congatec mixes FinFET with NXP i.MX Mini in SMARC COM module
The conga-SMX8-Mini offers higher performance at significantly fewer watts due to the new 14nm FinFET structure, claims congatec. The SMARC 2.0 computer-on-module (COM) with NXP i.MX 8M Mini processor offers visualisation capabilities, such as 3D graphics with full-HD resolution and a low thermal and system cost, congatec adds.
The processor integrated GC NanoUltra 3D GPU convinces with comprehensive 1080p video decoding (H.265, H.264, VP8/9) and encoding (H.264, VP8) capabilities for one embedded display that can be connected via dual Channel LVDS, eDP or MIPI-DSI. Up to 4Gbyte of low-power LPDDR4 and an eMMC 5.1 non-volatile memory with up to 128Gbyte provide extensive memory capacity on the module. Embedded cameras are connected via the MIPI-CSI-2 interface, while five USB 2.0 and three UART ports are for industrial use. For intersystem connect, the module offers Gbit Ethernet as well as optional M2 WiFi/Bluetooth extension.
The SMARC 2.0 platform is designed for established markets – such as industrial and medical HMIs, kiosk, vending and infotainment systems – as well as new markets, including situational awareness, machine learning or voice controlled and video enabled residential gateway devices. For mobile and transportation applications, the conga-SMX-Mini SMARC modules offer extended temperature support from -40 to +85 degrees C and an extended longevity of up to 15 years.
Smart vision-based applications benefit from the hardware-accelerated MIPI CSI-2 camera interface.
The modules offer 2GHz performance, less TDP, and lower costs compared to the 1.5 GHz NXP i.MX 8M variants and can be used with SMARC MIPI CSI-2 starter kits, offering vision camera logic from congatec’s co-operation with Basler. As a result, highly integrated embedded vision platforms are available from a single source that support the development of cost-efficient vision devices for sparse modelling-based AI in the industrial and medical technology sectors, in retail checkout systems or for smart home or facility access control systems, explains congatec.
The conga-SMX8-Mini SMARC modules are application-ready sub-systems with an ecosystem that includes ready-to-go boot loader implementation, pre-qualified Linux, Yocto and Android BSPs and fully featured evaluation carrier boards. congatec’s personal integration support and individually selectable technical services are designed to simplify the integration of this new NXP processor for customers.
