Use-cases for using the CM4 system-on-module
The CM4F9 is the first member of the CM4 product family. It combines a Cortex-M4 MCU with a low-power FPGA. This combination is suitable to implement the standard, microcontroller(MCU)-like peripherals and deploy them in a custom way. The FPGA is also suitable to implement custom logic and expand the functionality beyond the capabilities of mainstream MCUs. This results in a module that efficiently combines low-power with unique feature sets suitable for implementing complex logic as well. Here are the major use-cases when the CM4 gives a true advantage over traditional MCUs:
- Replacement for standard 32-bit MCUs: The recent and still hurting chip shortage has an extreme impact on common, cheap, and widely used mainstream microcontrollers. They either disappeared from the market or their price sky-rocketed. The CM4 is built using components that have standard lead-time (4-12 weeks) and are available on stock for quantities of several thousand units. The module is pin and pad compatible with LQFP packages therefore it can be used without HW redesign. The FPGA is suitable to deploy the peripherals which can be found in mainstream MCUs.
- Power consumption optimization: For battery-powered devices, every mW counts. The architecture of the CM4 module allows dynamic management of functionality. The main CPU of the module is able to control when the FPGA runs therefore allowing a dynamic behavior of the system. The logic and the peripherals deployed in the FPGA can be enabled or disabled based on the need which results in lower and more optimal power consumption.
- Performance boost and upgrade for MCUs: Adding a new feature or implementing a computation-intensive function in a CPU often results in hitting the performance limits. The combination of a CPU and FPGA in the CM4 gives the designer the freedom to choose the most efficient host for a function and optimize the system from a performance perspective. Ultimately, this results in a much more powerful system without the introduction of a complex and expensive processor or similar high-end device.
- Instant-on functionality: Certain product use-cases impose tough requirements on boot time and how fast a system should be able to realize certain functions. A good example for such a use case is data loggers where certain critical data shall be recorded almost immediately after power is available. Standard CPUs and MCUs often struggle in this area. In these cases, the FPGA is a good choice. It can host the critical functionality and start operating earlier within a few milliseconds after the power is available.
Check out for more information on the product page of the CM4F9 module: http://ccselectronics.eu/cm4f9/
Do you have a specific question or use case to be discussed? Send your request to address and we will answer you shortly.
