Congatec Launches Low‑Power AI Flagship: NXP i.MX 8M Plus SMARC Modules

BU1: congatec SMARC modules powered by the new NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor.

Congatec’s SMARC‑based platforms, driven by the NXP i.MX 8M Plus, are engineered for embedded AI workloads. With a comprehensive ecosystem that includes a ready‑to‑use 3.5‑inch carrier board, Basler cameras, and an AI software stack, developers can prototype and validate concepts quickly. Martin Danzer Loncaric, Director of Product Management at congatec AG, confirms the ease of integration.

Historically, integrating Arm processors into turnkey systems was more complex than using x86. The SMARC computer‑on‑module specification has closed that gap, delivering ARM‑based solutions in standard form factors traditionally reserved for x86 PCs. Each new SMARC module expands the configuration palette, and the latest flagship, the NXP i.MX 8M Plus, exemplifies this trend.

Key Technical Highlights

The i.MX 8M Plus delivers four high‑performance Arm Cortex‑A53 cores, complemented by an on‑chip neural processing unit that delivers up to 2.3 TOPS of AI inference capability. An integrated image signal processor (ISP) further accelerates vision workloads, efficiently handling data from two MIPI CSI interfaces.

Real‑time control is supported by a Cortex‑M7 core, while Gigabit Ethernet with Time‑Sensitive Networking (TSN) guarantees deterministic communication. The processor’s built‑in ECC protects LPDDR4 memory up to 6 GB, and the Cortex‑M7 can serve as a fail‑safe unit in line with IEC 61508/IEC 61511.

Engineers can extend the platform with PCIe Gen 3, two USB 3.0 ports, and two SDIO slots, offering a robust Linux, Android, or FreeRTOS stack. Depending on the variant, the modules operate reliably between –40 °C and 85 °C. Power consumption ranges from 2 W to 6 W, and the onboard 128 GB eMMC runs in pSLC mode to prolong endurance.

Wide‑Ranging Applications

These SMARC modules excel in industrial settings that combine embedded vision, machine learning, and multimedia. Target sectors include Industry 4.0/IIoT, visual inspection, smart infrastructure, agriculture, construction, building automation, and measurement technology, underscoring the platform’s versatility.

Industry 4.0 with Real‑Time Networking

With built‑in watchdog, real‑time clock, and TSN‑capable Ethernet, the modules support safety‑critical control and synchronized edge deployments. They are ideal for networked manufacturing cells, autonomous logistics, and process industry automation.

Security is reinforced by NXP TrustZone, featuring hardware‑accelerated ECC and RSA via the CAAM module, a Resource Domain Controller (RDC) for isolated execution, and a secure High Assurance Boot that blocks unauthorised code at startup.

Custom Design via COM & Carrier

SMARC modules pair seamlessly with ready‑made 3.5‑inch carrier boards, enabling developers to bypass initial hardware design and accelerate time‑to‑market. Swapping modules for performance variants or upgrading to newer generations incurs minimal NRE costs, extending ROI and ensuring 15‑year availability for the i.MX 8M Plus line.

Author: Martin Danzer Loncaric, Director of Product Management, congatec AG.