Single core Cortex-A55 option for system modules and single-board computer

These recently introduced processors flesh-out the low end of NXP’s i.MX 9x range with a single Arm Cortex-A55 core, intended to run Linux in edge devices.

As well as the 45 x 45mm (size L) system-on-module, iWave has created a 100 x 72mm Pico-ITX single-board computer built around the module. Both module and board are specified over the industrial -40 to +85°C temperature range.

Alongside the processor, running up to 1.4GHz, the IC has a security enclave that offers life-cycle management, tamper detection and secure boot. There is also dual Gigabit Ethernet (one with time-sensitive networking) and dual USB ports.

This is joined on the module by 2Gbyte LPDDR4 RAM, 16Gbyte eMMC flash, a 4bit SD interface, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 and IEEE802.15.4.

It has “provision for 662 contacts, offering the highest pin-to-area ratio across SoM standards”, said iWave. “The ability to directly solder the SoM on to the carrier card ensures high levels of robustness. [It] is ideal for products prone to vibrations.”

To the above, the single-board computer (left), which doubles as an evaluation board, adds a GNSS receiver for GPS, Glonass, Galileo and BeiDou, dual Ethernet connectors, multiple USB connectors (2.0 OTG microAB, dual TypeA 2.0 Host and Type-C), a Micro SD slot, 3.5mm audio in-out, a Key B M.2 slot, RS232 on a header and an expansion connector with UART, CAN, ADC and PWM.

A board support package is available, and “iWave maintains a product longevity program and ensures the availability of the modules for 10+ years”, it said.

Applications are foreseen in smart factories, smart homes, medical devices and smart metering.

i.MX 91 OSM System on Module Product Page  and i.MX 91 Single Board Computer Product Page

In April, iWave released robot software ROS 2 for its similar i.MX 8 Pico-ITX single-board computers.