Secure i.MX 91 processors bring Linux to the edge, says NXP
Bringing Linux capabilities to “thousands of edge applications” the i.MX 9 series of processors streamlines the development of cost-optimised edge devices that require security, performance and Linux support in a scalable, reliable platform, said NXP Semiconductors.
The processors are designed for the next generation of Linux-based IoT and industrial applications.
Emerging protocols, such as Matter or the ISO 15118-20 standard for electric vehicle (EV) chargers, create inflection points for new products, many of which rely on Linux for use in IoT and industrial markets. The i.MX 91 family has been developed to enable users to quickly create new Linux-based edge devices, such as home controllers, connected appliances, home entertainment, industrial scanning and printing, building control, EV chargers and medical platforms, advised NXP.
The i.MX 91 is the entry point of the i.MX 9 series and has hardware and software commonality with NXP’s i.MX 93 family.
It will “provide the foundation for thousands of new device classes, with its high performance, connectivity and EdgeLock secure enclave setting a new standard for Linux platforms across IoT and industrial applications,” said Charles Dachs, senior vice president and general manager, of industrial and IoT edge, at NXP. He continued: “The i.MX 91 family enables the rapid development of platforms that may easily pivot into new markets and new applications, leveraging existing investments and streamlining product line updates.”
The i.MX 91 applications processor features an Arm Cortex-A55 running at up to 1.4GHz with support for LPDDR4 memory and dual Gigabit Ethernet for gateway or multi-network segment support. There are also dual USB ports and I/O for products in smart factory, smart home, smart office, medical device, metering and cost-optimised system on module platforms.
An integrated EdgeLock secure enclave provides lifecycle management, tamper detection, secure boot, and a simplified path to certifications. These important security capabilities are easily accessed by the developers through NXP-provided security software enablement.
The i.MX 91 family is available with NXP’s co-developed and cost-optimised power management solution, available as part of the i.MX 93 family ecosystem. The evaluation kits and software packages for the i.MX 91 family integrate with NXP’s scalable wireless portfolio which includes the IW612, the industry’s first monolithic tri-radio family that supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and 802.15.4. The IW612, focused on Matter, frees consumers from the restrictions of single-protocol ecosystems, allowing them to enjoy seamless interoperability across different ecosystems and wireless network technologies.
NXP’s i.MX applications processors are available worldwide through distributors and eTailers. They are enabled by NXP software, a broad ecosystem of tools and software, and comprehensive support. To help ensure a stable supply of products for embedded designs, all i.MX 8 series and i.MX 9 series products are guaranteed for a minimum of 15 years of availability as members of the NXP product longevity programme.
NXP expects to enable select customers with i.MX 91 development platforms in the second half of 2023 as part of the early access programme.
