Industrial automation is rapidly evolving, driven by the need for smarter, more efficient systems. At the heart of this transformation lies the System-on-Module (SoM), a compact yet powerful solution that's revolutionizing how industrial devices are designed and deployed. The Ares SoM, developed by REFLEX CES, stands out as a game-changer in this domain, offering unparalleled performance and flexibility for industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.
As industries embrace digitalization, the demand for robust, scalable, and easily integrated computing solutions has never been higher. The Ares SoM meets these challenges head-on, providing a foundation for innovation across various industrial sectors. From smart factories to advanced process control systems, this cutting-edge module is empowering engineers to create more sophisticated and responsive industrial applications.
Ares SoM accelerates industrial IoT applications development
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is transforming manufacturing, energy management, and infrastructure monitoring. The Ares SoM serves as a catalyst in this transformation, significantly reducing the time and complexity involved in developing IIoT applications. By integrating essential components into a single, compact module, it allows developers to focus on creating value-added features rather than grappling with low-level hardware integration issues.
One of the key advantages of the Ares SoM is its ability to seamlessly interface with a wide range of sensors and actuators commonly used in industrial environments. This versatility makes it an ideal platform for developing applications that require real-time data processing and control, such as predictive maintenance systems or automated quality control processes.
Moreover, the Ares SoM's advanced processing capabilities enable edge computing, allowing critical decisions to be made closer to the data source. This reduces latency and bandwidth requirements, which is crucial in time-sensitive industrial applications. For instance, in a smart manufacturing setting, the Ares SoM can process sensor data locally to detect anomalies and trigger immediate responses, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
The Ares SoM is not just a component; it's a complete ecosystem that accelerates the development of industrial IoT solutions, enabling faster time-to-market and greater innovation in industrial automation.
Key features of the ares system-on-module
The Ares SoM boasts a comprehensive set of features that make it exceptionally well-suited for industrial applications. Its design philosophy centers on providing maximum functionality in a compact form factor, ensuring that it can meet the diverse needs of modern industrial systems. Let's delve into some of the standout features that set the Ares SoM apart in the industrial computing landscape.
High-performance ARM Cortex-A53 Quad-Core processor
At the core of the Ares SoM lies a powerful ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core processor. This high-performance CPU is designed to handle complex computational tasks with ease, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications. The quad-core architecture allows for efficient multitasking, enabling the SoM to simultaneously manage multiple sensors, process data, and control actuators in real-time.
The processor's capabilities extend beyond raw computing power. It incorporates advanced power management features, crucial for industrial settings where energy efficiency is paramount. This balance of performance and power efficiency ensures that the Ares SoM can deliver sustained high-performance in industrial environments without excessive heat generation or power consumption.
Integrated wireless connectivity with WiFi bluetooth
In today's interconnected industrial landscape, wireless connectivity is not just a convenience—it's a necessity. The Ares SoM rises to this challenge by integrating robust WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities. This built-in wireless functionality opens up a world of possibilities for industrial IoT applications, enabling seamless communication between devices and systems.
The WiFi capabilities allow for high-speed data transfer and remote monitoring, essential for applications such as distributed control systems or remote asset management. Meanwhile, the Bluetooth integration facilitates short-range communication, perfect for interfacing with mobile devices or creating local mesh networks of sensors and actuators.
This integrated wireless connectivity eliminates the need for additional modules or external antennas in many applications, simplifying device design and reducing overall system complexity. It's a feature that truly embodies the all-in-one philosophy of the Ares SoM.
Multiple high-speed interfaces for sensors actuators
The versatility of the Ares SoM is further enhanced by its comprehensive array of high-speed interfaces. These interfaces are designed to accommodate a wide variety of sensors and actuators commonly used in industrial settings. From analog inputs for temperature and pressure sensors to digital I/O for control signals, the Ares SoM provides the connectivity options needed for even the most complex industrial systems.
Key interfaces include:
- PCIe Gen4 for high-bandwidth data transfer
- LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential Signaling) for noise-resistant communication
- Multiple GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins for flexible connectivity
- High-speed transceivers supporting data rates up to 58Gbps PAM4
These interfaces not only support current industrial standards but also provide future-proofing for emerging high-speed communication protocols. This ensures that devices built on the Ares SoM platform can evolve with the rapidly changing industrial technology landscape.
Ares SoM simplifies industrial device design
Designing industrial devices has traditionally been a complex and time-consuming process. The Ares SoM dramatically simplifies this process by providing a pre-integrated, highly functional core around which engineers can build their applications. This approach to device design offers numerous advantages, from reduced development time to increased reliability.
Compact form factor enables space-constrained devices
In industrial settings, space is often at a premium. The Ares SoM addresses this challenge with its remarkably compact form factor. Measuring just 107mm x 85mm, it packs an impressive amount of computing power and functionality into a small footprint. This compact size allows for the creation of smaller, more efficient industrial devices without compromising on performance.
The module's small size is particularly beneficial in applications such as:
- Embedded control systems for machinery
- Portable diagnostic and maintenance equipment
- Space-constrained retrofit solutions for legacy industrial systems
By minimizing the space required for core computing functions, the Ares SoM frees up valuable real estate within industrial devices. This extra space can be utilized for additional features, improved cooling solutions, or simply to create more compact and ergonomic designs.
Pre-certified module reduces regulatory compliance efforts
One of the most time-consuming aspects of bringing a new industrial device to market is often the process of obtaining regulatory certifications. The Ares SoM significantly eases this burden by coming pre-certified for various industry standards. This pre-certification covers critical aspects such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety standards relevant to industrial environments.
