In the world of embedded systems and product development, off-the-shelf solutions are fantastic—until they aren’t. You start with a Raspberry Pi 4 or a standard Jetson Nano developer kit, and everything works beautifully on the test bench. But then comes the moment of truth: integration.
Suddenly, the standard ports are facing the wrong way. The board is too big for your sleek enclosure. You need a specific industrial connector that doesn’t exist on the hobbyist board, or you need to strip away unnecessary components to save power and cost. This is the “hardware wall” many engineers and startups hit. The standard developer kits are generalists, but your product needs a specialist.
The solution lies in the architecture of System-on-Modules (SoMs). By separating the brain (the Compute Module) from the body (the Carrier Board), you gain immense flexibility. But crossing the bridge from a concept to a fully functional custom PCB is a complex journey.
## The DIY Approach: Designing Your Own Carrier Board
If you have a background in electrical engineering or a burning desire to learn KiCad or Altium Designer, designing your own carrier board is a rewarding challenge. Here is the roadmap for tackling a project involving modules like the Raspberry Pi CM4 or CM5.
### 1. Define Your Constraints and Interfaces
Before drawing a single schematic trace, you must lock down your requirements. What is the form factor? Do you need PCIe, M.2 NVMe support, or specific MIPI CSI camera interfaces? Are you using a Raspberry Pi CM4, or a pin-compatible alternative like the Banana Pi CM4 or Radxa CM5? Every millimeter matters.
### 2. Master the High-Speed Signal Design
This isn’t like designing a simple Arduino shield. Compute modules like the Jetson Xavier NX or the iMX8 utilize high-speed interfaces (HDMI, USB 3.0, PCIe Gen 2/3). You need to understand impedance control, differential pair routing, and length matching. A mistake here means your USB port simply won’t work, or your HDMI output will flicker.
### 3. Power Management Architecture
Modules are hungry. An Nvidia Jetson or a Rockchip SoC needs a robust power delivery network. You aren’t just plugging in a USB-C charger; you are designing power sequencing to ensure the 3.3V, 1.8V, and core voltages come up in the exact order the processor requires. Failing to manage this can fry your expensive SoM instantly.
### 4. The BGA and Connector Challenge
Connecting to a Compute Module usually involves high-density connectors. The CM4, for example, uses high-density mezzanine connectors that require precise footprint design and often fine-pitch PCB manufacturing capabilities. You will need to work closely with your PCB fabrication house to ensure they can handle the tolerances.
### 5. Prototyping and Debugging
Once your design is fabricated, the real work begins. Board bring-up involves checking power rails, validating clocks, and debugging software device trees to recognize your new hardware configuration.
## A Smarter Shortcut: Professional Customization
Let’s be honest: while the DIY route is educational, it is incredibly time-consuming and risky for a commercial project. One mistake in the differential pair routing for a PCIe lane can render a $500 prototype useless. This is where specialized expertise becomes the most valuable component in your supply chain.
If you are looking to bypass the steep learning curve and get a professional-grade custom board, I highly recommend working with **Tailongk**, a specialist in complex carrier board design.
### Why Tailongk Stands Out in Embedded Design
Tailongk is not just a generalist PCB designer; they are a focused expert in the niche of System-on-Modules. Their portfolio is genuinely impressive, covering the entire spectrum of modern computing modules.
**Extensive Platform Expertise:**
Many designers stick to one ecosystem, but this freelancer crosses boundaries effortlessly. Whether you are committed to the **Raspberry Pi ecosystem** (CM4, CM5, and their IO boards) or looking at high-performance AI edge computing with **Nvidia** (Jetson Nano, Xavier NX, AGX), they have the schematic libraries and design experience ready to go.
**Alternative Module Support:**
Supply chain issues often force engineers to look for alternatives. Tailongk is well-versed in designing for RPi alternatives like the **Banana Pi CM4, Orange Pi CM4/CM5, and Radxa CM5**. This flexibility is crucial if you need to pivot your hardware choice halfway through development due to stock shortages.
**Industrial-Grade Complexity:**
Beyond the hobbyist-grade boards, this freelancer handles heavy-duty industrial SoMs. They have experience with **NXP iMX8** (ComputeLab, Toradex) and **Rockchip SoC-based SoMs**. Designing base boards for these platforms requires a deep understanding of industrial protocols, rigorous power management, and thermal considerations—areas where Tailongk excels.
**What They Offer:**
* **Custom Carrier/Base Boards:** Tailored exactly to your enclosure and IO needs.
* **Schematic & PCB Layout:** Professional layouts optimized for signal integrity and manufacturability.
* **Consultation:** Before you commit, they discuss availability and project feasibility, ensuring you don’t waste time on impossible designs.
If you want to turn your “spaghetti-wire” prototype into a sleek, manufacturable product without spending months learning high-speed PCB design, this is the partner you need.
