Computer On Modules Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (ARM, X86, Power PC), By Form Factor (Mini form factor (84 x 55mm), Compact form factor (95 x 95mm), Basic form factor (125 x 95mm)), By End-Users (Automotive, Healthcare, Consumer electronics, Defence, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2024 To 2029

Report CodeKSI061616760
PublishedMar, 2024

Description

The computer on modules market is anticipated to expand at a high CAGR over the forecast period.

Computer On Modules Market Key Highlights

  • Edge AI Integration Imperative: The rapid migration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) inferencing workloads from the cloud to the device edge drives mandatory demand for high-performance, compact Computer On Modules (COMs) with integrated Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) or Neural Processing Unit (NPU) acceleration.
  • Standardization Facilitates Scalability: The broad adoption of industry specifications like COM Express and SMARC reduces design risk and engineering time for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), directly accelerating their product development cycles and increasing volume consumption of standard COM form factors.
  • ARM Dominance in Power-Sensitive Applications: The consistent advancement of ARM architecture in performance-per-watt efficiency solidifies its leading position in low-power, battery-operated embedded systems, particularly within the growing Healthcare and mobile industrial segments.
  • Supply Chain Geo-Diversification: Recent geopolitical trade tensions and semiconductor shortages compel end-users to prioritize COM suppliers who offer geographically diversified manufacturing and long-term product lifecycle support, favoring established European and Taiwanese manufacturers.

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The Computer On Modules (COM) Market supplies a critical building block for sophisticated embedded systems, offering highly integrated computational power on standardized, interchangeable carrier boards. COMs, also referred to as System On Modules (SOMs), encapsulate the complex core computing elements—processor, memory, and key interfaces—allowing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to focus their engineering resources on developing application-specific carrier boards and peripheral features. This modular approach significantly reduces time-to-market and minimizes the lifecycle management complexity associated with silicon upgrades. The market’s dynamic is currently defined by the intense demand from the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) landscape, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and the transition of high-bandwidth processing requirements to the network edge, necessitating continuous advancements in compact, rugged, and power-efficient computing platforms.


Computer On Modules Market Analysis

  • Growth Drivers

The global expansion of Industrial IoT and the shift toward autonomous edge computing systems fundamentally create non-discretionary demand for COMs. As manufacturing, Automotive, and logistics sectors deploy more smart sensors and robotics, the requirement for localized, real-time data processing increases, mandating compact, reliable computing units. The modularity of COMs allows designers to rapidly integrate the newest high-performance central processing units (CPUs) and accelerators (AI/GPU) without redesigning the entire board, directly accelerating product refreshes for OEMs and sustaining a high-velocity demand cycle for the latest generation of modules.

  • Challenges and Opportunities

A primary constraint on demand is the persistent complexity and high initial cost associated with developing the custom carrier board infrastructure required for COM deployment, which can be a barrier for smaller enterprises. Furthermore, global semiconductor supply chain volatility continues to introduce lead time risks. The primary opportunity lies in the proliferation of small, low-power standards like Mini form factor (SMARC and Qseven). These small-footprint modules offer a streamlined integration path for next-generation, battery-powered medical and Consumer electronics devices, creating a high-growth avenue for providers who can offer integrated software ecosystems (e.g., hypervisors, OS support) to simplify deployment.

  • Raw Material and Pricing Analysis

The Computer On Module is a physical electronic product, making its pricing highly sensitive to the cost dynamics of key semiconductor raw materials, particularly silicon wafers, which form the base of the integrated processor and memory chips. Pricing for COMs is heavily influenced by the wafer fabrication capacity constraints globally. Additionally, high-quality multilayer Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), precious metals (e.g., gold for connectors and copper for traces), and specialized passive components (capacitors, resistors) contribute to the overall Bill of Materials (BOM). Price fluctuations for these key inputs, particularly during periods of high demand and constrained foundry capacity, directly impact the final module price, sometimes leading to price hardening across the market.

  • Supply Chain Analysis

The COM supply chain is highly specialized and globalized, starting with the concentrated production of core semiconductors (processors, memory) from dominant East Asian foundries (e.g., Taiwan, South Korea). The primary production and assembly hubs for the final modules are concentrated in Europe (Germany, Czech Republic) and Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, China). Logistical complexity centers on managing long lead times for highly customized silicon components and ensuring rigorous Quality Control (QC) standards for the module assembly, which operates on sophisticated surface-mount technology (SMT) lines. The market’s dependency on a limited number of high-performance CPU suppliers (Intel, NXP, NVIDIA) introduces single-source risk, making resilience a major competitive factor.

