FPGA adoption is skyrocketing, driven by applications in data centers, high-performance computing, medical imaging, and other demanding domains. But building FPGA-based systems from scratch — using a “chip-down” architecture — involves long development cycles, high costs, and supply-chain complexity. At iWave, we believe a smarter approach is to use FPGA System on Modules (SoMs) that offer integrated building blocks and ready-to-deploy FPGA platforms.
What is an FPGA System on Module?
An FPGA SoM is similar to a single-board computer but optimized for FPGA workloads. It integrates essential components like:
- High-speed DDR memory
- Non-volatile storage
- Power management
- FPGA transceiver support
- Common interfaces (Ethernet, USB, PCIe)
- Board Support Package (BSP) for quick software integration
This modular design allows developers to use a pre-qualified module, focusing their efforts on designing only the carrier board tailored to their application.
Key Advantages of the SoM Approach
Faster Time-to-Market
Because the SoM is already designed, tested, and validated by iWave, development teams can jump straight to integrating their application, dramatically reducing prototyping time.
Reduced Design Complexity & Cost
By outsourcing the FPGA core design to a proven module, companies lower the risk of errors, minimize qualification cycles, and rely on iWave’s compliance-tested hardware — including EMC, thermal cycling, and stress validation.
Scalability & Product Modularity
As FPGA needs evolve — for example, moving from 200K logic cells to 1 million+ — the modular SoM architecture allows customers to migrate to newer FPGA generations without redesigning their entire carrier board.
Streamlined Supply Chain & Lifecycle Management
Using an SoM minimizes the number of discrete components your team needs to manage. iWave handles critical aspects like component obsolescence and footprint changes, simplifying procurement and long-term support.
Software Developer Benefits
Each FPGA SoM comes with a validated BSP and sample designs, helping software teams write and test their applications on hardware identical to what they’ll use in production. This accelerates development and reduces the risk of software-porting issues.
iWave’s FPGA SoM Portfolio & Services
iWave partners with leading FPGA vendors like AMD (Xilinx), Altera (Intel), and Achronix to deliver a wide range of FPGA SoMs and design services:
- FPGA SoM Modules: iWave offers modules that use FPGAs like Agilex, MPSoC, RFSoC, and more.
- Design Services: Beyond the module itself, iWave supports carrier board design, FPGA IP development, Linux and BSP porting, mechanical enclosure design, and system certification.
These services let customers accelerate product development, reduce risk, and harness the power of FPGA technology without building everything from ground up.
Applications & Use Cases
FPGA SoMs are well-suited for use in:
- Data Centers & Accelerators: High throughput, low-latency processing
- Medical Imaging: Custom compute pipelines, image processing
- Aerospace & Defense: Rugged, high-performance systems
- Telecom / Networking: High-speed transceivers, custom protocols
- Edge Compute: Reconfigurable hardware in compact form factors
Conclusion
The FPGA SoM architecture is a powerful alternative to traditional FPGA system design. With modular, production-ready platforms from iWave, development teams can focus on innovation instead of reinventing FPGA hardware. Leveraging SoMs helps reduce design risk, accelerate development, and scale efficiently — all while gaining the flexibility of reprogrammable FPGA hardware.
To learn more about how iWave can help you to explore FPGA SoMs and design services for your next-generation products, reach out to our team at mktg@iwave-global.com
