Advantech releases SMARC2.1 module for automation and industrial control
For ruggedised applications in automation and industrial control, Advantech has released the ROM-5620, powered by the NXP i.MX 8X processor.
The ROM-5620 uses the first Arm Cortex -A35 SoC based on the NXP i.MX8X application processor. It features a low power consumption design and extended operating temperature, which makes it suitable for automation equipment and human machine interface (HMI) devices, points out Advantech. The automotive grade SoC and related industrial grade components provide long life cycle support and wide operating temperature from -40 to +85 degrees C. Equipped with AIM-Linux and WISE-DeviceOn software services, ROM-5620 provides long-term maintenance, industrial apps and software development kit (SDK) add ons within the Linux board support package for better time-to-market support. Two GbE Ethernet controllers, two CAN bus, software configurable display solutions with dual channel LVDS or MIPI-DSI and a range of I/O interfaces like PCIe 3.0, USB 3.0 and four-Lane MIPI-CSI2 are default supported on the ROM-5620 SMARC 2.0 computer on module (COM).
The ROM-5620 is characterised by its high efficiency and is claimed to provide 40 per cent higher performance and 10 per cent lower power consumption comparing to the Cortex-A7 platform. ROM-5620 is powered by NXP’s i.MX 8X SoC, with two to four core energy-efficient Cortex-A35 processor for mid-range automation and industrial market segments, one Cortex-M4F core for real-time processing, and one Tensilica Hi-Fi 4 DSP for efficient audio and voice codec execution. For graphic performance, the Vivante GC7000 Lite graphics processing unit (GPU) provides 4K H.265 capable decoder and dual 1080P60 display controller.
Following the SMARC 2.0 standard, the COM leverages high-bandwidth 2Gbyte LPDDR4 memory, 16Gbyte eMMC and dual GbE LAN controllers. It also provides a flexible display for one dual channel LVDS or two four-lane MIPI-DSI through software configuration. I/O expansion choices include USB3.0, two USB2.0, PCIe3.0, SDIO and three UART ports for wireless module connectivity. There are also one four-lane MIPI-CSI2, four I2C, two SPI, two CAN bus and 12 GPIO interfaces.
The ROM-5620 will be available in Q2, 2020.
Advantech promotes IoT hardware and software solutions with the Edge Intelligence WISE-PaaS core to assist business partners and clients in connecting their industrial chains. Advantech is also working with business partners to co-create business ecosystems that accelerate the goal of industrial intelligence.
