i.MX 8M Plus and 8X Lite
The i.MX 8 module is available in two variants. Thanks to the integrated neural processing unit, optimal conditions for AI and ML applications are given. In addition, the module is specially optimized for IoT applications.
Key Features
- Freescale i.MX 8 (Dual Core, Quad Core,
1.2 GHz – 1.8 GHz) - Up to 8 GB DDR4 Memory
- On-Board 10/100/1000 Mbit LAN
- Variety of interfaces,
e.g. 3× CAN/ CAN FD, 2× USB 2.0, … - Extended temperature range
- Evaluation Board on-demand
Description
Scalable performance and compact form factor
The i.MX 8 board from Sontheim is based on a 314-pin MXM 3.0 connector with standard dimensions of 82 mm × 50 mm. This creates extremely compact, durable and cost-effective development options for mobile embedded handheld systems as well as small portable, stationary and in-vehicle devices that can be used in a wide range of application areas. The i.MX 8 is available in two variants. The i.MX 8M Plus variant for high performance applications, optimized for AI and ML applications and the i.MX 8X Lite variant for high performance telemetry and industrial applications. The i.MX 8X Lite variant has been specially optimized and developed for the Sontheim telemetry series COMhawk® xt.
Designed for commercial and industrial temperature range
In addition to the normal temperature range, the i.MX 8 board is also designed for the extended industrial temperature range of –40 °C to +105 °C – the i.MX 8X Lite variant even up to +125°C (AEC-Q100 Grade 2 device). This opens up a wide range of applications in the automotive sector, in automation, in medical technology and in other working environments that do not correspond to the commercial temperature range and involve harsh environmental conditions. In addition, an evaluation board is already available on request.
Optimized for machine learning and AI applications
The i.MX 8 board from Sontheim features an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) that delivers up to 2.3 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second). This gives the board a processor that is used exclusively for machine learning and enables compute-intensive AI applications. As a result, the ML/KI application no longer needs to be moved to the cloud, but can run directly on the i.MX 8 processor – personal user data is also better protected as a result. Applications such as the recognition of multiple complex neural networks, human poses and emotions, or the monitoring of multiple objects are thus possible.
Overview of the target applications
Industrial:
Control systems, architectures with time-critical networking, Ethernet or CAN networks, HMIs and IPCs, robot controllers, printing systems, industrial handheld devices, intelligent industrial cameras and much more.
Automotive:
High-performance telemetry and vehicle gateways, camera systems, vehicle interfaces (VCIs), ECUs, data loggers with analysis (AI), joysticks, displays and much more.
Technical Data
| Hardware | i.MX8 M Plus | i.MX8 X Lite |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Freescale i.MX 8 Quad Core ARM Cortex-A53 1.8 GHz | Freescale i.MX 8 Dual Core ARM Cortex-A35 1.2 GHz |
| MCU | Freescale Cortex-M7 800 MHz | Freescale Cortex-M4F 170 MHz |
| RAM | up to 8 GB 132-bit DDR4 | up to 1 GB 16-bit DDR4 |
| GPU | GC7000UL (2 shaders), OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.0/3.1, OpenVG 1.1, Vulkan, OpenCL 1.2; GC520L (2D) | – |
| NAND Flash | up to 64 GB eMMC (on-module) | up to 8 GB eMMC (on-module) |
| Security | CAAM, RDC, Trust Zone | Trust Zone |
| KI/AI | Neural Processing Unit 2.3 TOPS | – |
| Camera | 2× MIPI CSI (4-lanes each) 2× ISP up to 12 MP resolution | – |
| Display | HDMI 2.0a Tx, MIPI DSI (4-lanes) LVDS (4/8-lanes) | 1× Parallel Display |
| Video Decode Video Encode | 1080p60 HEVC, H.264, VP9, VP8 1080p60 H.265, H.264 | – |
| Audio | 18× I2S TDM (32 b @ 384 kHz), ASRC, 8-ch. PDM DMIC input, eARC | – |
| Schnittstellen | 2× GbE (1× TSN), 2× CAN/CAN FD 3× SD/eMMC, Raw NAND 2× USB 3.0/ 2.0 5× UART, 6× I²C, 3× SPI, 1× PCIe 3.0 | 2× GbE (1× TSN), 3× CAN/CAN FD 3× SD/eMMC, Raw NAND 2× USB 2.0 4× UART, 3× I²C, 3× SPI, 1× PCIe 3.0 |
| Package | LFBGA-548 | BGA-388 |
| Operating System Support | Linux | Linux |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C up to +95 °C, extended range: −40 °C up to +105 °C | −40 °C up to +105 °C, extended range: −40 °C up to +125 °C |
| Dimensions | SMARC Standard: 82 mm × 50 mm | SMARC Standard: 82 mm × 50 mm |
Related Products
COMhawk® xt
Next generation embedded application ECU with up to four CAN interfaces. Use as telemetry and diagnostic module as well as gateway, data server and data logger.
- Powerful ARM Cortex-A9 processor
- 2× CAN acc. to ISO 11898 (opt. 4× CAN)
- 2G/LTE
- Linux operating system
CAN Display
Robust display for mobile machines, commercial vehicles and engine applications. Visualization, monitoring and control of all commands and status information via CAN.
- 5" TFT 16:9 display
- 1× CAN acc. to ISO 11898 (opt. 2× CAN)
- J1939 protocol support
- Linux operating system
PLC controls
PLC controls with CODESYS V3.5 and extension option for individual adaptation.
- 3.5"–10,1" touch displays
- CAN-, EtherCAT and serial interfaces
- Integrated microSD slots
- Protection class up to IP67 on the front side