Computer On Module " COM " V.S Single Board Computer " SBC "

Choosing the right embedded hardware starts with understanding the fundamentals. So, what exactly is a Computer on Module (COM)?

It is essentially the brain of a device: a compact, standardized circuit board that integrates the CPU, RAM, storage interfaces, graphics, and power management. You plug this “brain” into a custom carrier board, which defines all the physical ports, connectors, and mechanical layout required for your final product.

What is Single Board Computers (SBC)?

A Single Board Computer (SBC) is a complete computer on a single board. It already has USB ports, HDMI port, and power jack attached. You don't need to build a carrier board; you just plug it in, and it works.

COM VS SBC

Every day we need to make a choice between flexibility and convenience. Think of it like a laptop vs PC: one is flexible with high customization options and upgrades; the other is simpler. It takes less time to buy it but can’t be customized. So, is it worth it?

Key Points	COM/SOM	SBC
Physical Design	Modular. CPU, RAM, and essential chips on a small board (The Brain) that plugs into a separate Carrier Board (The Body).	All-in-One. CPU, RAM, and all I/O connectors are on a single board.
Customization	High. You design the Carrier Board to have only the specific industrial ports (CAN, RS-485) and shape you need.	Low/Fixed. You are stuck with the connectors (USB, HDMI, etc.) and the form factor the manufacturer provides.
Ideal Volume	Mid-to-High (1,000+ units). Unit cost is higher, but NRE (upfront engineering cost) is lower than chip-down.	Low (1–1,000 units). Best for prototyping and very small-scale deployments.
Longevity	Excellent. You can upgrade the CPU/COM to a newer one while reusing the custom Carrier Board.	Poor. When the board goes to End-of-Life (EOL), you must redesign the entire system.
Certification (FCC/CE)	Great Advantage. Module is often pre-certified, reducing final product re-test risk.	Varies and can be a pain point, costing a lot of money.
Development Cost (NRE)	Spend less time on R&D, faster time-to-market.	Low (Time and Cost)
Unit Cost	Medium (The "Goldilocks" spot)	Medium/High

Who Wins? SBC or COM?

It depends on your needs.

o SBC wins if: You are building a prototype, a student project, or a machine that only needs 100 units. It’s not worth designing a custom board for small numbers.

o COM wins if: You need to fit the computer into a weird shape (like a slim medical wand) or need specific industrial plugs (CAN bus, RS-485) that standard Raspberry Pis doesn’t have.

· The Killer Argument for COM: SBC have cables hanging everywhere. Computer on Module lets you eliminate cables by plugging the brain directly into your machine's circuit board, with a partner like FORTEC Egypt, you also eliminate risk and engineering complexity. FORTEC has everything from design to manufacturing, ensuring faster development cycles and stable long-term availability.

Decision Checklist: Do You Need a COM?

If you check two or more, you should choose a COM:

· [ ] Your annual volume is between 1,000 and 50,000 units.

· [ ] You need a custom form factor (shape) that a standard Raspberry Pi can't fit.

· [ ] You do not have High-Speed Signal Integrity expertise.

· [ ] You need to launch your product within 6- 9 months.

· [ ] You require 7+ years of product life without redesigns.

How to choose the right hardware/ Computer on Module?

Step A: Choose the Form Factor (The Standard)

You shouldn't just buy a random module; you want one that follows an International Standard with trusted certification.

Step B: Choose the Module Vendor Based on Strengths

Here’s a simplified comparison of leading embedded modules suppliers:

Feature	Congatec	Advantech	IBase
Archetype	The Specialist	The Giant	The Manufacturer
Primary Focus	Only Modules (COMs)	Everything (IoT, Sensors, Cloud)	Manufacturing & Signage
Best For...	High-performance engineering & technical support.	Buying the "whole ecosystem" (Screen + Module + Cloud).	Digital Signage & reliable ODM manufacturing.
Key Strength	Software Support (Hypervisors, aReady).	Scale & Availability.	Customization & Agility.
Weakness	They don't sell screens or sensors (only the brain).	Support can be slow due to massive size.	Smaller software ecosystem than Advantech.

Conclusion:

· Choose congatec if: You have a strong engineering team and want the absolute best module technology and BIOS support.

· Choose Advantech if: You want to buy a "kit" (Screen + Board) and need remote management software for thousands of devices.

· Choose IBase if: You are building digital signage or need a reliable, cost-effective manufacturing partner.

Where to Buy Computer on Module and Complete Solutions?

FORTEC is a Specialized Distributor partnered with the best COM manufacturers and System Integrator that provides embedded modules and everything you need from A to Z. They don't just hand you a box with a module in it. They solve the engineering headaches around it and give you the finished product:

· Custom Carrier Boards: WE can design and manufacture the ideal carrier board for your COM to match your exact mechanical and electrical requirements.

· Display Kits: We are famous for "Display Technology." We will sell you a "Kit" that includes:

o The COM (The Brain)

o The Carrier Board (The Body)

o The Touchscreen (The Face)

o The Cables & Software

o All tested and guaranteed to work together.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose a Computer on Module or an SBC depends on your product’s volume, lifecycle, customization needs, and time-to-market.

For advanced industrial, medical, transportation, and long-lifecycle applications, COM solutions offer unmatched flexibility and sustainability.

With FORTEC Egypt as your partner, you get not only hardware, but also engineering support, integration services, and long-term reliability.

Author: Shada Haroun
Date: 26/11/2025

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