MaaXBoard Nano SBC targets audio and edge IoT with NXP i.MX 8M Nano SoC

Avnet has launched several Raspberry Pi-inspired MaaXBoard SBCs based on NXP i.MX processors through their Embest subsidiary starting in 2019 with MaaXBoard single board computer powered by an NXP i.MX 8M processor, and following by MaaxBoard Mini with NXP i.NX 8M Mini SoC in 2020.

The latest model is MaaXBoard Nano SBC with an NXP i.MX 8M Nano quad-core Cortex-A53 processor best suited to audio and edge IoT applications.

MaaxBoard Nano SBC specifications:

• SoC – NXP i.MX 8M Nano quad-core Arm Arm Cortex-A53 processor @ up to 1.5GHz with Cortex-M7F core @ 750MHz, 2D GPU, 3D GPU, but no video hardware decoding.
• System Memory -1GB DDR4 SDRAM
• Storage – 16GB eMMC flash, 256 Mbit QSPI Flash, MicroSD Slot
• Display  Interface – MIPI DSI display Interface
• Audio – 3.5mm audio jack, 4x built-in microphones
• Camera I/F – MIPI CSI Camera Interface
• Networking – Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi 5, Bluetooth 4.2/5 with external antenna connector
• USB – 4x USB 2.0 host ports
• Expansion – 40-pin low-speed expansion header, Raspberry Pi Hat compatible with UART, SPI, I2C and GPIO; 3.3V digital I/O voltage
• Misc – 3x User Buttons, 2x User LEDs
• Power Supply – 5V/3A via USB-C port; PMIC
• Dimensions – 85 x 56 mm
• Temperature Range – 0~70°C
• Certifications – FCC, CE and RoHS

The kit Includes MaaXBoard Mini SBC, and a Quick Start Guide, and the board would typically be used for consumer audio, embedded computing, machine vision, as an AI platform, embedded kiosk, or smart IoT platform.

Avnet provides Android 9.0 and Linux images for the board, but I was unable to locate those images or documentation on the product page. The board is also compatible with Avnet’s IoTConnect Platform for AI, IoT, industrial automation, multi-media, and audio applications.

The MaaxBoard Nano SBC is available in the Americas, Europe, and China for USD $80.95 or equivalent in local currencies. Optional accessories include a $21.11 UART debug communication board, $78.95 MIPI DSI LCD display, $26.95 MIPI CSI camera module, and/or a $6.12 5V/3A USB-C power supply.

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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