Avnet Integrated presents a new, cost-efficient MSC SM2S-IMX8MINI SMARC 2.0™ module, which is based on i.MX 8M Mini processors from NXP™. The multicore ARM® Cortex-A53 processors are built using NXP’s 14nm FinFET process technology, providing high compute performance at very low power consumption. With the standardized MSC SM2S-IMX8MINI compact SMARC 2.0™ module family and the appropriate starter kit, the new processor technology is easily and quickly available for innovative customer applications. The extremely versatile module family may be used in any general purpose industrial, IoT, building automation and media streaming application.
The MSC SM2S-IMX8MINI SMARC 2.0 module features high scalability and can be equipped with different single-, dual- or quad-core processor types. The flexibility of the new module family is comparable to the scalability of the i.MX 6 predecessor products. However, these modules offer significantly higher compute performance due to 64-bit support and fast LPDDR4 memory. The SM2S-IMX8MINI modules are designed not only for the new Mini processors, but also for the future pin-compatible Nano processors from NXP.
The new Computer-On-Modules (COMs), based on NXP’s powerful i.MX 8 processor family ‒ consisting of the i.MX 8, i.MX 8M and i.MX 8M Mini variants ‒ are suitable for embedded applications that requirethe highest degree of performance combined with high energy efficiency. Avnet Integrated will offer the complete i.MX 8 processor family on the persistent and future-proof SMARC 2.0™ and Qseven™ module form factors and further strengthen its leading position as a manufacturer of innovative embedded modules. In addition to providing hardware manufactured in Germany, extensive development tools such as starter kits and board support packages as well as personalized services including design-in support and carrier design review are offered.
Technical specifications:
The MSC SM2S-IMX8MINI compact SMARC 2.0™ module integrates up to four ARM® Cortex-A53 processors with up to 1.8GHz, the ARM® Cortex-M4 real time processor and the Vivante GC Nano Ultra multimedia 2D/3D graphics processor. Versions are available with and without video processing unit (VPU). Up to 4GB fast LPDDR4 SDRAM and up to 64GB eMMC Flash memory are available on the module for program and data storage.
The extensive range of interfaces typical for embedded applications includes Gigabit Ethernet, PCI Express™, USB 2.0 and dual-channel LVDS. A camera can be connected via the MIPI CSI-2 interface. On request, two CAN interfaces can be implemented. The board is optionally equipped with a wireless module or micro SD card socket.
The short-size processor module with dimensions of 82 x 50mm is specified for operation in the full industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.
Avnet Integrated provides the MSC SM2-MB-EP1 development platform in Mini-ITX form factor and a starter kit for rapid design-in of the new SMARC module. In addition, comprehensive board support packages for Linux and, on request, for Android are available.
For more information, please visit: https://www.msc-technologies.eu/products-solutions/products/boards/smarc/msc-sm2s-imx8mini.html.
