New-Tech Europe Magazine | Q1 2020

to support a wide variety of form factors and solutions. This includes companies like Variscite and iWave Systems, which are part of Arrow’s Embedded World 2020 Supplier showcase. The Variscite SoM has a proprietary form factor while iWave supports the SMARC community form factor. Using a proprietary form factor is popular because users can find the best fit for their applications dependent on size, connectors, layout and many other features. However, some customers want to use a standard form factor and the SMARC form factor is popular among Arm based SoMs. SMARC (Smart Mobility ARChitecture) is a versatile small form factor computer module definition targeting applications that require low power, low costs, and high performance. The modules typically use Arm SOCs similar or the same as those used in many familiar devices such as tablet computers and smart phones. Alternative low power SOCs and CPUs, such as tablet oriented X86 devices and other RISC CPUs, may be used as well. The module power envelope is typically under 6W. Two SMARC module sizes are defined: 82mm x 50mm and 82mm x 80mm. The module PCBs have 314 edge fingers that mate with a low profile 314 pin 0.5mm pitch right angle connector (the connector is sometimes identified as a 321 pin connector, but 7 pins are lost to the key). The modules are used as building blocks for portable and static embedded systems. The core CPU and support circuits, including DRAM, boot flash, power sequencing, CPU power supplies, GBE and a single channel LVDS display transmitter are concentrated on the module. The modules are used with application specific carrier boards

Figure 1: The Thor96 Boards from Arrow Electronics  

13485, 9001 and 14001 compliant facilities, satisfying international customer and regulatory requirements for a broad range of industries including medical devices and related services. The company's production facilities are equipped with the most advanced SMT machines that ensure punctual deliveries and high-quality products. It's no surprise that in less than a decade Variscite has taken a leading position in the design and manufacture of System on Modules. Variscite serves more than 1500 customers in over 50 countries worldwide, delivering a cost- sensitive high-performance portfolio that combines interface flexibility with advanced power management. Variscite has six SoM Families that can

that implement other features such as audio CODECs, touch controllers, and wireless devices. The modular approach allows scalability, fast time to market and upgradability while still maintaining low costs, low power and small physical size. The new global standard under the brand name ‘SMARC’ is based on ULP-COM, the term that up to now was used for Ultra Low Power Computer-on-Modules. Variscite Variscite has developed, produced and manufactured a powerful range of System on Modules, consistently setting market benchmarks in terms of speed and innovation. All Variscite production is performed at fully ISO

Figure 2: Variscite i.MX 8 Mini System On Module

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