SMARC is the specification of the universal computer module of a small-size form factor (COM - computer on module)

SMARC - "Smart Mobility ARChitecture" is the specification of the universal computer module of a small-size form factor. The module is focused on the applications requiring high performance at low power consumption and low costs^[1].

As a rule modules of this kind use a system on a crystal (SoC) from ARM, application similar is possible, that are used in tablet computers and smartphones. Within the specification application of alternative SoC and processors with the low level of energy consumption, such as the devices of architecture x86 and RISC processors focused on tablets is allowed. Range of power consumption of such module within 6 W, however, the consumption up to 15 W developments are allowed.

Module SMARC, (2015)

The specification defines two standard sizes of modules: 82 mm x 50 mm and 82 mm x 80 mm. Printed circuit boards of modules have 314 contacts connected to the low-profile contact connector (sometimes it is identified as the connector with 321 outputs in which 7 contacts are left for connection of the keyboard).

Module SMARC, (2015)

Example of characteristics of the module, according to the specification:

• Processor: Intel Quark X1000, Intel Quark X1010 or Intel Quark X1021
• Memory: DDR3L with a capacity up to 1 GB
• LAN interface: 2 Fast Ethernet ports (one on the AFB lines)
• Buses PCI Express/PCI: 2 PCI Express x1 interfaces
• USB interfaces: 1 client port USB 2.0, 2 USB 2.0 host port
• Serial ports: 1 RX/TX interface, 1 UART interface
• Other: 4 I2C interfaces, SPI interface
• Operating systems: Yocto Linux, Wind River Linux
• Power supply: 3 – 5.25 V of a direct current (from the Li-ion battery or BP)
• Energy consumption: about 2 W
• Relative humidity: 93% at a temperature of 40 °C without condensation according to requirements of IEC 60068-2-78
• Working temperatures: from 0 to +60 °C or from-40 to +85 °C (only for model with the Intel processor Quark X1021)
• Sizes: 82 x 50 mm (form factor SMARC of SGET association)

Modules of the SMARC specification are used as construction blocks for creation of the portable and stationary built-in systems. The core of the processor, the scheme of providing - including DRAM, a flash for loading, power management, the CCP, the power supply of the GBE adapter and the single-channel low-voltage transmitter of differential signals of the display, are concentrated on the module.

Submission of the Computer on Module system, (2014)

Basic purpose of modules - the applications focused on the functions specific to payments of providing, such as audiocodecs, touch controllers, wireless devices, etc. Modular approach allows to implement adequately scalability of systems, fast time to market and upgrade, saving rather low level of costs, low power consumption and the small physical sizes.

For June 2, 2016 version 2.0 of the specification works.

History

2016: SMARC 2.0

On June 2, 2016 the SGET association announced readiness of version 2.0 of the specification.

Version 2.0 lifts the SMARC specification to qualitatively new level and we, certainly, can recommend use of this product to our consumers. The known problems of the previous versions, for example, too wide spacing of functionality of the block of the alternative AFB functions (engl. AFB - Alternate Function Block), were eliminated. It gave the simple chance to the consumer to enter SMARC technology and to guarantee its long-term availability in the market. The SMARC 2.0 specification has all necessary set regarding functionality, sufficient to become essentially new successful standard of the market. Christian Eder, marketing director of Congatec company, board member of SGET

According to the statement of association, the SMARC 2.0 specification locates a set of modern serial interfaces of input-output, in particular, of interfaces for devices of IoT technology, network and video interfaces. It allows to use the products meeting the SMARC 2.0 specification for a broad spectrum of devices of multimedia and IoT with the graphic user interface.

The SMARC specification is characterized as partial decision between the modules Qseven with ultralow energy consumption intended for the built-in systems and the modules COM Express having a considerable range of opportunities for the built-in high performance applications, as a part of which local and cloud servers.

Main technical characteristics of the SMARC 2.0 specification

Transition of the SMARC specification from version 1.1 to version 2.0 allowed to position SMARC as completely finished specification in the settled market of COM modules. Focus at the heart of the SMARC 2.0 specification on multimedia applications, using the 314-contact MXM 3.0 connector allows to connect to them a set of different media devices, including to four devices of a video output: 2 24 bits of LVDS, eDP, MIPI DSI, HDMI/DP ++ and DP ++. In addition to it there are two MIPI interfaces intended for connection of video cameras and two audio-interfaces implemented by means of HDA and Integrated Interchip Sound (I²S).

As a part of interfaces of the SMARC 2.0 specification six additional USB ports, including two ports USB of version 3.0, the second Ethernet port for connection to a vertical of IoT network, four lines of PCI Express and one port eSPI work.

Are deleted from specification 2.0:

• the parallel port for connection of the camera and the display,
• block of alternative functions (AFP),
• module of connection of eMMC,
• module of connection of SPDIF
• one of three I²S of channels.

Notes