Summary of F&S I.MX8X SOC FEATURES OPTIONAL INDUSTRIAL TEMP SUPPORT
F&S Elektronik Systeme introduced the efus MX8X, a compact Linux-based computer-on-module utilizing NXP's i.MX8X SoC. Available in dual-core DualX or quad-core QuadXPlus variants, it features up to 2GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage. The module supports industrial automation, robotics, and infotainment with integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, dual GbE, and 4K video decoding. It runs Yocto/Buildroot Linux with U-Boot and includes various interfaces like USB 3.0, CAN, UART, and SPI.
Parts used in the efus MX8X:
- NXP i.MX8X SoC (DualX or QuadXPlus)
- Cortex-A35 cores
- Up to 2GB RAM
- Up to 64GB eMMC storage
- Up to 512MB SLC NAND flash
- 802.11ac WiFi module
- Bluetooth 5.0 BLE and 2.1 + EDR
- Dual GbE controllers
- Tensilica HiFi 4 DSP
- Cortex-M4F MCU running FreeRTOS
- Vivante GPU (2-shader or 4-shader)
- USB 3.0 port
- USB 2.0 ports
- CAN interfaces
- UART interfaces
- I2C interfaces
- SPI interfaces
F&S Elektronik Systeme has announced specs for its “efus MX8X” module, which runs Linux on a dual- or quad-core -A35 i.MX8X SoC, and offers up to 2GB RAM and 64GB eMMC plus dual GbE, WiFi/BT, 4K video, and optional industrial temp support. The 2 x 47 x 11mm, 15-gram efus MX8X module is designed based on NXP’s low-powered i.MX8X. A host of efus-branded modules exploits the power-sipping NXP SoCs, like the i.MX6 UltraLite in the efus A7UL.
The module will support industrial automation and control, HMI, robotics, building control, display/audio, infotainment, and telematics applications. The efus MX8X will feature dual-core DualX or quad-core QuadXPlus models, which features 1.2GHz Cortex-A35 cores, multi-format VPU with 4K decode, Tensilica HiFi 4 DSP, and a 266MHz Cortex-M4F MCU which is supported with FreeRTOS. The efus MX8X seems to be the first board based on the i.MX8X by the company, which can be found in several new computer-on-modules, like Kontron’s Qseven-Q7AMX8X.
The efus MX8X is equipped with up to 2GB RAM, up to 512MB SLC NAND flash, and up to 64GB eMMC storage. The module is fitted with 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE (and 2.1 + EDR), and an antenna socket. Available also are dual GbE controllers. The module will ship with a Yocto/Buildroot Linux stack with U-Boot. The image provided shows a Windows CE tag, but we are yet to see the aging Windows CE listed as an i.MX8X option. The announcement says that the module will ship with the DualXPlus, but the product page says it will ship with the DualX. The DualXPlus has a 4-shader, unlike the DualX’s 2-shader Vivante GPU. The efus MX8X enables single USB 3.0, 2.0 ports plus 2x CAN, 4x UART, 4x I2C, and 2x SPI.
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- What operating system does the efus MX8X run?
The module ships with a Yocto/Buildroot Linux stack with U-Boot. - Can the efus MX8X support 4K video?
Yes, it features a multi-format VPU capable of 4K decode. - Does the module offer industrial temperature support?
Yes, optional industrial temp support is available for the efus MX8X. - What are the processor core options for this module?
It offers dual-core DualX or quad-core QuadXPlus models with 1.2GHz Cortex-A35 cores. - How much storage capacity does the efus MX8X provide?
It supports up to 64GB eMMC and up to 512MB SLC NAND flash. - What wireless connectivity options are included?
The module includes 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 BLE plus 2.1 + EDR. - Does the efus MX8X have an embedded microcontroller?
Yes, it includes a 266MHz Cortex-M4F MCU supported with FreeRTOS. - What types of applications is this module designed for?
It is designed for industrial automation, control, HMI, robotics, building control, display/audio, infotainment, and telematics.
