Avnet Embedded announces SMARC 2.1™ module featuring NXP‘s i.MX 8M Plus for Edge based embedded vision and audio AI applications

The scalable MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS module family features high computing power with efficient power consumption between 2 and 7 W, depending on the version. Typical applications include machine learning solutions, intelligent image processing systems, professional multimedia systems, industrial IoT, and smart home/ building automation solutions.

The compact MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS SMARC 2.1 module family, with dimensions of 82 x 50mm (short-size form factor), is specified for operation in the full industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C.

Jens Plachetka, Manager Board Platforms, Avnet Embedded, says: “We have been collaborating with NXP as one of the early-access partners of the new i.MX 8M Plus applications processor. Leveraging our many decades of leadership in design and manufacturing high-end industrial computing, we were able to design the first module prototypes in a very short time and are now ready to provide samples to our customers to support them in development of the next generation of innovative AI-based products.”

“The MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS SMARC 2.1 from Avnet Embedded, based on i.MX 8M Plus SoC is the latest addition to an impressive module portfolio based on NXP’s technology,” said Robert Thompson, Director of i.MX Ecosystem, NXP. “We are excited to have Avnet Embedded as a collaborator in NXP’s embedded ecosystem, helping consumers in various market segments, including embedded vision and audio AI applications.”

With the MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS modules, Avnet Embedded enhances its broad portfolio of compact SMARC 2.1 standard modules based on the powerful i.MX 8 applications processor series from NXP. In addition to MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS modules, the high-end MSC SM2S-IMX8 module family, MSC SM2S-IMX8M models, and the cost-effective MSC SM2S-IMX8MINI and MSC SM2S-IMX8NANO versions are available.

As a leading supplier of innovative embedded solutions, Avnet Embedded provides an extensive ecosystem for standard modules. This includes complete design tools such as starter kits and board support packages (BSPs) and comprehensive services such as design-in support and carrier design review. The company develops all embedded modules in its Technology Campuses. The products are manufactured in large quantities in highly automated production facilities in Germany.

Technical specifications:

The compact MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS SMARC 2.1 module family features high scalability and can be equipped with different dual- or quad-core i.MX 8M Plus application processors from NXP. The processors are built using 14nm LPC FinFET process technology.

The MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS modules integrate dual- or quad-core Arm® Cortex-A53 processors running at up to 1.8GHz, the 800 MHz Arm® Cortex-M7 real time processor and the efficient GC7000UL multimedia 2D/3D graphics processing unit (GPU) with OpenCl™ and Vulkan® support. Versions are available with and without the video processing unit (VPU), machine learning accelerator (NPU) or image signal processor (ISP).

Up to 4GB fast LPDDR4 SDRAM with inline ECC support and up to 256GB eMMC Flash memory (optional) are available on the modules for program and data storage. The extensive range of embedded interfaces includes two Gigabit Ethernet connections with IEEE 1588 support (one with TSN support), USB 3.0, USB 2.0, two CAN-FD interfaces and the graphics interfaces dual-channel LVDS, MIPI DSI and HDMI 2.0. Camera modules can be connected via two MIPI CSI-2 interfaces. Optionally, the MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS boards are available with a wireless module (WLAN/BT).