Accelerating Industrial Edge Vision with NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus Processor

NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus processor brings machine‑learning‑powered vision to the industrial edge, enabling real‑time decision making and secure data handling.

The rapid automation of manufacturing and industrial processes has created an increasing need for intelligent vision‑based systems. These systems capture visual input and apply advanced processing techniques to make decisions in real time, often as part of larger control architectures that require reliable, low‑latency communication.

With its integrated neural processing unit (NPU) and dual MIPI CSI camera interfaces, the i.MX 8M Plus applications processor delivers the performance and flexibility required for embedded vision at the edge. This article explores its key features and how it can be leveraged in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

The Benefits of Edge Computing

Unlike traditional cloud computing, which relies on external servers, edge computing brings computation closer to the source of data. This local processing keeps sensitive information on‑premises, reduces bandwidth consumption, and minimizes latency, allowing faster and more reliable real‑time decision making.

With an embedded NPU, edge devices can filter out noise and irrelevant data before sending only the most valuable information to the cloud. This not only saves network resources but also lowers storage and processing costs downstream, enhancing overall system efficiency.

Figure 1. NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus Applications Processor Evaluation Kit

The i.MX 8M Plus Applications Processor

The processor integrates two MIPI CSI camera interfaces and dual image signal processors (ISPs) capable of up to 12 MP resolution, paired with a 2.3 TOPS NPU that accelerates machine‑learning workloads. The ISPs reduce system complexity, cost, and power consumption while delivering high‑quality imaging at two megapixels and beyond.

Multimedia support is extensive: the SoC handles video encoding and decoding, 2D and 3D graphics acceleration, and audio/voice functionality, making it ideal for applications that demand rich media handling.

Connectivity is robust, featuring two gigabit Ethernet controllers (one with Time‑Sensitive Networking and the other supporting Audio‑Video Bridging), dual CAN‑FD interfaces, two USB 3.0/2.0 ports, a PCIe Gen3 interface, and three SDIO 3.0 controllers.

Leveraging heterogeneous computing, the i.MX 8M Plus offers multiple programmable cores: Arm Cortex‑A53 cores running Yocto Linux for application development, and an M7 core that provides real‑time performance or low‑power operation as needed.

Figure 2. Evaluation board showcasing the wide variety of ports available to connect the i.MX 8M Plus to existing equipment.

Reliability is paramount in industrial environments. The processor includes DRAM inline ECC and ECC on on‑chip RAM, detecting and correcting memory errors to ensure data integrity.

With these capabilities, the i.MX 8M Plus is well suited for vision‑based embedded systems ranging from factory line quality control to intelligent smart‑home controllers that monitor climate and security.

Figure 3. The i.MX 8M Plus Processor works in a wide variety of applications.

Extreme Operating Conditions, Longevity, and Reliability

Designed for long‑term deployment, the i.MX 8M Plus is industrial‑qualified to operate for up to 10 years in a temperature range from –40 °C to 105 °C. It also participates in NXP’s 15‑year longevity program, guaranteeing supply for 15 years after launch—an essential feature for applications with extended certification or software development timelines.

Use‑Cases

The processor supports a broad spectrum of applications, including industrial HMI, automation controllers, machine vision systems, medical equipment, home security and surveillance, and fleet management. For a full list of target applications, visit the i.MX 8M Plus product page.

Key application notes:

1. Using Code‑Signing Tool with Hardware Security Module
2. Strengthening Public Key Cryptography using CAAM Secure Key
3. i.MX 8M Plus NPU Warmup Time

Available evaluation boards:

• DART-MX8M-PLUS
• MSC SM2S-IMX8PLUS
• i.Core MX8M Plus
• phyCORE-i.MX 8M Plus

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