How to Choose the Right SoM for Your Embedded Product in 2025

Introduction: Why SoM Selection Is Critical for Your Product's Success

Choosing the right System-on-Module (SoM) is one of the most important technical decisions in embedded product development. Whether you're building a connected sensor, industrial controller, or smart display, the SoM defines your platform’s performance, scalability, and production costs.

In 2025, the market offers hundreds of options — from powerful edge AI SoMs to ultra-low-power microcontroller modules. This article will help you navigate the decision-making process and select the most suitable SoM for your hardware product.

1.What Is a SoM and Why Use One?

A SoM is a compact PCB that integrates the core components of a computing system:

• Processor (MCU, MPU, or SoC)
• RAM and flash memory
• Power management
• Basic I/O and peripherals

You mount the SoM onto your custom carrier board, which contains your specific connectors, sensors, and interfaces.

Benefits of SoM-based design:

• Speeds up time-to-market
• Reduces design complexity and certification scope
• Enables modularity and platform reuse

2.Key SoM Selection Criteria

a. Processing Power & Architecture

• MCU vs MPU vs AI SoC — based on workload (control, vision, ML)
• Consider ARM Cortex-A, RISC-V, NPU/DSP presence
• Target frequency, cores, and memory bandwidth

b. Connectivity Requirements

• Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, CAN, or RS-485?
• Industrial protocols like Modbus, EtherCAT, or TSN support?
• Integrated vs modular radios

c. Form Factor & Integration

• Soldered vs socketed modules (e.g., SMARC, Qseven, DIMM)
• Size constraints and mechanical compatibility
• Thermal dissipation (passive/active cooling)

d. Longevity & Vendor Roadmap

• 7–10 years of availability?
• Vendor support and BSP updates?
• Community and documentation?

e. Certification & Pre-Compliance

• CE, FCC, RoHS, REACH
• EMI/EMC pre-tested SoMs reduce certification costs
• Secure boot and encryption readiness (especially for medical/automotive)

3.Application-Specific Recommendations

4.Hidden Pitfalls to Avoid

• Over-engineering: Don’t pick a $100+ SoM for a task a microcontroller can do.
• Vendor lock-in: Ensure source availability, secondary sourcing, or reference designs.
• Poor support: Check for BSP maturity, SDK updates, and active forums.
• Thermal throttling: High-performance SoMs need real thermal design, not just a heatsink.

5.Promwad’s Approach to SoM-Based Product Design

At Promwad, we help clients:

• Select the right SoM based on product and lifecycle goals
• Customize carrier boards and thermal solutions
• Modify open-source Linux or RTOS BSPs
• Integrate secure boot, over-the-air updates, and connectivity stacks

We’ve worked with leading platforms like NXP, TI Sitara, Rockchip, Lattice, and Qualcomm — and can advise you at every step from prototyping to certification.

6.Comparative Table of Popular SoMs in 2025

Final Thoughts: SoM Selection Is a Strategic Engineering Decision

The right SoM balances performance, cost, and flexibility. By taking a structured, application-aware approach, you can avoid delays and redesigns down the road.

Ready to choose the best SoM for your embedded product in 2025? Let’s build your system the smart way — together.