometimes 10+ years, which is crucial for products that need a long lifecycle. The SoM manufacturer handles sourcing of all the hundreds of components on the module and will do last-time buys or redesigns if needed to keep the module available. This means supply chain resilience for your product. As an example, if a particular RAM chip goes obsolete, the SoM maker might update the module (keeping it form-fit-function compatible) to use a new RAM, transparent to you. By using a SoM, you effectively outsource the headache of tracking semiconductor lifecycles. This greatly reduces the risk that your product will be left stranded because a critical chip is no longer made. Furthermore, if there’s a sudden shortage (like the semiconductor shortages of recent years), SoM providers often have better leverage to secure components (since they aggregate demand across many customers). Many SoM vendors also offer revision control and documentation updates, so you are kept in the loop about any changes. All of this contributes to a long product lifespan with minimal surprises – a key requirement in industries like medical devices or industrial controls, where equipment may be produced and supported for a decade or more.
5. Scalability and Upgrade Flexibility: Because SoMs are modular, you can often upgrade or scale your design by swapping one module for another, without a major redesign of the carrier board. For instance, within a given family of SoMs (say, built on the same connector standard), you might have options for different performance levels – single-core vs quad-core ARM processors, different memory sizes, etc. If your product line expands, you could offer a basic model and a high-end model by using two different SoMs on the same base design. This modular scalability is a big advantage over a fixed chip-down design. In practical terms, if a new ARM processor generation comes out offering better performance or power efficiency, your vendor might release a new module that is pin-compatible – upgrading could be as simple as plugging in the new SoM. This protects your design against rapid tech changes. It’s also helpful for design scaling: maybe your initial deployment uses a lower-cost SoM, but later you need more horsepower for advanced features – you can migrate upward with minimal effort. Additionally, scalability applies to reuse across projects: the same SoM could be used in multiple different products (with different carriers), allowing you to leverage a common computing platform and reduce development effort for each new device. Overall, SoMs give you a level of flexibility and future-proofing that static designs lack.
6. Customization with Less Effort (Focus on Your Core): Using an ARM SoM lets you achieve tailored hardware solutions without reinventing the wheel. You get to design a carrier board that has exactly the connectors, form factor, and peripherals your application needs – no more, no less – which yields a custom device akin to a fully custom design, but with far less effort. Unlike a generic single-board computer, which might have lots of unused interfaces or not enough of a certain resource, a SoM + carrier approach is highly configurable. For example, if you need five serial ports and a special analog interface, you can incorporate that on the carrier; the SoM will supply the raw capability (e.g. the UART controllers on the SoC) to support it. Meanwhile, your engineering team can focus on the product’s unique aspects rather than the low-level minutiae. As one SoM provider put it, you’re not forced to become a “computer manufacturer,” you can remain a product developer and concentrate on software, user experience, and application-specific features. In a competitive market, being able to devote more resources to your core competency – say, your sensor algorithms or cloud integration – rather than spending time on CPU board bring-up can significantly improve the end product. This focus also tends to result in a more polished final product, because engineers aren’t spread thin debugging hardware; they can iterate on software and features that differentiate the device. Additionally, many SoM vendors provide extensive support (reference design schematics, development kits, technical support), which further offloads work from your team. All of this means faster iterations and a better final outcome. In short, the SoM handles the generic computing platform so you can put your energy into what makes your device innovative.
7. High Reliability and Quality: ARM SoMs designed for industrial/medical use are built and tested to high-quality standards. They undergo temperature cycling, EMC testing, and reliability burn-in so that the module will perform in the field under demanding conditions. By using such a module, your device benefits from this robustness from day one. The pre-validated nature of the SoM (including its software BSPs) means you are less likely to encounter low-level hardware failures or errata. This improves your product’s reliability. Moreover, if issues do arise, SoM manufacturers often have seen them before and can provide firmware updates or solutions quickly. Many offer long-term support including software updates for security and bug fixes. All of these quality and reliability factors reduce your maintenance burden and improve customer satisfaction for your end product. Simply put, an ARM SoM gives you a solid foundation that has been battle-tested, which is especially important for mission-critical applications (e.g. medical devices or automotive systems) where failures are not an option.

