Introduction of i.MX 8M Plus

i.MX 8M Plus is a heterogeneous application processor for edge intelligence and edge computing launched by NXP. In addition to high-performance CPUs, it also has powerful GPU, NPU and ISP for high computing power and labor. Smart application.

This is NXP's first i.MX series processor that integrates a dedicated neural processing engine (NPU), which can realize edge-end advanced machine learning inference in fields such as industry and the Internet of Things.

The FETMX8MP-C SoM built by Forlinx Embedded based on this i.MX 8M Plus processor, in addition to inheriting the above-mentioned processor capabilities, the system on module also integrates key components such as LPDDR4, eMMC, and PMIC to form a The smallest system that runs independently; at the same time, considering the different needs of low-cost basic applications and high-end NPU applications, DDR can choose 2GB, 4GB, 6GB, and 8GB versions.

The advantage of this SoM lies not only in performance, but also in its rich functions, such as dual Gigabit Ethernet, dual CAN-FD, 2 USB3.0, PCIe3.0, LVDS, HDMI, MIPI-DSI, MIPI-CSI, etc. The interface is comprehensive.

Advantage of FETMX8MP-C SoM

1. Powerful CPU

The NXP industrial-grade i.MX 8M Plus processor on this FETMX8MP-C core board has 4x Cortex-A53 and 1x Cortex-M7 with a main frequency of up to 1.8GHz (industrial-grade 1.6GHz), high-speed data throughput, Processing, complex human-computer interaction interface processing.

2. Advanced technology

Compared with the 28nm process of i.MX6Q, i.MX 8M Plus uses 14nm LPC FinFET process technology.

Under the same computing load, i.MX 8M Plus has lower power consumption and lower heat generation. Under the same conditions, i.MX 8M Plus can exert higher processing power!

3. High-speed Communication Interface

The FETMX8MP-C core board has 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x CAN-FD, 2x USB3.0, PCIe3.0, 2x SDIO3.0 and other high-speed communication interfaces.

Dual Gigabit Ethernet helps to ensure that data is transmitted at the correct time to support the time-sensitive requirements of the factory floor; while 2x CAN-FD increases the transmission rate, it also supports low-latency communication and network functions.

4. Powerful Multimedia Functions

FETMX8MP-C supports three display interfaces: LVDS, HDMI, and MIPI-DSI, with a maximum resolution of 4K, and the three display interfaces can work at the same time, supporting three different displays.

5. High-performance NPU

The FETMX8MP-C system on module processor integrates a high-performance NPU with 2.3TOPS computing power.

By combining the high-performance Cortex-A53 core with the NPU, edge devices will support machine learning and inference input with little or no human intervention, thereby making smart decisions locally.

Its application range covers the object recognition of people and objects. Through the processing of natural language, it can not only support industrial machine vision and public safety, but also detect gestures and emotions, with ultra-fast response time and high accuracy. Achieve seamless interaction between people and devices.

6. Long life cycle

The FETMX8MP-C SoM complies with industry standards and can operate continuously and stably for a long time within the temperature range of -40°C-85°C;

In addition, the i.MX 8M Plus processor has also joined NXP's 15-year continuous supply plan, which can be guaranteed for at least 15 years after the product is released. With this advantage, the FETMX8MP-C core board can meet the long life cycle needs caused by product certification and long development cycles, such as fire safety products, medical products, and vehicle transportation products.

i.MX6Q VS i.MX 8M Plus

Maybe these features can’t directly reflect the power of this processor, so let’s compare it with the i.MX6 series.

Forlinx launched a low-cost core board with no NPU 2GB RAM version, and compatible with the 4GB version pin-to-pin, to meet the needs of users Cast Down.

Target Application

1. Smart medical equipment

Whether it is a high-speed fluorescence quantitative PCR equipment that relies on image recognition or a high-speed detection equipment that communicates with FPGA through PCIe; its Gigabit Ethernet supports jumbo frames and can be connected to high-speed industrial cameras; PCIe 3.0 can achieve 8GT/s communication and FPGA real-time Interactive, and relying on its powerful CPU processing capabilities, can improve the detection speed of the device; FETMX8MP-C can easily handle it!

2. HMI empowered by artificial intelligence

FETMX8MP-C can improve industrial productivity and automation. It can accurately identify objects through machine vision and machine learning, and achieve predictive maintenance of equipment by accurately detecting abnormal machine operation. In addition, by combining accurate face recognition, voice/command recognition and gesture recognition, the factory man-machine interface can be more intuitive and safer. FETMX8MP-C supports Industry 4.0 IT/OT integration, integrates Gigabit Ethernet with Time Sensitive Network (TSN), and combines Arm Cortex-M7 real-time processing functions to provide deterministic wired network connection and processing.

3. Artificial intelligence edge computing terminal

Edge computing is favored by industries such as industrial automation and smart transportation for its low bandwidth usage, high security, high reliability, and low latency. The migration of artificial intelligence from the cloud to the edge has brought faster edge computing. The FETMX8MP-C, with its own GPU and NPU advantages, provides a hardware carrier for edge computing applications with artificial intelligence.