Advantech SMARC Modules: Advanced Computing with ARM and x86 ARChitectures

Advantech SMARC Modules: Advanced Computing with ARM and x86 ARChitectures

Discover the Power of Advantech SMARC Modules

In the ever-evolving world of embedded computing, Advantech SMARC Modules stand out as a robust and versatile solution. Designed for a variety of industrial applications, these modules provide advanced processing power, extensive connectivity options, and exceptional flexibility. In this article, we delve into what SMARC modules are, highlight key product specifications, and explore their application areas.

What is a SMARC Module?

SMARC (Smart Mobility ARChitecture) is a versatile, low-power computer module standard designed to support ARM and x86 processors. These modules are compact, energy-efficient, and scalable, making them ideal for a wide range of embedded and IoT applications. SMARC modules offer extensive I/O capabilities, high-performance graphics, and robust networking options, providing a complete computing solution on a small form factor.

SMARC 1.0 (2013)

  • Initial release
  • Basic form factor: 82 x 50mm or 82 x 80mm
  • ARM & x86 architectures
  • Low power consumption

SMARC 2.0 (2016)

  • Enhanced interfaces
  • Support for new display types (DP, HDMI, LVDS)
  • Improved performance
  • Extended temperature range support

SMARC 2.1 (2018)

  • Improved power management
  • Additional connectivity options
  • Enhanced audio
  • Expanded I/O capabilities

SMARC 2.1.1 (2019)

  • Minor updates and enhancements
  • Pinout improvements
  • Improved peripheral support

SMARC (Smart Mobility ARChitecture) modules are standardized by the SGET (Standardization Group for Embedded Technologies) and are typically available in two form factors:

  • 82mm x 50mm (Short): This is the smaller size, designed for applications where space is a critical constraint. It is ideal for ultra-compact devices that still require significant computing power and connectivity options.
  • 82mm x 80mm (Full): This is the larger size, providing additional space for more complex designs and higher connectivity needs. It is suitable for applications that can accommodate a slightly larger footprint but benefit from the additional features and expansion options.

These sizes ensure that SMARC modules can be integrated into a wide range of devices, offering flexibility in design while maintaining a standardized footprint for easier development and deployment.


Advantech SMARC Modules: Product Specifications

Advantech’s SMARC modules come in various configurations to cater to different processing needs and application requirements. Here’s a look at some of the top models and their key specifications:

x86 SMARC Modules

SOM 2533 1

Advantech SOM-2533 Intel Alder Lake-N/Amston Lake x7000 Series SMARC Module

  • Processor: Intel Core i3, N series and Atom x7000 Series
  • Memory: Single-CH LPDDR5 4800MT/s up to 16GB
  • Networking: Dual 2.5GbE LAN with Ethernet TSN & Wi-Fi TSN support
  • Expansion I/O: PCIe gen3, USB3.2 Gen2, SATA, CAN-bus
  • Storage: Onboard eMMC (Optional)
  • Connector Pinout: SMARC2.1.1
  • Software Support: iManager, Embedded Software APIs, Wise-DeviceOn
SOM 2532 1

Advantech SOM-2532 Intel x6000 Series Elkhart Lake SMARC Module

  • Processor: Intel x6000 Series Elkhart Lake
  • Memory: Dual Channel up to 16GB LPDDR4 3200MT/s with IBECC support by specific SKUs
  • Display Support: Triple Display (DP++, HDMI, LVDS)
  • Storage: Onboard eMMC up to 32GB (Optional)
  • Networking: Dual LAN with TSN Support
  • Compliance: SMARC2.0 & SMARC2.1
  • Software Support: iManager, WISE-DeviceOn, Embedded Software APIs

ARM SMARC Modules

ROM 5722 1

Advantech ROM-5722 NXP i.MX8M Plus Cortex-A53 SMARC 2.0/2.1 Module

  • Processor: NXP Arm® Cortex®-A53 i.MX8M Plus Quad/Dual up to 1.8 GHz
  • Secondary Core: Arm Cortex-M7
  • Memory: Onboard LPDDR4 6 GB, 4000MT/s
  • Display Support: 1 x MIPI-CSI, LVDS or 1 x Display Port
  • I/O Ports: 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 2.0 OTG, 4 x UART, 5 x I2C, 14 x GPIO, 1 x PCIe3.0, 2 x Gigabit LAN, 2 x CAN-FD
  • Acceleration: Neural network accelerator up to 2.3 TOPS
  • OS Support: Windows 10 IoT Enterprise on Arm, Yocto Linux BSP
ROM 6881 1