It’s worth noting that these advantages come into play most strongly for certain scenarios – typically low to medium production volumes, complex devices that need a quick turnaround, or products requiring long-term maintainability. If you’re producing tens of millions of units of a very simple device, a fully custom chip-down design might be more cost-effective per unit (and large companies often go that route after prototyping). However, for a huge swath of embedded systems (from startup prototypes to industrial equipment to even relatively high-volume specialized devices), ARM SoMs hit a sweet spot of efficiency, reliability, and flexibility. As one source summarizes: for low to mid volume projects, SOMs offer a more cost-effective solution than chip-down board production, with a faster time to market and a longer product lifecycle. This is exactly why we see ARM System-on-Modules being widely adopted in IoT and embedded products today.

Applications and Use Cases for ARM SoMs

ARM System-on-Modules have found broad application across many industries, thanks to their versatility and the benefits discussed above. Essentially, any embedded system that would benefit from a compact, powerful computing core and a quick development cycle is a candidate for using a SoM. In practice, SoMs are especially popular in industries like industrial automation, medical devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT) – domains where customization, reliability, and time-to-market are critical. Below, we highlight a few major verticals and use cases where ARM SoMs play a pivotal role:

Industrial and IoT Systems

Industrial Automation and IIoT: In the industrial sector, ARM SoMs are often the engine inside advanced machinery and control systems. For example, in a modern factory automation scenario, you might have robotic arms, PLCs, or human-machine interfaces that all require computing and connectivity. SoMs provide a ready-made computing platform that can be tailored to these uses. Manufacturers prefer SoMs in industrial applications because they can easily customize the carrier for the required interfaces (fieldbus, multiple UARTs, CAN, etc.), while relying on the SoM for heavy computing and OS support. A robotics controller, for instance, can use an ARM SoM to handle machine vision processing or real-time control loops, leveraging the SoM’s multi-core CPU and maybe an FPGA on-module for real-time tasks, all while fitting in a compact, rugged form factor. The industrial environment also benefits from the SoM’s robustness and long-term availability – machines expected to run for years can be built on a module that will be available (and supported) throughout that period.

Edge IoT Gateways and Smart Infrastructure: With the rise of the Internet of Things, many devices at the edge – such as IoT gateways, smart sensors, and networked equipment – require built-in connectivity and compute power. ARM SoMs excel in these scenarios. They often come with pre-integrated wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G cellular, etc.) or at least the interfaces to add those on the carrier. This significantly simplifies creating connected devices. For instance, consider an IoT gateway that aggregates data from various sensors in a smart building or a remote monitoring site. By using a SoM that already has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios onboard, the gateway designer can avoid designing RF circuitry from scratch. One real-world example: an IoT gateway SoM with on-board Wi-Fi/BLE can collect sensor data and upload it to the cloud without needing an external network processor – and because the wireless design is pre-certified on the module, the developer saves months of regulatory testing and tuning. This is a huge boon in IoT product development, where wireless certification can be a complex hurdle. Beyond gateways, SoMs are found in smart city infrastructure (like intelligent traffic systems), energy management systems, and agriculture IoT devices, to name a few. Their small size and low power draw (thanks to ARM’s efficiency) mean they can be embedded in sensors or powered by solar in remote deployments. Crucially, in IoT the ability to update and secure devices is important – many ARM SoMs support rich OSes (like Linux) and have the computing headroom to handle encryption and remote updates, enabling more secure and maintainable IoT deployments.

Industrial IoT and Predictive Maintenance: Combining the above two, the concept of IIoT (Industrial IoT) often uses ARM SoMs in devices that bridge operational technology with information technology. For example, a predictive maintenance sensor hub on a factory motor might use an ARM SoM to process vibration data using edge AI algorithms and then send insights to the cloud. The SoM’s built-in interfaces (ADC, Ethernet/Wi-Fi, etc.) allow it to directly interface with sensors and the network. Because it runs an OS, it can implement complex analytics locally (reducing the data that needs to be sent upstream). Many SoMs are now powerful enough to run machine learning models at the edge – and in fact, newer SoMs even integrate AI accelerators or DSPs to handle these tasks. This fits into the trend of pushing intelligence to edge devices in Industry 4.0. The ruggedness and longevity of industrial-grade SoMs also mean they can be deployed in harsh environments (temperature extremes, vibration) on the factory floor or in oil and gas fields, etc., with confidence.