Computer On Modules Market Government Regulations

Jurisdiction

Key Regulation / Agency

Market Impact Analysis

European Union (EU)

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) / Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

Mandates the exclusion of specific hazardous materials from electronic components, including COMs. This increases demand for compliant modules and certified components, acting as a non-tariff trade barrier that favors manufacturers with established compliance programs.

USA / Global

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) / Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

Controls the export of high-performance computing technology and components, particularly those used in Defence and surveillance systems. This regulation restricts the international sale and production of high-end COMs, segmenting the market into ITAR-compliant and non-ITAR markets and favoring localized production for US military-grade applications.

Europe

Radio Equipment Directive (RED) / Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive

Enforces strict technical standards for wireless communication and electromagnetic emission. Since many COMs are integrated into connected IoT gateways, compliance with these directives is essential, driving demand for pre-certified modules that minimize the final product's certification burden.


Computer On Modules Market Segment Analysis

  • By Type: ARM

The ARM architecture segment drives substantial demand within the COM market, primarily due to its non-negotiable advantages in power efficiency and scalability. The key growth catalyst is the widespread adoption of battery-powered and fanless edge devices, such as mobile medical carts, smart manufacturing sensors, and autonomous drones, where low power consumption is paramount for extended operational time. Advancements in ARM Cortex-A cores, coupled with system-on-chip (SoC) integration of specialized accelerators for AI and graphics, enable ARM-based COMs to increasingly address performance demands that were traditionally reserved for x86 architectures. This low-power, high-performance efficiency model reinforces the segment's dominance in IoT, Healthcare, and Consumer electronics.

  • By End-User: Healthcare

The Healthcare industry generates specific, accelerating demand for COMs, driven by the shift toward digitized, mobile, and real-time medical imaging and patient monitoring systems. The core growth driver is the requirement for small, high-performance computing engines that can be integrated into portable ultrasound machines, patient vital sign monitors, and surgical robotics. COMs are preferred because they offer the necessary performance to run complex algorithms (e.g., AI-assisted diagnostics) while meeting stringent size, weight, power (SWaP), and long-term regulatory compliance requirements. The modular nature of COMs enables medical device manufacturers to manage the protracted regulatory approval cycle by allowing them to upgrade the computing core without re-certifying the entire hardware platform.


Computer On Modules Market Geographical Analysis

  • US Market Analysis

The US market is characterized by high-volume demand from the Defence and Healthcare sectors, driven by significant government spending on advanced aerospace and military systems (e.g., embedded mission computing) and a highly sophisticated medical device industry. Its requirement is concentrated on ruggedized, high-performance COM standards like VPX and COM Express Type 7/Type 10, required for real-time edge processing and secure, long-lifecycle deployments. The presence of major semiconductor and technology innovators further drives demand for modules that integrate the latest-generation processors and AI accelerators for autonomous vehicle systems.

  • Brazil Market Analysis

The Brazilian market is primarily centered on the Automotive and industrial automation sectors, driven by modernization mandates in manufacturing facilities and the local production of heavy machinery. The market prioritizes ARM-based COMs for cost-sensitive IoT gateway solutions and localized, rugged industrial control systems. Adoption is influenced by economic factors and import tariffs, favoring local system integrators who can provide custom carrier board designs for imported, standardized modules. The trend focuses on optimizing the price-performance ratio rather than necessarily adopting the absolute highest performance COMs available globally.

  • Germany Market Analysis

The German market is a major global hub for the COM industry, driven by the strong presence of key manufacturers and the Industrial Automation sector (Industry 4.0). Growth is focused on high-reliability, long-lifecycle COMs adhering to standards like COM Express and the newer COM-HPC, which supports higher bandwidths for advanced factory automation, real-time control, and robotics. German industrial end-users mandate guaranteed long-term availability (10-15 years) for modules, creating a strong preference for suppliers who offer robust product change management and lifecycle support.

  • Saudi Arabia Market Analysis

The Saudi Arabian market is an emerging, institutional segment, strongly influenced by government-led Defence and large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g., NEOM). The market generates demand for specialized, high-performance, and ruggedized COMs for surveillance, security, and smart city infrastructure deployments. This growth is highly focused on securing technology transfer and localized service support agreements with established global COM suppliers, as the country seeks to build domestic capability in advanced embedded computing.

