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The design of embedded systems is increasingly based on ready-made, proven hardware platforms. This approach helps accelerate product development while reducing implementation risk. Instead of designing the entire electronics architecture from scratch, engineers are increasingly turning to modular solutions, where key functions are divided between specialized system components. This is the idea behind the platform based on the VisionSOM-6ULL and VisionCB-6ULL-STD modules from SoMLabs, available from Unisystem.
One architecture, two complementary elements
VisionSOM-6ULL and VisionCB-6ULL-STD are two complementary elements of a single hardware architecture. VisionSOM-6ULL, as a SoM (System-on-Module), is responsible for the computing layer and system logic, while VisionCB-6ULL-STD, as a carrier board, provides access to power supply, interfaces, connectors and the hardware resources needed to bring the platform up and running.
This division of functions simplifies project work and helps organize the overall solution architecture. It enables earlier work on software development, interface testing, and the integration of a display and peripheral devices, without the need to design a custom hardware board at the initial stage of the project.
It is worth emphasizing that the carrier board does not have to be treated only as a ready-made, closed development platform. In target projects, it can serve as a starting point for further modifications, for example in terms of selecting interfaces, connectors, component layout or other functions required by a given application. SoMLabs also provides reference carrier board designs in electronic form, including schematics, layouts and component libraries for Altium Designer. As a result, they can serve as a basis or reference when designing a custom carrier board tailored to a specific device. Using such a reference design helps maintain correct design assumptions and reduces the risk of errors, as the designer can rely on proven, previously verified solutions.
VisionSOM-6ULL (SoMLabs) – a family of SoM modules for industrial applications
The VisionSOM-6ULL family from SoMLabs consists of compact SoM (System-on-Module) modules in the SODIMM format, based on the NXP i.MX 6ULL processor with a single-core ARM Cortex-A7 clocked at up to 900 MHz. It is a proven platform designed for embedded systems where compact dimensions, low power consumption and the ability to flexibly adapt the configuration to project requirements are important.
Modules from this family have been designed as highly integrated solutions, combining computing functions with extensive expansion and communication capabilities. Depending on the selected variant, they can offer different DDR3L memory configurations, as well as mass storage in the form of NAND Flash, eMMC or microSD card support, allowing the platform to be matched to the hardware and software assumptions of a given device.
Another important advantage of the VisionSOM-6ULL family is its wide range of interfaces, including Ethernet 10/100 Mb/s, USB 2.0 OTG, UART, I2C, SPI, RGB, FlexCAN and ADC. This configuration provides considerable freedom in integrating displays, touch panels, communication modules and other system components, making it easier to design coherent and functional devices.
VisionSOM-6ULL modules are available in several temperature classes: consumer (0 to +70°C), extended (-25 to +70°C, in variants with Wi-Fi/BLE) and industrial (-40 to +85°C, in variants without Wi-Fi/BLE). This division makes it possible to select the right platform version for the intended operating environment.
The platform offers support for Linux, including environments such as Yocto, Debian and Buildroot, providing high flexibility in software design, development and integration.
The table below summarizes the key parameters of the VisionSOM-6ULL family from SoMLabs. Please note that the values presented cover possible configurations within the entire product family, and their availability depends on the specific module variant.
| Parameter | VisionSOM-6ULL |
| Product type | SoM (System-on-Module), SODIMM200 format |
| Processor | NXP i.MX 6ULL |
| CPU architecture | ARM Cortex-A7 |
| Number of cores | 1 |
| Max. CPU clock | up to 900 MHz |
| RAM (DDR3L) | from 64 MB to 512 MB |
| eMMC memory | 4 GB to 32 GB |
| NAND Flash memory | 128 MB to 512 MB |
| Memory card slot | optional microSD / uSD |
| Interfaces | 2 × Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s (external PHYs), up to 4 × I2C, up to 4 × SPI, up to 2 × FlexCAN, up to 8 × UART, 2 × USB 2.0 OTG Host/Device, SDIO, RGB, RTC, 2 × 12-bit ADC (up to 10 input channels), optional Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.1 / 5.2 |
| System support | Linux: Yocto, Debian, Buildroot |
| Operating temperature range | Industrial: -40 to +85°C (without Wi-Fi/BLE) Extended: -25 to +70°C (with Wi-Fi/BLE) Consumer: 0 to +70°C |
| Supply voltage | 5 V DC |
| Module dimensions | 67 × 32 × 4 mm |
It is also worth noting that the VisionSOM-6ULL product family has been marked by SoMLabs as “CRA ready”, indicating that the hardware is prepared for the requirements of the EU Cyber Resilience Act.
