COM-based module targets HMI and IoT
Designed for Avnet Integrated’s large portfolio of x86- and Arm-based Qseven modules, the first SimpleFlex is a cost-optimised COM-based platform, designed to enable engineers to bring HMI and IoT products to market more quickly.
The compact MSC Q7-MB-EP5 is easy to configure and flexible to match the requirements of various applications, says Avnet Integrated. It is the first SimpleFlex platform available and is ready-to-use, says the company. It has been cost-efficiently adapted with the required interfaces and assembled in-house at full-automatic production lines, Avnet adds.
The SimpleFlex MSC Q7-MB-EP5 is in a 3.5-inch (148 x 102mm) form factor and offers a large number of functions typically required for applications with x86- and Arm-based Qseven modules. The Qseven module socket is located on the top of the board. The embedded platform can be equipped with modules from the MSC Q7-AL (Apollo Lake), MSC Q7-BW (Braswell), MSC Q7-BT (Bay Trail), MSC Q7‑IMX6Plus (Cortex A9) and future MSC Q7-IMX8MINI (Cortex-A53) families.
The flexible MSC Q7-MB-EP5 platform offers dual Gigabit Ethernet and up to two SATA II interfaces. Further ports are available for USB 3.0, USB 2.0, RS232/485 and optional CAN. Modern displays can be connected via DisplayPort/uHDMI, LVDS and eDP. Sockets for mini PCI Express cards, for mSATA cards and SD/Micro SDs can extend the interface variety and memory diversity. The input voltage ranges from 10 to 36V DC.
There are 34 pre-validated interface combinations available, to customise the module. SimpleFlex is best suited for series production with large quantities, advises Avnet Integrated. The embedded platform can be ideally combined with all displays and touchscreens to build up a complete human machine interface (HMI) system.
The SimpleFlex embedded platform is the basis for HMI systems, complex display systems, IoT gateways, professional infotainment systems, object recognition systems, transportation applications, medical devices, gaming systems and building automation. The MSC Q7-MB-EP5 is specified for the extended temperature range from -40 to +85 degrees C.
In addition to embedded modules, Avnet Integrated offers design tools such as board support packages and support for various operating systems including BIOS. The comprehensive security solutions include secure boot, secure flash, BIOS write protection and the customer-specific chain of trust. Various heat spreaders and heat sinks are available for easy system integration.
For connectivity options, the MSC Q7-MB-EP5 can optionally be equipped with a WLAN/Bluetooth/NFC module, which will come either with on-board antenna or with an antenna connector.
In the coming months, Avnet Integrated will be introducing a second SimpleFlex platform for the SMARC 2.0 module families.