  • China Market Analysis

The Chinese COM market is the fastest-growing in Asia-Pacific, fueled by aggressive expansion in the Consumer electronics and Industrial Automation sectors, coupled with large-scale 5G infrastructure rollout. This market growth is highly segmented, ranging from low-cost, high-volume Mini form factor (SMARC) modules for consumer electronics and IoT devices to high-performance X86 modules for industrial AI and machine vision applications. Local companies primarily drive the volume segment, while global vendors focus on high-specification, specialized modules for export-oriented and high-reliability industrial applications.


Computer On Modules Market Competitive Environment and Analysis

The Computer On Modules market is fiercely competitive, characterized by intense technological innovation and product differentiation based on processor architecture support, standardization compliance, and lifecycle management services. Competition is primarily focused on the rapid integration of the newest processor technology from Intel, AMD, and ARM ecosystem partners. The market structure involves a few major global players—notably congatec, Kontron, and ADLINK—who actively define and promote industry standards (e.g., COM-HPC, COM Express) and a larger number of regional specialists. Strategic mergers and acquisitions are common as companies seek to consolidate market share and acquire specialized design expertise or localized manufacturing capacity.

  • congatec GmbH

congatec GmbH is a leading global supplier of COM Express, Qseven, SMARC, and COM-HPC standard modules. The company's strategic positioning emphasizes technology leadership, consistently launching products based on the latest high-performance silicon from both Intel and the ARM ecosystem. congatec’s strategy centers on strengthening its global presence and market share through strategic acquisitions, such as the July 2025 acquisition of Kontron's JUMPtec module business. This move significantly increased its capacity, broadened its product roadmap, and secured a leadership position in standardized COMs, particularly for high-end Industrial Automation and medical imaging applications.

  • ADLINK Technology Inc.

ADLINK Technology Inc. focuses on edge computing, integrating its COM products into broader ecosystem solutions for industrial IoT, Defence, and test & measurement. ADLINK's strategy is to rapidly integrate AI-accelerating hardware onto its modules, such as its COM Express modules based on Intel Core Ultra processors featuring integrated Intel Arc GPU technology. This product launch, announced at Embedded World 2024, directly targets the escalating demand for high-performance edge AI inferencing in smart manufacturing and robotics. The company actively supports multiple architectures (ARM and X86) to address diverse market needs, from low-power industrial gateways to high-throughput embedded servers.

  • Kontron Group

The Kontron Group maintains a strong market presence, particularly in the Defence, aerospace, and transportation sectors, focusing on ruggedized and long-lifecycle embedded computing solutions. Following the divestiture of its standardized COM business to congatec in July 2025, Kontron's refined strategy is to focus on complete systems, software-as-a-service, and specialized modules adhering to open standards (e.g., VPX). Kontron’s September 2025 launch of the VX3124 3U VPX module, an ARM-based module for real-time defense applications, exemplifies its commitment to mission-critical, high-reliability embedded computing for specialized Defence end-users.


Computer On Modules Market Developments

  • September 2025: Kontron announced the immediate availability of the VX3124, a rugged 3U VPX computing module built around a 16-core NXP ARM processor. This product launch targets high-efficiency, real-time embedded systems in the Defence and aerospace verticals.

  • July 2025: congatec acquired a majority stake in Kontron's JUMPtec subsidiary, including its standardized module business, for €100 million. This merger/acquisition significantly consolidated the market, boosting congatec’s product portfolio and manufacturing capacity.

Computer On Modules Market Segmentation

  • By Type
    • ARM
    • X86
    • Power PC
  • By Form Factor
    • Mini form factor (84 x 55mm)
    • Compact form factor (95 x 95mm)
    • Basic form factor (125 x 95mm)
  • By End-Users
    • Automotive
    • Healthcare
    • Consumer electronics
    • Defence
    • Others
  • By Geography
    • North America
      • USA
      • Canada
      • Mexico
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Argentina
      • Others
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • France
      • UK
      • Spain
      • Others
    • Middle East and Africa
      • Saudi Arabia
      • UAE
      • Israel
      • Others
    • Asia Pacific
      • China
      • Japan
      • India
      • South Korea
      • Indonesia
      • Taiwan
      • Others

