SoM / Mainboard Customization: Realistic Costs and Timelines

"How much and how long for a custom core board / mainboard?" — the question we hear most. Here is the logic behind the quote sheet, so you can judge whether a price is reasonable.

Where the Money Goes

1. NRE (one-time engineering)

• Schematic & PCB layout: roughly ¥15k–30k (depends on layer count and complexity);
• Bring-up & BSP adaptation (system trimming, drivers): roughly ¥10k–30k;
• Enclosure & tooling (if private mold): ¥30k–100k — usually the biggest schedule driver.

2. Materials & Prototypes

SoC/DDR/eMMC dominate BOM cost (60%+). An RK3588 board typically costs twice as much in materials as RK3568 — a key reason not to over-specify. First prototypes usually run 20–50 units.

3. Certification & Testing

CCC/SRRC/CE/FCC typically ¥10k–50k depending on the product; reusing pre-certified modules (WiFi/4G) lowers the bill.

Realistic Timelines

Three Ways to Save

1. Select the platform before drawing the board: free requirement review from your provider avoids "using RK3588 for something RK3568 could do";
2. Use a proven SoM, customize only the baseboard: core boards contain the hard parts (DDR/power); reusing them slashes risk and schedule;
3. Choose pre-certified wireless modules: then full-device certification only covers EMC and safety.

Hongyin Tech covers every stage from free selection review → SoM/mainboard customization → full ODM. Bring your requirement list and we will return a staged quotation with a timeline table.