Why Use FPGA SoMs in FPGA System Design?
As applications such as data centers, high-performance computers, medical imaging, precision layout traces, specialized PCB materials, form factor constraints, and thermal management expand, the demand for FPGAs is rising. In the past, hardware designers would opt for a “chip down” architecture, selecting a specific silicon device for the application and developing a fully customized board. While this approach results in a highly optimized implementation, it requires significant development time and cost to reach a production-ready state. To save time and money, design teams are now considering more integrated solutions such as multi-chip modules (MCMs), system-in-package (SiPs), single-board computers (SBCs), or system-on-modules (SoMs).
The FPGA SoM market is rapidly expanding, enabling more users to adopt FPGA-based platforms. These SoMs are widely adopted in a variety of applications due to their adaptable architecture and user-friendly design.
FPGA System-on-Module Overview
Unlike a standalone single-board computer, an FPGA SoM is a compact computing module designed to be integrated into a larger system. The module includes essential components such as high-speed DDR memory, flash memory, power management, a common interface controller, and board support package (BSP) software, as well as support for high-speed transceiver modules and multiple communication protocols such as Ethernet, USB, and PCIe.
The SoM approach offers significant benefits by providing a pre-built, pre-tested module that includes core computing components and software, which reduces development time, reduces costs, and simplifies component procurement. This allows R&D teams to focus on the company’s specific needs, resulting in more predictable design cycles and better business outcomes. In addition, SoMs are scalable and flexible, making it easy to upgrade or modify components without overhauling the entire system. By leveraging SoMs, companies can get products to market faster, reduce the risk of design errors, and improve overall efficiency, making SoMs an attractive solution for a wide range of advanced applications.
Time to Market
The SoM-based approach significantly reduces development time, resulting in faster time to market. Because SoMs are pre-tested and certified by manufacturers such as iWave, designers can integrate these modules into products faster and with fewer errors. Such pre-validation ensures that the module meets high reliability and performance standards, eliminating the need for extensive in-house testing and troubleshooting. By leveraging SoMs, companies can streamline development cycles and reduce the time and resources spent on the design and validation process (Figure 1). This allows companies to focus on their unique value proposition and core competencies rather than on complex system integration. The modular nature of SoMs also provides flexibility in the design process, allowing changes and adjustments to be made even at late stages of development without requiring extensive rework.
Figure 1: Using SoMs can significantly reduce design time, resulting in faster time to market. (Image source: iWave)
Development Cost and Complexity
Utilizing production-ready and qualified SoMs can significantly reduce the complexity of FPGA system design. By integrating pre-tested SoMs into product development, companies can reduce the risks associated with hardware design errors and compatibility issues. This approach not only speeds time to market, but also reduces overall development and certification costs. SoMs undergo a rigorous testing regime that includes rigorous electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, as well as various environmental stress tests such as thermal cycling and aging testing. These tests ensure that the module can withstand harsh operating conditions while maintaining reliable performance, minimizing the need for extensive in-house testing and validation efforts.
Product Modularity and Scalability
One of the main benefits of adopting a SoM-based approach for FPGA system-on-chip (SoC) solutions is enhanced modularity and scalability. SoM designs support a wide range of FPGA logic densities, I/O configurations, and transceiver capabilities. This flexibility enables product designers to select the right SoM that meets their specific application requirements without having to redesign the entire hardware architecture. For example, a single carrier board architecture can accommodate different SoM configurations, from small FPGAs with basic functionality to larger, more complex FPGAs with advanced processing capabilities. This modularity facilitates seamless scalability and future-proofing of the design, making it easy to upgrade to newer FPGA generations or add additional functionality as market requirements change.
Figure 2: FPGA SoCs offer enhanced modularity and scalability. (Image source: iWave)
Supply Chain and Product Lifecycle Management
Supply chain management for FPGA-based systems involves coordinating the numerous components sourced from different vendors. A SoM-centric approach simplifies this complexity by consolidating procurement and supply chain management responsibilities with SoM vendors, such as iWave. These vendors can maintain strategic partnerships with key component suppliers and employ proactive forecasting techniques to ensure stable supply capabilities and competitive pricing. This proactive management approach reduces lead times, minimizes procurement risks, and optimizes inventory management, ultimately helping companies save costs and improve operational efficiency.
Effective product lifecycle management (PLM) is essential to maintaining the longevity and competitiveness of FPGA-based products. SoM vendors play a key role in this by continuously monitoring component obsolescence and market trends. They proactively update SoM designs and software packages to incorporate new features, enhancements, and security patches. This proactive approach reduces the risks associated with component EOL (end of life) announcements, ensuring seamless product continuity and minimizing disruption to customer operations. By delegating PLM responsibilities to SoM vendors, companies can focus internal resources on innovation and core competencies rather than managing supply chain dynamics and mitigating product lifecycle risks.
Benefits for Software Developers
Using SoMs simplifies and accelerates the software development process for FPGA-based systems. These modules come with pre-verified board support packages (BSPs) and reference designs, providing a stable, standardized software development environment. Developers can use these resources to accelerate application software development without having to adjust the software for different hardware configurations, thereby reducing complexity. This approach not only shortens development cycles, but also enhances software reliability and compatibility, allowing developers to focus on optimizing the performance and functionality of their applications.
iWave works with leading FPGA vendors such as AMD, Altera, and Achronix to provide a diverse and comprehensive SoM portfolio. This partnership gives iWave early access to cutting-edge FPGA technology, allowing it to develop a variety of SoMs and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) modules that fit different application needs. For example, under AMD’s Zynq UltraScale+ family, iWave offers multiple options such as the iW-RainboW-G35M, iW-RainboW-G30M, and iW-RainboW-G47M, each offering different configurations to suit different performance requirements. Similarly, iWave has collaborated with Altera and Achronix to launch SoMs such as the iW-RainboW-G58M Agilex 5 SoC FPGA and the iW-RainboW-G64M Speedster7T SoM, demonstrating its ability to meet the requirements of a wide range of FPGA platforms.
Conclusion
In addition to its SoM portfolio, iWave supports customers with a range of FPGA design services, including carrier board design, FPGA IP development, porting, customization, Linux and board support package (BSP) porting, certification, and mechanical design. iWave has been focused on embedded systems engineering since its founding in 1999, serving industries such as industrial, medical, automotive, and avionics. iWave’s expertise in FPGA and SoC FPGA technologies enables it to deliver powerful solutions that adhere to stringent industry standards, enabling seamless product development for customers around the world.
