Summary of I.MX 8M PLUS-BASED SOM WITH INTEGRATED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE / MACHINE LEARNING (AI/ML)
Variscite introduces two new System on Module (SoM) platforms, the VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS and DART-MX8M-PLUS, powered by the NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor. These modules feature integrated AI/ML capabilities with a 2.3 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU), Image Signal Processor (ISP), and dual camera interfaces. They support advanced multimedia, including H.265 video, 4K HDMI, and high-performance GPU, alongside extensive connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and multiple USB/Ethernet ports.
Parts used in the VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS and DART-MX8M-PLUS:
- NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor
- Cortex-A53 ARM 64-bit core
- Cortex-M7 real-time co-processor
- Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
- Image Signal Processor (ISP)
- Dual camera interfaces
- H.265 HD video encode/decode engine
- 2D/3D GPU
- 4K HDMI output
- HD LVDS interface
- DSI certified dual-band Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth/BLE module
- Dual USB3 ports
- Dual GbE ports
- Dual CAN-FD interfaces
- PCIe interface
Variscite, a global System on Module and embedded solutions provider, revealed its new System on Module (SoM) platforms based on the NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor. This is the first generation of SoM solution with dedicated Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) capabilities within an integrated NPU engine.
Upcoming i.MX 8M Plus based modules
Variscite’s upcoming VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS and DART-MX8M-PLUS platforms are both powered by i.MX 8M Plus, the latest addition to NXP’s i.MX 8M application processors family. The modules are running on a 1.8GHz quad Cortex™-A53 ARM 64-bit core with 800MHz Cortex™-M7 real-time co-processor.
VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS and DART-MX8M-PLUS Features
The modules provided by Variscite include an intelligent vision system with Image Signal Processor (ISP), an integrated 2.3 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU), and dual camera interfaces. These features provide the foundation for the moduls’ unique Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning capabilities.
The modules also offer advanced multimedia capabilities along with extensive connectivity options such as H.265 HD video encode/decode, high performance 2D/3D GPU, up to 4K HDMI, HD LVDS, high-quality voice processing, DSI certified dual-band Wi-Fi, BT/BLE, dual USB3, dual GbE, dual CAN-FD, and PCIe.
Variscite’s Pin-to-Pin compatibility
The VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS and the DART-MX8M-PLUS differ in dimensions and their Pin-to-Pin family compatibility. The VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS is a member of the VAR-SOM Pin2Pin product family, providing extensive scalability options; starting from i.MX6UL/6ULL modules, through i.MX 6, i.MX 8M Nano, i.MX 8M Mini, up to i.MX 8X and i.MX 8QuadMax based modules.
The DART-MX8M-PLUS SoM is a small size SoM measuring only 55x30mm. The SoM is a member of the DART Pin2Pin product family that offers Pin-to-Pin compatibility with the i.MX 8M Mini and i.MX 8M based modules.
Read more: I.MX 8M PLUS-BASED SOM WITH INTEGRATED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE / MACHINE LEARNING (AI/ML)
- What is the main processor used in Variscite's new SoM platforms?
The modules are powered by the NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor. - How much computing power does the Neural Processing Unit provide?
The integrated NPU provides 2.3 TOPS of performance for AI and ML tasks. - Can these modules handle 4K video output?
Yes, the modules offer up to 4K HDMI output capability. - Does the VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS support Pin-to-Pin compatibility with other modules?
Yes, it is part of the VAR-SOM Pin2Pin family compatible with i.MX6UL, i.MX 6, i.MX 8M Nano, i.MX 8M Mini, i.MX 8X, and i.MX 8QuadMax modules. - What is the physical size of the DART-MX8M-PLUS module?
The DART-MX8M-PLUS measures only 55x30mm. - Which wireless connectivity options are included in these modules?
The modules include DSI certified dual-band Wi-Fi and BT/BLE. - How many Ethernet ports do the modules support?
The modules support dual GbE (Gigabit Ethernet) ports. - What type of video processing codec is supported?
The modules support H.265 HD video encode and decode.
