SMARC modules from congatec now include NXP’s i.MX8 processors
A carrier board in the standardised 3.5-inch SBC footprint has been released by congatec. The conga-SMC1 has a socket for Arm-based SMARC modules and I/Os optimised for use with congatec’s NXP i.MX8 module portfolio with 12 processor configurations. Congatec said that this board design is a step further towards commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) available standard boards and systems, when the Arm processor world is traditionally characterised by proprietary designs. OEMs can implement their system solutions using the large ecosystems of standard form factors. Rapid customisation of I/Os is another benefit of this modular design and suitable for any small or medium-sized project.
The modular 3.5-inch carrier board makes Arm designs attractive for small industrial boards, which until now have been dominated by x86 technology, says congatec. Additionally, customer-specific designs can be implemented faster and more cost-effectively with modular boards.
The conga-SMC1 3.5-inch board has a SMARC socket for scalable processor performance and is optimised for MIPI cameras, which can now be connected directly and without any additional hardware. There are two MIPI-CSI 2.0 connectors, making it possible to develop systems that provide three-dimensional vision for situational awareness in autonomous vehicles. The COTS platform can be combined with processor-integrated support for artificial intelligence and neural networks and is completed with comprehensive software support with precompiled binaries with a suitably configured bootloader, appropriately compiled Linux, Yocto and Android images, as well as all required drivers that are available to congatec customers on GitHub.
The conga-SMC1 is scalable in 12 performance steps from the most powerful i.MX 8QuadMax processors to the i.MX 8M Mini processors in 14nm technology and the low-power i.MX 8X processors.
Its footprint measures 146 x 102mm. The conga‑SMC1 offers dual GbE, five USB and USB hub support as well as SATA 3 for external hard drives or SSDs. For specific expansions, the board offers a miniPCIe slot as well as an M.2 Type E E2230 slot with I2S, PCIe and USB and an M.2 Type B B2242/2280 with two PCIe and one USB. An integrated MicroSim slot for IoT connection is also provided, next to specific embedded interfaces such as four UART, two CAN, eight GPIO, I2C and SPI ports. Displays can be connected via HDMI, LVDS/eDP/DP and MIPI-DSI.
The board further offers two MIPI-CSI inputs for camera connection. I2S sound can be implemented via an audio jack.