It’s clear that in industrial and IoT sectors, SoMs have become a preferred solution when customization, flexibility, scalability, and rapid deployment are required. Companies can quickly adapt SoM-based designs to specific needs – whether it’s a robot controller, a smart agriculture drone, or a warehouse asset tracker – with minimal redesign for each new variant. This versatility, combined with the connectivity options, is driving adoption of ARM SoMs across a range of IoT applications.

Medical and Healthcare Devices

The medical device industry has embraced ARM System-on-Modules for many of the same reasons, with some additional motivations. In medical electronics, developers face strict regulatory standards, a need for high reliability, and typically lower production volumes than consumer devices – all factors that align well with using a proven module.

Patient Monitoring & Diagnostic Equipment: Modern medical devices such as patient monitors, portable ultrasound machines, infusion pumps, or even MRI machines often need an embedded computer to handle user interfaces, data processing, and network communication. ARM SoMs provide a compact computing core that can run sophisticated operating systems (like embedded Linux or Android) to support these functions. For example, a patient vital sign monitor might use an ARM SoM to process signals from ECG and blood pressure sensors in real-time and display them on a screen, while also logging data and perhaps transmitting it to hospital records. Because a SoM integrates the CPU, graphics (for UI), and connectivity (for Wi-Fi or Ethernet to hospital networks), the device manufacturer can focus on the specialized medical sensor interfaces on their carrier board. As noted in industry analysis, SoMs play a critical role in the “internet of medical things” by providing a versatile and compact platform that enables advanced medical devices with high performance and reliability. They integrate key components (processor, memory, connectivity) in one module, allowing medical OEMs to concentrate on the clinical functionality – whether it’s precise sensor measurements or imaging algorithms – rather than generic compute design. For instance, a portable ultrasound could leverage an ARM SoM with a powerful multi-core ARM CPU and GPU to do image processing, while the custom carrier handles the transducer interface; the small size of the SoM helps keep the overall device compact and battery-efficient for portability.

Medical Imaging & Treatment Devices: Higher-end medical devices like MRI, CT, or even surgical robots may use more powerful computing, sometimes x86-based modules or FPGAs, but ARM SoMs are increasingly capable of these roles too, especially as ARM processors have grown in performance (with 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72/A75 class cores, etc.). We see ARM SoMs being used in things like digital X-ray panels, where the module acquires high-resolution images and performs onboard processing before sending results to a central system. Reliability and long-term support are paramount here, and SoM vendors often provide the documentation and support needed for regulatory compliance (like FDA approval processes, which require detailed hardware documentation and guaranteed availability for servicing devices over many years). The modular approach also eases future upgrades – a medical device manufacturer can update the computing power of their system by swapping in a new SoM revision (after necessary validation), enabling new features or extending the product’s life without redesigning from scratch. The text highlights that in medical equipment such as imaging systems and patient monitors, SoMs deliver the processing muscle for real-time data analysis and communication, and their modularity facilitates rapid development and future upgrades, which is ideal for the medical field where precision and scalability are essential.

Connected Health and Wearables: Even in emerging areas like wearable health monitors or home medical IoT devices, small ARM SoMs (or system-on-packages) are used to get sophisticated functionality in a tiny form. For instance, a wearable cardiac monitor might use a miniature SoM running a real-time OS to process ECG data and send alerts via Bluetooth. ARM’s energy-efficient designs are very suited to battery-operated medical gadgets. The trustworthiness of a proven module also adds peace of mind in life-critical devices. Additionally, using a SoM that has been through EMI/EMC testing can help in meeting medical compliance (e.g., IEC 60601-1 standards for medical electrical equipment) since the core electronics have known characteristics.

In summary, medical and healthcare IoT devices benefit greatly from ARM SoMs because they can achieve high performance in a small, power-efficient package, meet long-term availability requirements, and accelerate development under tight regulatory oversight. As with industrial, the ability to upgrade and maintain devices over many years is a big plus. We see SoM-based designs in everything from hospital bedside equipment to laboratory analyzers to connected fitness devices. By using SoMs, medical device firms leverage the latest computing tech (like advanced ARM cores, wireless connectivity, AI acceleration) while maintaining focus on their domain expertise in medical technology.