The Cyber Resilience Act establishes common cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements throughout their lifecycle. The regulation entered into force on 10 December 2024, while most of its provisions will apply from 11 December 2027. In practice, this means that modules from the VisionSOM-6ULL family can be used in projects where cybersecurity is of particular importance. This is especially relevant for embedded systems, where device security is becoming one of the key criteria when selecting a hardware platform.
VisionCB-6ULL-STD (SoMLabs) – a carrier board for rapid system bring-up and integration
VisionCB-6ULL-STD from SoMLabs is a carrier board designed for modules from the VisionSOM-6ULL family. It serves as a ready-made platform for system bring-up, function testing and integration with the components of the target device. The board works with the SoM module through a standard SODIMM200 connector, making it a convenient hardware base at the project development stage.
One of the key advantages of this solution is its set of commonly used interfaces and connectors, which make it easier to start project work quickly and reduce the need to develop custom electronics at an early stage. The board includes, among others, Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s, USB ports, a MicroUSB console connector and a 50-pin FFC/FPC connector for a parallel 24-bit RGB interface intended for connecting a display.
Another advantage of VisionCB-6ULL-STD is the presence of connectors compatible with Arduino Uno and Raspberry Pi standards, allowing the system functionality to be easily expanded with additional modules and accessories. Work with the platform is also supported by auxiliary elements placed directly on the board, including five user buttons, five LEDs and a boot mode selector. These features simplify system bring-up, configuration, testing and ongoing monitoring of basic operating states.
With this configuration, VisionCB-6ULL-STD can serve both as a development platform and as a hardware base for a ready-made solution.
The table below summarizes the key parameters of VisionCB-6ULL-STD from SoMLabs.
| Parameter | VisionCB-6ULL-STD |
| Product type | Carrier board for the VisionSOM-6ULL family |
| SoM connector | SODIMM200 |
| Supported SoM type | VisionSOM modules based on NXP i.MX6UL / i.MX6ULL |
| Extension connectors | Arduino Uno Rev. 3: 1×8, 1×6, 1×8, 1×10 pin header (female); Raspberry Pi compatible: 2×20 pin header (male) |
| Communication interfaces and connectors | 1x Ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s (RJ45), 2x USB Host Type-A, 1x MicroUSB B (console), 50-pin FFC/FPC Parallel RGB 24-bit, max. 1366 × 768 |
| User elements | 5 buttons, 5 LEDs |
| Power supply | DC 9–12 V or MicroUSB 5 V DC |
| Operating temperature range | 0 to +70°C |
| Dimensions | 130 × 90 × 17 mm |
What do you gain by combining VisionSOM-6ULL and VisionCB-6ULL-STD modules from SoMLabs?
Combining these two modules makes it possible to build a complete hardware platform in which the computing section is clearly separated from the part responsible for integrating interfaces and external components. This division simplifies the system architecture and enables faster device development, without the need to design the entire electronics architecture at the very beginning of the project. In practice, this means a shorter bring-up stage, easier testing of individual functions and the ability to start software and application logic development earlier.
This approach also increases project flexibility. The ready-made platform can be used for prototyping, concept verification and integration with peripheral devices, while in later phases it can serve as a starting point for developing a custom hardware architecture. This helps reduce project risk, streamline the product development process and increase the predictability of subsequent implementation stages.
Typical applications of VisionSOM-6ULL and VisionCB-6ULL-STD from SoMLabs
The VisionSOM-6ULL + VisionCB-6ULL-STD set from SoMLabs is suitable for many types of applications, especially where integration, flexibility and rapid system bring-up are important:
- industrial automation – controllers, process control and monitoring systems,
- IoT – communication gateways and data acquisition systems,
- HMI – operator panels and control terminals,
- POS – sales terminals, cash registers, kiosks and self-service devices,
- building automation (smart home / smart office) – building automation and management systems,
- specialized devices – solutions for robotics, vision systems, scanning and printing.
The combination of VisionSOM-6ULL and VisionCB-6ULL-STD is an example of a well-designed, modular architecture that addresses the real needs of modern electronics projects. The set is primarily suitable as a platform for prototyping, system bring-up, interface testing and integration of peripheral devices. Depending on the application requirements and operating conditions, it can also serve as a starting point for a target solution – either directly or after adapting the carrier board to the specific project.
If you are considering using this solution in your project, contact us.
