An Overview of Ezurio's i.MX 8 System on Modules

2. Nitrogen8ULP SOM

While the Nitrogen8M Mini SMARC excels in high-performance applications with its robust quad-core processing, the Nitrogen8ULP SOM focuses on ultra-low power consumption and compact design. It’s powered by the low power NXP i.MX 8ULP processor and it’s specifically designed NXP PMIC PCA9460A. Combined with the specifically designed carrier board; together they serve as a single board computer (SBC) that can speed your product to market. Alternatively, work with us to create a custom carrier that fits your mechanical, environmental, temperature, and interface requirements. 

Key features include: 

• Low Power Multiprocessing: ARM’s lowest power 64-bit microprocessor architecture, Cortex-A35, plus NXP’s dedicated µPower management subsystem which delivers 20 different power modes. 
• Advanced DSP Capabilities: Tensilica® HiFi 4 for high-performance audio/voice and Fusion F1 DSP for efficient keyword and sensor processing. 
• Compact and Durable Design: Optimized 51mm x 32mm form factor with robust board-to-board connectors.
• Secure Operation: Dedicated on-board security hardware, secure boot Linux, and high-performance and flexible storage for passwords, certificates, and data storage. 
• Target Applications: perfect for applications where efficient power management and space efficiency are critical, such as portable medical devices, smart home/smart building products, and industrial IoT devices for edge computing.  

3. Nitrogen8M Plus SMARC

Featuring NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus Processor, the highest performing 8M processor that our SOMs feature, the Nitrogen8M Plus SMARC provides superior performance. In combination with our Sterling LWB5+ Wi-Fi 5 / Bluetooth 5.2 radio based on Infineon’s CYW4373E, Ezurio brings a truly robust industrial IoT SOM that is designed to simplify your BOM and accelerate time to market. Build a product design that can be easily upgraded to the latest processors and wireless options utilizing its SMARC 2.1.1 standard form factor. 

Key features include: 

• Powerful Multiprocessing: Up to 1.8 GH quad-core Cortex-A53 microprocessor and 800 MHz Cortex-M7 microcontroller.
• Reliable Connectivity: Excellent Wi-Fi and BT Classic / LE connectivity in difficult environments, plus enterprise Wi-Fi support via WPA3-Enterprise for more secure and robust connections. 
• Machine Learning, Graphics, and Video: high-performance edge machine via an integrated neutral processing unit, up to 2.3 TOPS.
• Video and Audio: Up to 3 Displays: Up to 1200p60 or 4Kp30 displays, 2 MIPI-CSI camera interfaces, and dedicated Signal Processing up to 12MP. 
• SMARC 2.1.1 Standard: 82mm x 50mm SMARC edge connector form factor which includes onboard ethernet PHYs and a USB hub controller. 
• Target Applications: Perfect for wearable tech, portable medical devices, and IoT sensors.

4. Summit SOM 8M Plus System-on-Module with Wi-Fi 5 & Bluetooth 5.3

Also powered by the NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor, Ezurio’s Summit SOM 8M Plus stands out in the market as a secure, smart, and connected IoT SOM. Its main differentiator is its Summit Suite software. Summit Suite integrates multiple layers of leading-edge security software, all provided by Ezurio. Additionally, the SOM features machine learning up to 2.3 TOPS, a powerful 1.6 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 MPU, and an 800 MHz Cortex-M7 MCU. The use cases are nearly endless, with powerful video, audio, virtualization, and a full lifecycle management through Canvas Software Suite. 

Key features include:

• Hardware Specification: Powered by NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus processor and 99W8997 wireless silicon coupled with onboard NXP PMICs (PCA9450CHN and PM823UK)
• Full Product Lifecycle Management: our Canvas Software Suite helps built your wireless IoT applications to quickly get connected and visualize your data with script-driven extensible desktop and mobile tools. 
• Camera, Video, and Encode/Decode: 1200p60 or 4Kp30 (up to 3 displays), multi-codec encode/decode. 
• Summit Suite Security: FIPS Cryptographic Modules (FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validated), Chain of Trust Device Security, and software vulnerability monitoring and remediation. 
• Target Applications: Ideal for medical devices needing FIPS 140-2 Level 1, smart buildings and appliances, industrial IoT, vision systems, and printers/scanners. 

