It’s hard to keep up with all the systems-on-module based on Arm Cortex-A “application class” processors, but so far I can’t remember seeing any Arm Cortex-M “microcontroller class” SoM.
However, SoMLabs is currently working on VisionSOM-RT, a system-on-module based on NXP i.MX RT 1050 Arm Cortex-M7 processor clocked at 600 MHz. NXP i.MX RT series processors are actually promoted as a “crossover” processor delivering application processor performance with real-time capabilities right at the edge between the two classes of processors.
VisionSOM-RT (SLS12Rx) module preliminary specifications:
- SoC- NXP i.MX RT Arm Cortex-M7 processor @ up to 600MHz with NXP PXP 2D graphics accelerator, and Graphics Engine PXP PiXel processing pipeline for imagine resize, rotation, overlay and color space conversion.
- Memory – 512kB on-chip RAM memory, up to 32MB SDRAM
- Storage – Up to 16MB QuadSPI flash, optional 4GB eMMC flash
- 200-pin SO-DIMM edge connector with
- Display Interface – 8/16/24-bit Parallel RGB up to 1366 x 768 (WXGA)
- Networking – 10/100Mbit/s Ethernet (PHY required on based board)
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 OTG
- Low speed I/Os – Up to 4x I2C, up to 4x SPI, up to 2x FlexCAN, up to 8x UART
- Analog – 2x 12-bit ADC modules (up to 16 input channels)
- Audio interfaces – 3x I2S/SAI, S/PDIF Tx/Rx
- Security
- Advanced Security – High Assurance Boot (HAB), True random number generation (TRNG)
- Data Co-Processor (DCP) – AES-128, ECB, CBC mode, SHA-1, SHA-256, CRC-32
- Bus Encryption Engine (BEE) – AES-128, ECB, CTR mode, On-the-fly QSPI Flash decryption
- Misc – Built-in RTC
- Power Supply – 5V DC
- Dimensions – 67 x 32 x 4 mm
- Temperature Range – Industrial: –40 to +85°C
The module will support FreeRTOS real-time operating systems, and the company claims Altium Designer’s library file is available for all SoM variants (Schematics and PCB layout).
carrier board exposing an Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 ports, Arduino headers, a 24-bit RGB LCD display connector, as well as a few buttons, a micro USB console port, and a 40-pin Raspberry Pi header. The Wiki has more details about the carrier board.
SoMLabs explains the SoM targets home and industrial control systems, wireless application, communication solutions and real-time systems.
VisionSOM-RT system-on-module is in the final stages of development, and should become available in September 2018. A few more details may be found on the product page.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
