PicoCore RT1 System-on-Module Runs FreeRTOS on NXP i.MX RT1050 Crossover Processor

F&S Elektronik Systeme PicoCore RT1 is a System-on-Module powered by NXP i.MX RT1050 crossover processor designed to offer the real-time capabilities of microcontrollers and the performance of application processors thanks to an Arm Cortex-M7 core clocked at up to 600 MHz.

The 40×35 mm module is also equipped with 32MB SDRAM, 256MB “high-reliability QSPI NOR flash, and 16KB EEPROM, and offers various interfaces including Ethernet, RGB LCD, and USB via board-to-board connectors.

PicoCore RT1 (V1) SoM specifications:

• SoC – NXP i.MX RT1050 Arm Cortex-M7 processor @ up to 600 MHz with 32KB L2 cache, 2D graphics accelerator
• System Memory – 32MB SDRAM
• Storage – 256MB QSPI Flash, 16KB EEPROM; optional NAND flash
• 2x 80-pin board-to-board connector with
  • Storage – SD Card
  • Display – 16-bit RG interface, analog resistive and PCAP touch via I2C
  • Networking – 1x 10/100M Ethernet
  • Audio – Line-In, Line-Out, microphone, headphone, I2S
  • USB – 1x USB 2.0 host, 1x USB 2.0 OTG
  • Serial – Up to 2x CAN bus, up to 3x UART
  • 4x I2C, 2x SPI, PWM, ADC, GPIO
  • RTC signal for external IC
• Supply Voltage – +3.8V to 5.5V DC
• Power Consumption – 1W typ.
• Temperature Range – 0°C – +70°C; optional: -40°C – +85°C
• Dimensions – 40 x 35 mm
• Weight – ~10 grams

The company provides FreeRTOS real-time operating system for the module, as well as PicoCore RT1-SKIT Starter Kit with PicoCore RT1, a baseboard, a cable kit, a 7-inch RGB TFT display, and access to the FreeRTOS BSP and documentation. Target applications include portable industrial devices as well as other cost-sensitive applications with TFT displays such as Smart Home appliances.

PicoCore RT1 system-on-module is at the sample stage and will be available at least until 2031. PicoCore RT1-SKIT Starter Kit can be purchased now for 360 Euros + taxes via the product page. The starter kit price should not be indicative of the module price, and which I’d expect to cost between $20 and $40 depending on BoM requirements and mass-production volume considering Arch Mix NXP i.MX RT1052 development board sells for $30.

Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)

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.

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