(It’s worth noting that beyond industrial and medical, ARM SoMs are also used in other domains: automotive and transportation systems (for infotainment or telematics units), aerospace/defense (drones/UAVs, radar and secure communication devices, where a rugged SoM can provide high-end computing in a small form factor), telecommunications (network equipment, 5G small cells built on SoMs), and commercial products like point-of-sale terminals, gaming machines, or smart appliances. Essentially, anywhere an embedded computer is needed and a fully custom design is not worth the effort, a System-on-Module is an attractive solution.)

Market Trends and Future Outlook

As of 2025, the use of ARM System-on-Modules is not only widespread – it’s growing rapidly in line with major tech trends. The evolving needs of IoT, edge computing, and AI are all fueling the development of more advanced SoMs and increasing their adoption in new areas. Let’s highlight some key market trends and what the future holds for ARM SoMs:

• Continued IoT and Industry 4.0 Expansion: The explosion of IoT devices in recent years has directly contributed to SoM demand. Analysts note that the IoT market is poised to reach tens of billions of connected devices , and many of those devices will be built on modular platforms. Companies large and small are looking for ways to simplify IoT product development, and SoMs offer a perfect solution by lowering the barrier to entry (even relatively small teams can develop a sophisticated IoT product by starting with an off-the-shelf ARM module). In fact, we are seeing SoMs essentially enabling smaller and medium-sized companies to innovate in IoT without needing huge hardware R&D teams – these firms can now leverage “easy-to-use IoT solutions” based on SoMs instead of having to create custom hardware from scratch. On the factory floor, the push for Industry 4.0 (smart manufacturing) means more embedded compute in sensors, controllers, and machinery, again boosting SoM usage. A market study pointed out that industrial automation and medical devices were key drivers of SoM demand growth from 2020 to 2024, and this is expected to continue into 2025 and beyond.
• ARM Architecture Dominance: ARM-based SoMs are leading the market versus other architectures (such as x86 or FPGA-only modules). According to industry analysis, ARM architecture is the largest segment of the SoM market, thanks to its energy efficiency and versatility across applications. ARM’s ecosystem – including widespread tool support and a variety of silicon vendors producing ARM SoCs – makes it a safe choice for long-term projects. We can expect ARM to continue to dominate in IoT, industrial, and portable applications because it hits the sweet spot on performance per watt. Even as new processor architectures emerge (like RISC-V, which is on the horizon in some embedded contexts), ARM’s maturity and robust support will likely keep it at the forefront of SoM design for the near future. The large existing base of ARM software (operating systems, middleware, etc.) also means any new SoM can boot Linux or an RTOS with minimal fuss – a big reason companies stick with ARM for their modules.
• Integration of AI and Advanced Connectivity: A clear trend is that newer SoMs are incorporating specialized hardware to meet emerging application needs. For example, we see modules now that include AI/ML accelerators (like neural processing units or DSPs) on-board, which enable edge AI computing for tasks such as image recognition, predictive maintenance algorithms, or autonomous navigation. Future SoMs are expected to further integrate such capabilities – effectively becoming AI-enabled computers on module. This is driven by demand in areas like vision-guided robots, smart cameras, and autonomous vehicles, where a lot of processing must happen locally. Additionally, connectivity is advancing: many upcoming ARM SoMs integrate 5G modems or support for latest wireless standards (Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth 5.x, etc.), recognizing that high-bandwidth and reliable connectivity is crucial for modern IoT and edge devices. For instance, a module might come with built-in 5G for use in an edge compute node that needs real-time cloud communication. We’re also seeing multi-network support – e.g., modules that can do Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and thread/Zigbee, giving developers a choice of wireless protocols out of the box. The trend is toward SoMs that are one-stop solutions for connectivity and computing, to simplify IoT deployments.
• Even Smaller and More Power-Efficient Modules: There is ongoing innovation in reducing the size and power consumption of SoMs. New form factor standards like the Open Standard Module (OSM) define stamp-sized solder-down modules that can be machine-placed, targeting very compact IoT devices. These let product designers embed an ARM SoM almost as if it were just another chip on their board, blending the line between module and SoC (but still giving the benefit of pre-integration). We expect to see growth in solderable SoMs for ultra-compact applications (wearables, tiny IoT sensors, etc.). Additionally, as ARM chips themselves get more power-efficient (and as more ultra-low-power ARM Cortex-M and even Cortex-A microprocessors become available in module form), SoMs will be viable in battery-powered devices that previously might have used simpler microcontrollers. For instance, there are now ARM Cortex-A7 SoMs that sip only a few hundred milliwatts, making them suitable for battery-backed scenarios. The focus on energy efficiency is huge – both for greener operations and for enabling edge devices that can run on minimal power. We can anticipate modules advertising sub-1W typical consumption while still running Linux and doing meaningful processing, which is quite remarkable.
