The new SMARC 2.0 modules, featuring NXP i.MX8 processors, hardware-based virtualization, and resource sharing, are of great interest for a wide range of fixed and mobile industrial applications, including real-time robotics and motion controls. Because the modules are rated for an extended ambient temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, they can also be used in fleet management systems for commercial vehicles or infotainment applications in taxis, buses, and trains, as well as in all new electric and autonomous vehicle systems.
“Due to the enormous increase in performance, functionality, and connectivity of ARM architectures, ARM-based CoM modules are gaining significantly more importance and acceptance, as they reduce overall system design costs for hardware and software and enable faster time to market for the end application,” says Martin Danzer, Director of Product Management at congatec. “Our SMARC 2.0 modules are application-ready subsystems that come with a comprehensive ecosystem, including a ready-to-go bootloader implementation, pre-qualified Linux and Android BSPs, and fully featured evaluation motherboards, as well as personalized integration support and a wide range of individually selectable technical services to greatly simplify the integration of this new i.MX8 processor for our customers.”.
Detailed feature set of congatec's new i.MX8-based SMARC modules:
The conga-SMX8 modules have up to 8 cores (2x A72 + 4x A53 + 2x M4F), up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 MLC or pseudo-SLC memory, and up to 64 GB of non-volatile memory on the module. The exceptional interface set includes 2x GbE with IEEE1588-compliant precision clock synchronization, up to 6x USB ports including 1x USB 3.1, up to 2x PCIe Gen 3.0, 1x SATA 3.0, 2x CAN bus, 4x UART, and an optional onboard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module with 802.11 b/g/n BLE. Up to 3 displays can be connected via HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2, 2x LVDS, and 1x eDP 1.4. For video cameras, the modules support two MIPI CSI-2 video inputs. The new modules, based on SMARC 2.0 NXP i.MX8, are offered as application-ready supercomponents, including the Uboot bootloader and Board Support Packages for Linux, Yocto, and Android.
Comprehensive services accelerate design and further reduce costs.
The new conga-SMX8-based SMARC 2.0 CoM modules are complemented by numerous add-on services offered by congatec, reducing integration complexity and accelerating design time for faster time to market. Key pillars of the premium service include personalized design support available for each OEM implementation, as well as individually selectable next-level support from the Technical Solutions Center. This team of specialists covers all customized needs, from engineering requirements support and bootloader configuration with extended OS support to testing, validation, and debugging services. congatec's ARM services are characterized by high quality and personalized attention for simplified use of embedded computing technologies. Customers benefit from rapid and efficient product design, as plug-and-play is more efficient and cost-effective than trial and error.
As congatec is a member of NXP's Early Access Program, congatec's new SMARC modules will be available in serial production in time with the launch of the new i.MX8 processor family later this year.