The benefits of using a pre-certified module include:
- Reduced time-to-market for new products
- Lower overall development costs
- Minimized risk of compliance issues during product launch
By leveraging the Ares SoM's pre-certifications, device manufacturers can focus their resources on developing unique features and value propositions rather than navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This advantage is particularly significant for smaller companies or startups entering the industrial automation market.
Extensive software ecosystem shortens development time
The Ares SoM doesn't just simplify hardware design; it also provides a comprehensive software ecosystem that accelerates application development. This ecosystem includes a variety of tools, drivers, and middleware components that are optimized for industrial use cases. By providing these software resources, the Ares SoM enables developers to quickly build and deploy sophisticated industrial applications.
Key components of the software ecosystem include:
- Board Support Package (BSP) with optimized drivers
- Industrial-grade Linux distribution
- Development tools and SDKs for rapid prototyping
- Example applications and reference designs
This rich software environment ensures that developers can hit the ground running, leveraging existing components to create custom solutions quickly. It also promotes code reuse and standardization across projects, leading to more reliable and maintainable industrial systems.
Unlocking new industrial automation possibilities with ares
The Ares SoM is not just about improving existing industrial processes; it's about unlocking entirely new possibilities in industrial automation. Its advanced capabilities enable the development of innovative applications that were previously impractical or impossible with traditional industrial computing solutions.
One area where the Ares SoM is making a significant impact is in the realm of edge AI for industrial applications. The module's powerful processor and extensive I/O capabilities make it ideal for implementing machine learning algorithms directly on the factory floor. This enables real-time decision making based on complex data analysis, without the need for constant communication with a centralized server.
Consider a quality control application in a high-speed manufacturing line. The Ares SoM can process image data from multiple high-resolution cameras in real-time, using AI algorithms to detect defects that would be imperceptible to the human eye. This level of sophisticated, on-the-spot analysis can dramatically improve product quality while reducing waste and downtime.
The Ares SoM is not just evolving industrial automation; it's revolutionizing it by bringing advanced AI and edge computing capabilities directly to the heart of industrial processes.
Another exciting possibility enabled by the Ares SoM is the creation of highly adaptive and flexible manufacturing systems. By leveraging the module's processing power and connectivity options, manufacturers can develop production lines that can quickly reconfigure themselves to accommodate different products or respond to changes in demand. This level of agility is becoming increasingly crucial in today's fast-paced, consumer-driven manufacturing landscape.
Deploying ares SoM in rugged environments
Industrial environments often present challenging conditions for electronic systems. The Ares SoM is engineered to thrive in these harsh settings, offering robust performance and reliability even under extreme conditions. This ruggedness makes it an ideal choice for applications in sectors such as heavy industry, outdoor installations, and remote monitoring systems.
Wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C
Temperature extremes can wreak havoc on electronic systems, causing performance degradation or outright failure. The Ares SoM is designed to operate reliably across an impressively wide temperature range, from a frigid -40°C to a scorching 85°C. This broad operating range ensures consistent performance in diverse industrial settings, from cold storage facilities to hot manufacturing floors.
The module achieves this temperature resilience through:
- Careful component selection optimized for extreme temperatures
- Advanced thermal management design
- Rigorous testing and validation processes
This wide temperature range not only ensures reliability but also expands the potential applications for the Ares SoM. It can be deployed in outdoor installations, such as remote monitoring stations or mobile industrial equipment, without the need for expensive climate control systems.
Enhanced shock vibration resistance meeting MIL-STD-810G
Industrial environments often subject electronic systems to significant physical stress in the form of shocks and vibrations. The Ares SoM is built to withstand these challenging conditions, meeting the rigorous standards set by MIL-STD-810G for shock and vibration resistance. This military-grade durability ensures that the module can maintain reliable operation even in the most demanding industrial settings.
The enhanced physical resilience of the Ares SoM is achieved through:
- Robust mechanical design and component mounting
- Use of vibration-resistant connectors and interfaces
- Comprehensive shock and vibration testing during development
This level of physical durability makes the Ares SoM suitable for applications in heavy machinery, mobile industrial equipment, and other high-vibration environments. It provides peace of mind for system designers, knowing that their core computing module can withstand the rigors of real-world industrial use.
Conformal coating options for moisture protection
Moisture and corrosive atmospheres pose significant threats to electronic systems in many industrial environments. To combat these challenges, the Ares SoM offers optional conformal coating. This thin, protective layer is applied to the entire surface of the module, providing a barrier against moisture, dust, and chemical contaminants.
The benefits of conformal coating include:
- Enhanced resistance to humidity and condensation
- Protection against corrosive gases and chemical splashes
- Improved insulation properties and arc resistance
By offering conformal coating options, the Ares SoM extends its applicability to even the most challenging industrial environments. This includes applications in chemical processing plants, offshore installations, and other settings where exposure to harsh environmental conditions is unavoidable.
The combination of wide temperature range, shock and vibration resistance, and optional conformal coating makes the Ares SoM an exceptionally rugged and versatile solution for industrial computing. It provides system designers with the confidence to deploy advanced computing capabilities in environments that would be hostile to conventional electronics, opening up new possibilities for industrial automation and control.
As industrial processes continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, the need for robust, high-performance computing solutions at the edge will only grow. The Ares SoM, with its powerful features and rugged design, is well-positioned to meet these challenges, driving the next wave of innovation in industrial automation and IoT applications.