Introduction: What is an SoM?

An Embedded System on Module (SoM), also known as a core board or computer-on-module (CoM), is a modular product that integrates core components such as the processor, memory, storage and power management onto a single small PCB. It functions like the “brain” of a computer, containing the minimal system required to run an operating system. The developer only needs to solder or plug it onto their own carrier board through connectors or castellated holes to quickly complete an embedded system design.

The core value of an SoM lies in “lowering the barrier, shortening the cycle and reducing risk.” Developers no longer need to design complex power circuits, high-speed signal routing and high-density BGA packages from scratch, and can focus on the functional expansion of the carrier board and the upper-layer application.

II. Introduction to the ECK20-6Y28C Core Board

The ECK20-6Y28C is an industrial-grade SoM designed by EBYTE based on the NXP i.MX6ULL processor, and is an ideal choice for entry-level embedded systems. Its core features are as follows:

• Processor: NXP i.MX6ULL, single-core ARM Cortex-A7, main frequency 792 MHz.
• Memory and storage: onboard 256 MB / 512 MB DDR3L memory, and 512 MB NAND Flash or 8 GB eMMC storage.
• Interface form: uses a 120-pin BTB (board-to-board) connector for easy plug-in to the carrier board.
• Display and networking: supports 1-channel parallel LCD display (resolution up to 1366×768) and 2-channel 100 Mbps Ethernet.
• Expansion capability: brings out 8 UART, 2 CAN, 2 USB OTG, multiple GPIO and more.
• Operating temperature: industrial grade, -40 ℃ to +85 ℃.

Why choose an SoM solution such as the ECK20-6Y28C?

• Lower development difficulty: The i.MX6ULL processor uses a BGA package with small pin pitch, making manual soldering difficult. The ECK20-6Y28C brings out the signals through a BTB connector, so the developer only needs to design the carrier board connector, which greatly reduces the hardware design threshold.
• Shorten development cycle: The core board already integrates complex circuits such as power management, clocking and DDR memory, so developers do not need to verify this part of the hardware and can directly develop software on the Linux system, shortening the time-to-market by several months.
• Lower hardware cost: Compared with buying a development board, the SoM solution is more flexible. Developers can select a suitable carrier board according to the project requirements and reuse the core board, reducing the per-project development cost and maintenance cost.
• High reliability: The core board is professionally designed and tested, and has passed strict EMC and burn-in screening, ensuring stable operation in harsh industrial environments.

Selection suggestions

When selecting an SoM, attention should be paid to parameters such as processor performance, memory capacity, storage scheme, interface resources and operating temperature. For low-power, cost-effective industrial control, HMI and IoT gateway applications, the ECK20-6Y28C is the best choice.

The SoM is an “accelerator” for embedded system development. With its mature design, rich interfaces and industrial-grade reliability, the ECK20-6Y28C provides developers with a fast path from zero to one.