congatec introduces conga-SMX8-Nano SMARC 2.0 Computer-on-Module

December 3, 2019  - congatec – a vendor of standardized and customized embedded computer boards and modules –introduced a SMARC 2.0 Computer-on-Module with ArmCortex-A53based NXP Semiconductors i.MX 8M Nano processor. The conga-SMX8-Nano defines a low-end performance class for SMARC. With its graphics capabilities as well as its limited number of I/Os, the NXP i.MX 8M Mini compatible NXP i.MX 8M Nano processor targets low cost application areas for vendor independent, standardized Computer-on-Modules. Only up to 2 watt are needed for the logic of a mobile handheld device. Engineers can also turn a complex medical user interface with various mechanical buttons into a touch based and GUI or give industrial devices an interactive screen. All this, headless systems with IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol support for tactile IIoT, is now possible.

With the ecosystem of SMARC Computer-on-Modules, engineers have far more ready to use components, standardized APIs and comprehensive BSPs. Typical application areas are GUIs for edge devices which, if required, can also include voice assistance and voice controls. Vertical markets include wireless and networked medical and industrial equipment as well as home appliances and electronics, digital signage systems and mobile or outdoor devices, including smart city infrastructures such as small form factor digital bus time tables or headless platforms for edge gateways in smart cities as well as e-charging and free floating mobility devices.

The NXP i.MX 8M Nano processor based SMARC modules are application ready subsystems that come with a comprehensive ecosystem including boot loader implementation, pre-qualified Linux, Yocto and Android BSPs, and evaluation carrier boards. congatec’s personal integration support and range of individually selectable technical services work to simplify the integration of this new Arm based NXP processor for customers.

The conga-SMX8-Nano SMARC Computer-on-Modules feature the NXP i-MX 8M Nano processor and are addressing ultra-low power GUIs as well as headless industrial controls including IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol support for tactile IIoT. They are available in three variants with quad, dual or single core Arm Cortex-A53 processor, each variant seconded by 1 Cortex-M7. Each version is available for the extended (0°C to +60°C) and industrial (-40°C to +85°C) temperature range. The optional, processor integrated GC7000UltraLite 3D GPU supports 2x shader as well as OpenGL, OpenCL and Vulkan. Embedded displays can be connected via dual channel LVDS, eDP or MIPI-DSI. Up to 2 GByte of low-power LPDDR4 and an eMMC 5.1 non-volatile memory with up to 128 GByte provide extensive memory capacity on the module. Embedded cameras are connected via the MIPI-CSI-2 interface, while 4x USB 2.0 and 3x UART are state-of-the-art for industrial use. For intersystem connection, the module offers 1x Gbit Ethernet as well as optional M2 WiFi/Bluetooth extension.