The EP-200Q is Designed for Product Longevity

At Silex, we understand that product longevity is key to the success of any embedded system, especially in industrial environments where downtime can be costly. That's why we go the extra mile to ensure that the EP-200Q System-on-Module (SoM) benefits fully from Qualcomm's longevity program for the Dragonwing QCS6490 platform. We don't just focus on the processor, it's about building a complete, long-lasting system.

The longevity of an SoM is influenced by many factors, not just the main processor. While Qualcomm's Dragonwing QCS6490 is engineered for long-term support, other components integrated into the SoM must also meet rigorous longevity standards. The challenge is that most SoM vendors typically rely on components from multiple manufacturers, each with different lifecycle timelines. This makes it difficult to guarantee the long-term availability of the entire system.

At Silex, we recognize this complexity and proactively manage it. When selecting components for the EP-200Q, we don’t simply rely on the longevity commitments from individual vendors. Instead, we evaluate each component based on its long-term availability and suitability for industrial use. We go beyond the reference design to ensure the SoM will meet the demands of our customers for years to come. Although this requires extra effort and sometimes complicates system bring-up, we believe it’s worth it to deliver a product that provides real, long-term value.

How Silex Ensures the Longevity of the EP-200Q

Here are just a few ways that Silex ensures the EP-200Q will stand the test of time:

Memory and Storage Device Selection

One of the most critical factors for the longevity of any system is the choice of memory and storage. Many SoM manufacturers using the Dragonwing QCS6490 platform opt for micro Multi-Chip Packages (uMCP). These compact packages integrate LPDDR memory and non-volatile storage to save space, making them a popular choice for mobile devices. However, the product cycles for mobile devices tend to be short, and as memory technology evolves rapidly, earlier generations of uMCP can face end-of-life (EOL) in just 5 to 7 years.

The issue with uMCP is that there’s no guarantee that future generations will be backward compatible with older ones. This creates a risk of obsolescence, forcing a redesign of the SoM or even discontinuing the entire module. This could lead to increased costs or significant delays in your product's lifecycle.

To avoid this problem, Silex has chosen to use discrete LPDDR memory and eMMC storage for the EP-200Q. These components are known for their reliability and are widely available for industrial users, with lifespans of 7 to 10 years or more. While using discrete components requires a slightly larger footprint compared to uMCP, it ensures that your SoM will remain compatible with future generations of hardware and will not face the same obsolescence risks.

High-Quality Design and Assembly

At Silex, we understand that product longevity doesn’t just come from component selection—it’s also about how the system is designed and assembled. While we chose discrete memory and storage components, which are typically larger than their integrated counterparts, we did not compromise on the size or form factor of the EP-200Q.

At just 35mm x 40mm, the EP-200Q remains competitive with other SoMs that use uMCP, which typically measure around 33mm x 39mm. This is a testament to our design team's skill in optimizing both performance and size.

Moreover, we conduct extensive testing throughout the design and assembly process to ensure that there are no quality assurance issues. With denser assembly, it's easy to encounter potential challenges, but we ensure that every SoM is built to withstand the demands of industrial environments.

Knowledge Accumulation and Continuous Improvement

Another key element in ensuring the longevity of the EP-200Q is our deep understanding of the platform and its components. System bring-up can be a complex process, especially when deviations from the reference design are necessary. Challenges arise when the required Board Support Package (BSP) doesn’t align perfectly with the chosen components or when specific platform optimizations are needed.

To mitigate these risks, Silex has a dedicated team that continuously gathers platform knowledge throughout the development cycle. This helps us better support our customers and address any unforeseen challenges quickly and efficiently. Our expertise ensures that customers receive a fully optimized SoM that is ready for long-term use in a wide range of applications.

Ensure Your Product's longevity 

Choosing the right system-on-module is more than just about meeting the immediate needs of your product. It’s about future-proofing your design and ensuring reliable, long-term operation. By partnering with Silex, you’re securing a solution that is built for industrial longevity, robustness, and the best possible support.

The EP-200Q is designed with the future in mind. Its combination of carefully selected components, high-quality design, and thorough testing ensures it will deliver exceptional performance for years to come.

Contact us today to learn how the EP-200Q can help future-proof your product and ensure long-lasting reliability.