5. Nitrogen8M Plus SOM

The Nitrogen8M Plus SOM rounds out Ezurio’s offerings with its focus on delivering superior performance. Engineered with top-tier audio, voice, and video processing capabilities, the i.MX 8M applications processor is perfectly suited for a range of applications, from consumer home audio systems to industrial building automation and computer devices. 

The Nitrogen8M Plus SOM, and the upcoming non-SMARC SOMs are fundamentally identical to their SMARC counterparts, but differ in their physical interface, lacking the SMARC form factor and connector.  

Key features include:

• Powerful Processing and AI Capabilities: 4 x Cortex-A53 + Cortex M7 with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivering 2.25 TOPS.
• Rich Multimedia Support: Equipped with dual 4-lane MIPI-CSI camera inputs and HDR-capable ISP, supporting high resolution video with Hifi 4 Audio DSP for audio processing.
• Flexible Memory and Storage Options: Offers a range of 2-8GB LPFFR4 RAM and 16-128GB eMMC storage to accommodate varying demands of computing and data storage.
• Comprehensive Connectivity and Interfaces: Includes a broad array of connectivity options such as PCIe Gen. 3, USB 3.0, two Gigabit Ethernet controllers, and various display outputs including HDMI and MIPI-DSI. 
• Target Applications: A great choice for high-end multimedia kiosks, professional cameras, and industrial applications where real-time control is enabled by the 800 MHz Arm® Cortex®-M7.  

6. Nitrogen8M Mini SOM

While the Nitrogen8M Plus SOM excels in delivering high-performance machine learning, the Nitrogen8M Mini SOM offers a more streamlined, cost-effective solution, ideal for various embedded and IoT applications. It is suited for developers looking for a reliable, long-term solution capable of powering a wide range of applications from basic industrial controls to complex multimedia systems. Also features a low power microcontroller available for customer application, such as low power standby mode, IoT features including Weave, and manager IR or wireless remote. 

Key Features include:

• Robust Processing: equipped with a quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 processor running at 1.6GHz alongside a general-purpose Cortex M-4 400 MHz core for efficient, low power processing. 
• Rich Multimedia Capabilities: Features an HD Video Engine, dual MIPI interfaces for displays and cameras, supporting up to 1080p60 display via MIPI-DSI and high-definition video processing.
• Connectivity Options: Includes 2 high-speed USB ports, multiple I2C interfaces, PCIe, and 10/100/GB Ethernet, all via a carrier board, ensuring versatile connectivity for various applications.
• Target Applications: With its robust processing power and connectivity options, it can fit a variety of applications from industrial automation, human-machine interfaces, building control, digital signage, and infotainment systems. 

8. Nitrogen8M SOM

Ezurio’s Nitrogen8M SOM leverages NXP’s i.MX 8M family of processors, this SOM is built to accommodate industry-leading audio, voice, and video processing capabilities. Designed to support extensive customization to meet your specific project needs, let us help your project kick off and be ready to market faster. 

Key Features include:

• Processor Options: available with dual or quad Cortex-A53 cores, supplemented by a Cortex-M4F for multitasking and performance, reaching speeds up to 2 GHz.
• Multimedia Processing: Supports 4K and HDR video processing, dual MIPI-CSI camera inputs, and powerful Vivante GC70000Lite graphics. 
• I/O and Expansion Options: Equipped with HDMI, MIPI DSI, multiple USB ports, and PCIe expansions.
• Target Applications: It excels in environments requiring high-definition video processing, such as digital signage, multimedia kiosks, and advanced human-machine interfaces in industrial automation, making it a versatile choice for developers. 

Conclusion

Ezurio's i.MX 8 Series of System on Modules offers a powerful, versatile solution for a wide range of applications, from simple IoT devices to complex, power-intensive industrial systems. By integrating one of these SOMs, developers can significantly reduce development time and cost while leveraging cutting-edge technology. Whether your next project involves AI, multimedia, or connectivity, Ezurio’s i.MX 8 SOMs provide the reliable, high-performance foundation you need to succeed.

Learn more at https://www.ezurio.com/system-on-module/nxp-imx8.