Complete IoT design platform features ConnectCore

The kit is a complete, off-the-shelf Single Board Computer (SBC) designed specifically for rapid development, prototyping and productisation of a secure gateway platform for intelligent connected devices. It enables more efficient, rapid delivery of connected products and applications requiring multiple access points, offering the highest levels of reliability and flexibility while facilitating development of key areas – including display capabilities – essential for powering today’s advanced IoT and M2M solutions.

Delivering a complete software platform requiring little to no hardware development to create a wide range of connected devices, the ConnectCore for i.MX6UL Development Kit leverages the NXP i.MX6UL System-on-Module (SOM) to provide:

• A complete IoT design platform: The kit includes all functionality on one board and allows designers to address all development needs, including a proven reference design for module-based development, a rapid prototyping platform for quickly creating proof-of-concepts, and a productisation-ready platform to quickly bring fully developed intelligent connected products to market.
• Off-the-shelf Single-Board-Computer: Built on the ConnectCore for i.MX6UL module, the SBC delivers a complete off-the-shelf SBC with all the features and capabilities to build industrial-strength wired and wireless connected devices. Features include:
  • A compact Pico-ITX form factor (100x72mm) with mounting options, industrial operating temperature range, 256MB of highly reliable NAND flash and 256MB DDR3 memory – both expandable to 2GB.
  • Wired and wireless connectivity through dual 10/100Mbit Ethernet networking, pre-certified 802.11a/b/g/n/ac networking, and Bluetooth 4.2 with Bluetooth low energy (LE) connectivity with external antenna options, and Near-field communication (NFC).
  • Optional cellular connectivity via PCI Express Mini Card and integrated Micro SIM slot.
  • Digi XBee socket supporting the broad line of Digi XBee RF modules for 802.15.4, ZigBee, Thread, Digi Mesh, and Sub-GHz wireless connectivity.
  • 24-bit LVDS and RGB parallel LCD support (up to WXGA), camera, SD card storage, on-board eMMC flash option, energy-harvesting NFC tag capabilities (NXP NTAG), USB host/device, I/O connectors (CAN, UART, SPI, I2C, GPIO), user LEDs and buttons, power in/out, and battery connector.
  • Industrial operating temperature from -40 to 85° C, and IEC 60068-2 temperature, shock, and vibration rated compliance.
• An intelligent and secure communication engine: Based on the NXP i.MX 6UltraLite applications processor, the ConnectCore for i.MX6UL SOM is designed as an intelligent embedded platform featuring an extremely small footprint and low power consumption to build highly cost-effective and dependable connected devices without the traditional hardware or software design risk. The module offers a unique low-profile, patent-pending Digi SMTplus surface mount form factor slightly larger than a postage stamp that provides two cost-optimised integration options (fully featured LGA, and simplified castellated edge vias), and ultra-low power operation using seamlessly integrated Microcontroller Assist (MCA) capabilities.

With Digi’s complete Linux Board Support Package (BSP), the Development Kit delivers an integrated and tested Yocto Project Linux software platform with regular maintenance based on current, stable releases, and full source code access. Additionally, the new Digi TrustFence Device Security Framework provides critical device security features out-of-the-box, such as secure connections, secure boot, encrypted file systems, access-controlled ports and seamless integration of a dedicated on-module Secure Element (SE).

“The ConnectCore for i.MX6UL Development Kit delivers a complete and unique reference design and embedded development platform for smart, secure connected devices and gateways,” said Mike Rohrmoser, Director of product management, embedded systems at Digi International. “Built on the standard Pico-ITX form factor, it offers both a rapid development and immediate productisation platform. It is highly integrated, fully validated and backed by Digi’s expertise, hardware, software, and services support.”

As compared to the Starter Kit (see “Digi International Announces Immediate Availability of ConnectCore for i.MX6UL Starter Kit”), the SBC is focused on the creation of connected smart gateway capabilities, including those requiring more flexible implementation options such as integration of multiple wireless technologies, or LCD and camera support.

Digi ConnectCore 6UL Development Kit is available at $249. Kits will be available from authorised Digi distributors.