NXP Launches i.MX 8M Plus: A Multicore Edge Processor with Built‑In Neural Processing Unit

NXP Semiconductors N.V. expands its EdgeVerse portfolio with the launch of its i.MX 8M Plus application processor. This is the first device in the i.MX family to integrate a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for advanced machine learning inference at the industrial and IoT edge. It also incorporates an independent real‑time subsystem, dual‑camera ISP, a high‑performance DSP, and a 3D GPU for edge applications.

The i.MX 8M Plus delivers a 2.3 TOPS NPU, a quad‑core Arm Cortex‑A53 subsystem running at up to 2 GHz, an independent 800 MHz Cortex‑M7 real‑time core, an 800 MHz audio DSP for voice and natural‑language processing, dual camera image‑signal processors, and a 3D GPU for rich graphics rendering.

This architecture allows the processor to run multiple, highly‑complex neural networks simultaneously—such as multi‑object detection, 40,000‑plus‑word speech recognition, and medical imaging—by off‑loading inference to the NPU. The Cortex‑A, Cortex‑M, DSP, and GPU cores then focus on other system‑level or user applications, maximizing performance while reducing power consumption.

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i.MX 8M Plus architecture combines multiple cores with a neural processing unit for machine learning acceleration. (Source: NXP)

The dual integrated ISPs support two high‑definition cameras for real‑time stereo vision or a single 12‑MP camera, offering high dynamic range (HDR) and fisheye lens correction. These features enable real‑time image‑processing applications such as surveillance, smart retail, robot vision, and home health monitoring.

For voice applications, the i.MX 8M Plus integrates a high‑performance HiFi 4 DSP that enhances natural‑language processing with pre‑ and post‑processing of voice streams. The Cortex‑M7 domain can run real‑time response systems, while the application processor domain executes complex non‑real‑time tasks, reducing overall system power by shutting down the A‑core domain during wake‑word detection.

In multimedia and video processing, the i.MX 8M Plus can compress multiple video feeds using H.265 or H.264 HD encoders/decoders for cloud streaming or local storage. It delivers a rich user experience with 3D/2D graphics and Immersiv3D audio support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

The processor is well suited for industrial IoT, enabling productivity and automation with machines that inspect, measure, and precisely identify objects, as well as perform predictive maintenance by detecting anomalies in operation. It supports Industry 4.0 IT/OT convergence with Gigabit Ethernet and Time‑Sensitive Networking (TSN).

Additional industrial‑ready features include error‑correction code (ECC) for internal memories and the DDR interface, an industrial temperature range of –40 °C to 105 °C, a 100 % power‑on profile, and a 15‑year longevity commitment.

Samples of the i.MX 8M Plus processor will be available in Q1 2020.