What is a Computer-on-Module?

A Computer-on-Module (CoM) is a small board that integrates a complete embedded computing system — ARM processor, RAM, flash storage and supporting circuitry — onto a single module that plugs or solders onto an application-specific carrier board. Designers use a CoM to skip months of high-density PCB design work around a complex SoC: the module supplier handles memory routing, power sequencing, EMC and the BSP, while the customer designs only the carrier with their application I/O.

The CoM approach also locks in long-term silicon supply. When a processor goes end-of-life, you swap the module — not your whole product. Ka-Ro Electronics commits to 10+ years of availability across the QS and TX families, with Renesas-based modules backed by 25-year industrial supply windows.

QS Family vs TX Family — which fits your design?

The QS Family is a range of QFN-style solder-down Computer-on-Modules. Standard QS modules are 27 mm × 27 mm with 100 pads at 1 mm pitch; QSX variants are 29 mm × 29 mm and add PCIe and USB 3.0. Solder-down modules give the lowest profile, lowest BOM cost (no expensive connector) and best vibration resistance — ideal for high-volume products and harsh environments. The QS Family covers NXP i.MX 91 / 93 / 95 / 8M, ST STM32MP1 / MP2 and Renesas RZ/G2L with a single shared baseboard pinout, so one carrier accepts the entire family.

The TX Family is a range of DIMM200 SO-DIMM plug-in modules (26 mm × 67.6 mm, edge connector). Plug-in modules are easier to swap during development and field service, and can be socketed without specialist soldering equipment. The TX Family covers the same processor range as QS plus legacy NXP i.MX 6 silicon for long-life designs, and a single TX Mainboard-7 carrier accepts every TX module.

Choose QS for production volume, lowest BOM and smallest footprint. Choose TX for rapid iteration, field-replaceable systems, or designs that need to run a 12-year-old i.MX 6 alongside a brand-new i.MX 95 on the same carrier.

What's included with every module

• A pre-flashed Yocto-Linux Board Support Package (kirkstone / scarthgap reference image)
• Mainline U-Boot bootloader and Linux kernel sources, with Ka-Ro device-tree overlays
• Full carrier-board reference schematics, gerbers and BOM available on request
• Engineering support from Strategic Embedded
• 12-month warranty
• 10+ year availability commitment from Ka-Ro Electronics

Development kits add a baseboard (QSBASE1, QSBASE4, QSBASE5 or TX Mainboard-7), USB cables, debug adaptor and quick-start guide — connect USB and you boot to a Linux console in under a minute.

Where the modules ship from

Strategic Embedded is a division of Strategic Test AB, with offices in Stockholm and Aachen, Germany. We have been an international distributor for Ka-Ro Electronics GmbH since 2003 and ship modules and development kits to OEM customers in the USA, Germany, Italy, Spain and Australia.

Ka-Ro modules are designed and manufactured in Germany. Stock is held in Europe, with typical lead times of 4–8 weeks for production volumes; samples and development kits ship from stock when available. Contact us for volume pricing or lead-time confirmation on a specific part number.