Advantech ROM-6881 Rockchip RK3588 Cortex-A76 and A55 SMARC 2.1 Module

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3588 Arm Quad Cortex-A76 2.4GHz and Quad Cortex-A55 1.8GHz
  • Memory: Onboard 4/8GB LPDDR4, 32/64GB eMMC
  • Video: 8K @ 60fps H.265/VP9 decoding, 8K @ 30fps H.265/H.264 encoding
  • Display Support: HDMI, DP, eDP, LVDS/DSI
  • I/O Ports: 4 x PCIe3.0, Dual Gigabit LAN, 2 x USB3.0, USB2.0 OTG, SATA3.0, 2 x CAN, 4 x MIPI-CSI, UART
  • OS Support: Linux Debian11, Android13
ROM 5780 B1 1

Advantech ROM-5780 B1 Rockchip RK3399 Cortex-A72+A53 SMARC 2.1 Module

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3399 Arm dual Cortex-A72 and quad Cortex-A53 1.8 GHz
  • Memory: Onboard 2/4GB LPDDR4, 16/32GB eMMC
  • Display Support: HDMI2.0 4K, 1x eDP, 1x LVDS
  • Video Decoding: 4K H.264/H.265
  • I/O Ports: 2 x USB3.0, 3 x USB2.0, 1 x USB2.0 OTG, 3 x UART, 12 x GPIO, 1 x PCIe2.0, 1 x SATA, 2 x MIPI CSI, Gigabit LAN
  • OS Support: Linux Debian and Android
ROM 5780 1

Advantech ROM-5780 Rockchip RK3399 Cortex-A72+A53 SMARC 2.1 Module

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3399 Arm dual Cortex-A72 and quad Cortex-A53 1.8 GHz
  • Memory: Onboard 2GB LPDDR4, 16GB eMMC
  • Display Support: HDMI2.0 4K 60fps, 1x DP, 1x eDP, 1 x LVDS
  • Video Decoding: 4K H.264/H.265
  • I/O Ports: 2 x USB3.0, 3 x USB2.0, 1 x USB2.0 OTG, 3 x UART, 12 x GPIO, 1 x PCIe2.0, 1 x SATA, 1 x 4-lane MIPI CSI, LAN
  • OS Support: Debian Linux and Android

Advantech SMARC Modules: Application Areas

Advantech SMARC modules are designed to excel in a variety of industries and applications, including but not limited to:

  • Industrial Automation: Optimize industrial machinery and smart factory operations with real-time data processing and connectivity features.
  • Healthcare: Enhance medical devices with robust computing power and versatile I/O options for better diagnostics and treatment applications.
  • Automotive: Support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and in-vehicle infotainment systems with high graphical processing capabilities.
  • Retail: Improve digital signage, kiosks, and point of sale (POS) systems with seamless integration and reliable performance.
  • Smart City: Deploy in various smart city infrastructures including surveillance, traffic management, and public information systems for increased efficiency and safety.
  • IoT Devices: Build resilient and versatile IoT solutions with high interoperability and energy efficiency for a connected ecosystem.

BVM and Advantech offer various development boards for testing COM modules.

BVM Custom Carrier Board Design

BVM and Advantech offer various development boards for testing Computer-on-Modules.

If you can’t find an “off-the-shelf” carrier board that meets your requirements, contact our in-house design team. They can customize an existing board or create a new design to fit your needs.

If you need a custom carrier board, our in-house design team is at your service. They can adapt an existing board or create a new one from the ground up to match your precise requirements. Our specialists are dedicated to delivering exceptional results, ensuring that the final product not only meets but surpasses your expectations. Collaborate with BVM and Advantech to explore boundless opportunities where innovation and creativity unite to bring your ideas to fruition. Click here to find out more.

BVM and Advantech offer various development boards for testing COM modules.

Contact BVM Today

For all your Industrial and Embedded Computing needs, contact us at BVM. Our sales team is ready to assist you at 01489 780144 or via email at sales@bvmltd.co.uk. With over 35 years of experience in supplying Industrial and Embedded Computer hardware, we are equipped to provide the perfect solution for your requirements. If you can’t find an off-the-shelf solution, our in-house design team can create a custom solution tailored to your specific needs.

Advantech Computer on Modules

Discover the power of Advantech and efficiency of BVM – transform your next project today!!!

Need Help? Talk to an Expert!

At BVM, we don’t just supply products, we deliver comprehensive computing solutions tailored to suit our customers unique requirements. With over 35 years of expertise in the industry, our dedicated sales team is ready to help you through select the perfect rugged, industrial or embedded hardware for your next project.

We supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems. From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. If you can’t find an “off-the-shelf” solution that fits, our in-house design team is at your service to craft a customised solution that exceeds your expectations.

You can Call us on 01489 780 144 and talk to a member the team, E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk or use our quick contact form.





    BVM Design and Manufacturing Services: The manufacturer behind the solutions you know

    When a standard embedded design won’t suffice for what you need, you can always turn to BVM for help and use our custom design and manufacturing services.