New SMARC module from Kontron

The new SMARC module offers high performance for sophisticated computing-intensive applications, 3D visualisation and a wide range of communication applications. Numerous digital I/Os and serial communication interfaces as well as PWM and SDIO interfaces make the module perfect for industrial applications. The latest processor (4x Arm Cortex-A53, 1x Arm Cortex-M7) and memory technology (LPDDR4) make it easy and quick to be used for custom board and application developments. The RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processors of the Arm-based CPU are the perfect basis for cost-sensitive embedded applications with high energy efficiency combined with high computing and graphics performance.

The powerful NXP i.MX8M Plus SoM features an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) with a 2.3 TOPS AI processor. Universal programmability, fast pattern recognition and low power consumption are just some of the advantages of the processor. The i.MX8 application processor is part of NXP's EdgeVerse platform. This provides scalable and secure edge computing solutions for high-performance edge applications in the fields of IoT and Industry 4.0.

Together with the Dual CAN interface as well as the dual GbE connection the integrated Cortex M7 processor core enables real-time applications. One LAN port supports the Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) standard for real-time data transmission. A major advantage of TSN communication technology is its extensive independence from the physical transmission layer. Both wired and wireless connections, such as the latest 5G cellular standard, are possible.

The new SMARC module will be available in Q3/2024.