Table Of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Market Overview

1.2. Market Definition

1.3. Scope of the Study

1.4. Market Segmentation

1.5. Currency

1.6. Assumptions

1.7. Base, and Forecast Years Timeline

1.8. Key benefits to the stakeholder

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

2.1. Research Design

2.2. Research Process

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

3.1. Key Findings

3.2. Analyst View

4. MARKET DYNAMICS

4.1. Market Drivers

4.2. Market Restraints

4.3. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis

4.3.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

4.3.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

4.3.3. Threat of New Entrants

4.3.4. Threat of Substitutes

4.3.5. Competitive Rivalry in the Industry

4.4. Industry Value Chain Analysis

4.5. Analyst View

5. COMPUTER ON MODULES MARKET BY TYPE

5.1. Introduction

5.2. ARM

5.2.1. Market opportunities and trends

5.2.2. Growth prospects

5.2.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

5.3. X86

5.3.1. Market opportunities and trends

5.3.2. Growth prospects

5.3.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

5.4. Power PC

5.4.1. Market opportunities and trends

5.4.2. Growth prospects

5.4.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

6. COMPUTER ON MODULES MARKET BY FORM FACTOR

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Mini form factor (84 x 55mm)

6.2.1. Market opportunities and trends

6.2.2. Growth prospects

6.2.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

6.3. Compact form factor (95 x 95mm)

6.3.1. Market opportunities and trends

6.3.2. Growth prospects

6.3.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

6.4. Basic form factor (125 x 95mm)

6.4.1. Market opportunities and trends

6.4.2. Growth prospects

6.4.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

7. COMPUTER ON MODULES MARKET BY END-USER

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Automotive

7.2.1. Market opportunities and trends

7.2.2. Growth prospects

7.2.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

7.3. Healthcare

7.3.1. Market opportunities and trends

7.3.2. Growth prospects

7.3.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

7.4. Consumer electronics

7.4.1. Market opportunities and trends

7.4.2. Growth prospects

7.4.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

7.5. Defence

7.5.1. Market opportunities and trends

7.5.2. Growth prospects

7.5.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

7.6. Others

7.6.1. Market opportunities and trends

7.6.2. Growth prospects

7.6.3. Geographic lucrativeness 

8. COMPUTER ON MODULES MARKET BY GEOGRAPHY

8.1. Introduction

8.2. North America

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Form Factor

8.2.3. By End-user

8.2.4. By Country

8.2.4.1. United States

8.2.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.2.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.2.4.2. Canada

8.2.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.2.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.2.4.3. Mexico

8.2.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.2.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.3. South America

8.3.1. By Type

8.3.2. By Form Factor

8.3.3. By End-user

8.3.4. By Country

8.3.4.1. Brazil

8.3.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.3.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.3.4.2. Argentina

8.3.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.3.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.3.4.3. Others

8.3.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.3.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.4. Europe

8.4.1. By Type

8.4.2. By Form Factor

8.4.3. By End-user

8.4.4. By Country

8.4.4.1. Germany

8.4.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.2. France

8.4.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.3. UK

8.4.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.4. Spain

8.4.4.4.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.4.4.5. Others

8.4.4.5.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.4.4.5.2. Growth Prospects

8.5. Middle East and Africa

8.5.1. By Type

8.5.2. By Form Factor

8.5.3. By End-user

8.5.4. By Country

8.5.4.1. Saudi Arabia

8.5.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.5.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.5.4.2. UAE

8.5.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.5.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.5.4.3. Israel

8.5.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.5.4.3.2. Growth Prospects  

8.5.4.4. Others

8.5.4.4.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.5.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.6. Asia Pacific

8.6.1. By Type

8.6.2. By Form Factor

8.6.3. By End-user

8.6.4. By Country

8.6.4.1. China

8.6.4.1.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.1.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.2. Japan

8.6.4.2.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.2.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.3. India

8.6.4.3.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.3.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.4. South Korea

8.6.4.4.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.4.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.5. Indonesia

8.6.4.5.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.5.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.6. Taiwan

8.6.4.6.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.6.2. Growth Prospects

8.6.4.7. Others

8.6.4.7.1. Market Trends and Opportunities

8.6.4.7.2. Growth Prospects

9. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT AND ANALYSIS

9.1. Major Players and Strategy Analysis

9.2. Market Share Analysis

9.3. Mergers, Acquisition, Agreements, and Collaborations

9.4. Competitive Dashboard

10. COMPANY PROFILES

10.1. European Portwell Technology B.V.

10.2. Kontron Group

10.3. Toradex Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd.

10.4. WDL Systems

10.5. Distec GmbH

10.6. ADLINK Technology Inc.

10.7. congatec GmbH

10.8. AAEON Technology Inc.

10.9. NEXCOM International Co. Ltd.

10.10. ARBOR Technology Corp.

Companies Profiled

European Portwell Technology B.V.

Kontron Group

Toradex Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd.

WDL Systems

Distec GmbH

ADLINK Technology Inc.

congatec GmbH

AAEON Technology Inc.

NEXCOM International Co. Ltd.

ARBOR Technology Corp.

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