The module is a type of system that is plugged into other modules to extend the functionality. A module may provide certain functions, such as signal processing, power supply, or data storage. This article discusses how to optimize the system on module to achieve better performance and meet specific requirements.
Module Design Considerations
The module design is an essential thing to consider when designing a module in the market. Modules are often used in consumer electronics, medical equipment, and other systems that require high-end functionality at an affordable cost. These modules need special features like isolation or radiation protection, depending on their specific application areas. But even without these requirements, think about the following while designing the module:
- The module size is essential, including thickness and overall footprint (height x width), especially for handheld devices.
- Interfaces on modules can vary widely; it’s essential to ensure that they are compatible with existing products in their application area. It’s particularly true where high-speed interface standards like PCI express are concerned.
- Power consumption is another important factor, especially for battery-operated devices like mobile phones and tablets. It can be achieved by using a low power mode or selecting the right design components to work at lower voltages.
Module Assembly Considerations
The assembly process should consider how modules interact with other system elements like the housing, battery, and substrate.
The desired level of mechanical strength needs consideration. Whether modules can withstand shocks or extreme temperatures during shipping or include protection against ESD (electrostatic discharge) depends on their application area.
- Modules must be easy to assemble into a system. It requires that they are compatible with the housing, battery, or other components.
- The module’s electrical properties need consideration when designing its mechanical interface to ensure it will work correctly in a system environment. For example, if modules need an isolated power supply, use connectors designed for this purpose and avoid low voltage rails like USB.
- Modules that need to interface with a QFN (quad flat no-lead) must ensure their height is compatible.
Updating the Module
It’s relatively easy.
Connect to the system’s console (via SSH) on the module using another terminal emulator.
A few commands will help find out more about the current version and updates available for it once connected.
Upgrading the Module
It’s the most common solution to fix a faulty module. There are many reasons why this is done, but usually, it comes down to one of two factors:
- Either to increase the performance of the module.
- Fix a faulty one.
To upgrade a system on a module, first of all, just like any other system, know what is inside it. To do this, trace the wires with the multimeter and see where they go. Two sets of traces will be noticed: one which goes towards the Microchip microcontroller (the bigger IC on top) and another set that comes out of the back (the smaller IC on the bottom).
Optimizing a system on a module is essential to make it work efficiently. Please do this by updating the modules, upgrading them, or adding new ones for more functionality. The key to the optimizing system on the module is understanding what is needed
