congatec, a provider of embedded and Edge computing technology, has introduced new high-performance computer-on-modules (COMs) featuring i.MX 95 processors from NXP, thereby expanding its extensive portfolio of low-power NXP i.MX Arm processors. This move reinforces congatec’s strong partnership with NXP. Customers can benefit from easy scalability and reliable upgrade paths for both existing and new energy-efficient edge AI applications that require high security.
These new modules deliver up to three times the GFLOPS computing performance compared to the previous generation with i.MX8 M Plus processors. NXP’s new neural processing unit, ‘eIQ Neutron’, doubles the inference performance for AI-accelerated machine vision. Additionally, the hardware-integrated EdgeLock secure enclave simplifies the implementation of internal cybersecurity measures.
The new conga-SMX95 SMARC modules are designed to operate within an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. They are mechanically robust and optimised for cost- and energy-efficient applications. The integrated high-performance eIQ Neutron NPU enables AI-accelerated workloads to be performed closer to the local device level.
Specific applications for the new SMARC modules include AI-accelerated low-power tasks in sectors such as industrial production, machine vision and visual inspection, rugged HMIs, 3D printers, robotics controllers in AMR and AGV, as well as medical imaging and patient monitoring systems. Additional target applications include passenger seatback entertainment in buses and aircraft, fleet management in transportation, and construction and farming.
The new conga-SMX95 SMARC 2.1 modules are based on the next generation of the NXP i.MX 95 application processors with 4-6 Arm Cortex-A55 cores. NXP is now utilising the new Arm Mali 3D graphics unit, which delivers up to three times the GPU performance compared to predecessors based on i.MX8 M Plus. Also new is the image signal processor (ISP) for hardware-accelerated image processing.
Particularly noteworthy is the NXP eIQ Neutron NPU for hardware-accelerated AI inference and machine learning (ML) on-the-edge in the new SMARC modules. The corresponding eIQ software development environment from NXP provides OEMs with a high-performance development platform that simplifies the implementation of internal ML applications.
Moreover, the new SMARC modules integrate a real-time domain for real-time controllers. The conga-SMX95 SMARC modules offer 2x Gbit Ethernet with TSN for synchronised and deterministic network data transmission, LPDDR5 (with inline ECC) for data security. For display connectivity, the new modules offer DisplayPort as the standard interface and the widely used LVDS display interface. For direct camera connectivity, the modules have 2x MIPI-CSI.
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