October 2014
32
B
OARDS
& M
ODULES
SMARC: two processor worlds
combined in a single standard
By Martin Unverdorben,
Kontron
This article explains,
how SMARC, an exceptionally
slim-line minicomputer form factor
(82mmx50mm), can combine the two
competing processor worlds of
x86 and ARM under a single
common SGET standard?
The answer to that is actually comparatively
simple: SMARC is in fact only following the
ongoing standardization of the x86 series and
ARM processor technology. This is due to the
fact that both processor worlds have appli-
cations in the field of energy-saving mobile
handheld devices and accordingly offer an
increasingly harmonized range of functions
and interfaces. In this respect, ARM processor
technology is moving towards more generic
expansion options, and x86 series technol-
ogy in the direction of dedicated features for
mobile handheld devices. Whereas, for exam-
ple, the processor in the Raspberry Pi only had
USB as a classic PC interface, now Freescale or
TI also offer ARM processors in the ultra-low
power class with USB and PCI Express. And
the Intel Atom processors of the E3800 series
are now for the first time offering attractive
camera interfaces or the generic Serial Periph-
eral Interface (SPI). The processor designs
around the mobile handheld devices are thus
increasingly being harmonized and this once
again legitimizes a new Computer-on-Module
form factor specifically for this performance
class. And these are precisely the interfaces
that SMARC is integrating.
SMARCis theonlyComputer-on-Module form
factor that integrates and offers the two proces-
sor worlds and in so doing covers all solutions
in one harmonized feature set with, for exam-
ple, standardized camera and SPI interfaces.
This is much less the case when one looks at
competitive solutions with Qseven, for exam-
ple, the minimum requirements for integration
have been reduced, which ultimately can be a
disadvantage for those developers, who have
built onto the hitherto prevailing minimum
feature set. For simple generic expansions
SMARC supports the SPI Bus (Serial Periph-
eral Interface), which is already considered as
being the successor to LPC. SPI is a full duplex
data bus. Several slaves can be simultaneously
connected to one master. It offers faster trans-
fer rates compared to other similar serial data
buses such as LPC, I²C or SM Bus. The max-
imum clock speed is not limited, so that suf-
ficient potential should be available for future
developments. The SPI Bus is also highly ener-
gy-efficient thanks to its simple interface logic.
In addition, there are numerous peripheral
components already available: flash memories
as well as various kinds of GPS, gyroscopic or
temperature functions can easily be connected.
In addition there are additional microcontrol-
lers with SPI Bus support available, like signal
mixer, touchscreen, CAN bus, Bluetooth and/
or WLAN as well as amplifier circuits.
SMARC is also the first Computer-on-Mod-
ule standard to offer a standardized camera
interface. In this respect, the modules offer
two camera interfaces compliant to the MIPI
standard such as Camera Serial Interface
(CSI) for example, which enables video-based
applications without the need for additional
controller-modules. This allows even stereo-
scopic 3D recording. Innovative features such
as access authorization via face recognition
or viewer-related content provision can also
be produced through the video functionality
- for instance contact-free operation by means
of gesture control systems. In hazardous areas,
for example, security applications using the
3D function can also be installed using move-
ment and distance measurement. Further
application fields are to be found in the field
of tele-health or in video telephony and with
video assisted support and documentation in
service and maintenance operations.
SMARC has been harmoniously designed right
from the start, without any bad compromises
having to be made in its features. However, the
essential prerequisite for this is having suffi-
cient scope for diversity. In terms of its con-
nector, SMARC therefore uses the MXM 3.0
connector with 314 signal pins. Compared to
the Qseven standard, for example, which offers
230 pins, this is nearly one third more. There-
fore, SMARC can handle a clearly greater num-
ber of interfaces in its standard configuration.
This is a significant plus point, if one takes a
close look at the competitive modules that are
available on the market. It should be noted here
Figure 1. The new Kontron
SMARC-sXBTI Computer-
on-Module is fitted with
Intel Atom processors of the
E3800 series.