• Standardization and Ecosystem Growth: As the SoM market matures, we’re seeing more standardization which will further accelerate adoption. Aside from hardware form factors, there’s effort in standardizing software support (for example, Yocto Linux board support for common modules, or Zephyr RTOS support for smaller ones). A stronger ecosystem of carrier board designs, reference platforms, and community support is forming around popular SoM families. This means engineers have access to more off-the-shelf carrier boards, or at least open-source reference designs, which reduce the effort to design custom boards. Moreover, big players in the tech industry are entering the SoM space – for instance, some large semiconductor and tech companies now offer SoM-like developer kits or production modules for their chips. The entry of these firms could increase competition and drive innovation (e.g., NVIDIA has SoMs for AI, Intel has some modules, but ARM SoMs remain more power-efficient). The competition might also bring costs down or at least provide more options at different price points.
• Use in New Domains (Edge and Autonomous Systems): Looking ahead, ARM SoMs are poised to play key roles in edge servers and autonomous systems. High-performance ARM SoCs (with 8+ cores, GPUs, and accelerators) are now being packaged into modules that can be clustered for edge computing nodes. Think micro edge servers installed on factory sites or in telecom cabinets – instead of a full server motherboard, a set of SoMs on a carrier could provide a modular, scalable compute solution at the edge. In autonomous vehicles, rugged SoMs could host the AI and sensor fusion algorithms. The trend of pushing computation away from centralized cloud and towards the “edge” will benefit SoM adoption, as these scenarios need modular, deployable units that can be maintained or upgraded easily in the field. A report suggests future growth in SoM usage for AI-powered edge devices, autonomous systems, and advanced defense systems by 2025–2035. For example, a military drone might use an ARM SoM for its onboard control and vision processing – a module which can be swapped out for a newer one with minimal changes to the drone’s design when technology advances.
• Long-Term Outlook – Stability and Innovation: It’s interesting that while SoMs incorporate cutting-edge technology, they also cater to long product life cycles. We expect long-term support to remain a key selling point for SoM vendors, and this aligns with the needs of industrial/medical customers. Many current ARM SoM providers promise 10+ years of availability on their modules, and as demand increases, they will invest further in supply chain relationships to ensure this. On the innovation front, aside from AI and 5G, we might see SoMs with integrated security features (some already have ARM TrustZone and secure elements, but perhaps even more robust isolation for safety-critical systems) and SoMs tailored for specific verticals (for instance, specialized SoMs for robotics with multiple camera inputs and real-time control capabilities). There is also likely to be growth in heterogeneous modules – combining ARM CPUs with FPGAs (for software-defined hardware flexibility) or with RISC-V cores for certain tasks, as RISC-V grows in maturity. In other words, tomorrow’s SoM might not be all ARM, but ARM will continue to be the central player in many modules, orchestrating a mix of computing resources.

In conclusion, an ARM System-on-Module represents a powerful fusion of embedded engineering and practical design strategy. By encapsulating an ARM-based processing system into a modular form, it has changed the way engineers approach hardware design – enabling faster, more efficient development across an array of industries. From factories to hospitals, and from smart cities to remote sensors, ARM SoMs are the unseen workhorses that are making devices smarter and more connected. The current market trends indicate that this technology will only become more prevalent: driven by IoT proliferation, advancements in AI and wireless tech, and the constant pressure to deliver products faster and more reliably. With ARM’s dominance in energy-efficient computing and the momentum of modular design practices, the ARM SoM is set to remain a cornerstone of embedded systems design. In other words, if you’re building the next innovative gadget or industrial solution, there’s a very good chance that an ARM System-on-Module could be the key ingredient that accelerates your journey from concept to product – giving you the connectivity, computing power, and flexibility needed to succeed in the modern embedded landscape. Simply put, an ARM SoM is the ultimate shortcut to a custom embedded computer, combining the best of off-the-shelf reliability with the freedom of tailor-made hardware. It’s no wonder that engineers and product developers across the globe are increasingly asking: “Why design from scratch, when an ARM SoM can do the heavy lifting?”

Courtesy of Ezurio