Virtium Embedded Artists has just announced the launch of the iMX8M Mini DX-M1 system-on-module (SoM) combining an NXP i.MX 8M Mini quad-core Arm application processor with a 25 TOPS DEEPX DX-M1 AI accelerator in a compact 82 x 50mm footprint.
The NXP SoC is paired with 2GB 32-bit RAM and 16GB eMMC flash, while the DEEPX NPU gets 4GB 64-bit RAM and a QSPI flash. The module also features a PMIC, a gigabit Ethernet PHY, an optional WiFI 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 module, and exposes all I/Os through a 314-pin MXM edge connector. They’ve somehow managed to pack a lot of features into such a small module.
iMX8M Mini DX-M1 SOM specifications:
- SoC – NXP i.MX 8M Mini
- CPU
- Quad-core Cortex-A53 processor @ up to 1.6 (industrial) or 1.8 GHz (commercial)
- Cortex-M4F real-time core @ 400 MHz
- GPU
- Vivante GC320 2D GPU
- Vivante GCNanoUltra 2D/3D GPU with support for OpenVG 1.1, OpenGL ES 2.0
- VPU
- 1080p60 H.265, H.264, VP8, VP9 video decoder
- 1080p60 H.264 & VP8 video encoder
- CPU
- System Memory – 2 GB LPDDR4 3000 MT/s, 32-bit/2ch databus
- Storage – 16 GB eMMC NAND Flash for OS and bootloader
- Optional AI accelerator
- DEEPX DX-M1 AI Booster @ up to 1 GHz, up to 25 TOPS
- Memory – 4GB LPDDR5 5600MT/s, 64-bit/4ch databus
- Storage – QSPI flash
- Networking
- Realtek RTL8211FDI Ethernet PHY
- Optional Murata LBEE5HY2FY (2FY) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax SISO Wi-Fi 6E and 5.4 BR/EDR/BLE module; SDIO interface, based on Infineon chipset CYW55513
- 314-pin MXM connector
- Display Interface – 4-lane MIPI-DSI up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz (1080p60)
- Camera Interface – 4-lane MIPI CSI
- Networking – Gigabit Ethernet
- And more, but not documented…
- Supply voltage – 4 to 5V
- Power Consumption – 7-8 Watts peak
- Dimensions – 82 x 50 x 5 mm, EACOM form factor
- Temperature Range – Commercial: 0 to 70°C; industrial: -40 to 85°C
There’s currently limited information about software support. The NXP i.MX 8M Mini SoC is supported through Yocto Linux, while the DEEPX DX-M1 AI accelerator is supported by a model compiler, which you can’t even get from Embedded Artists, and you’d need to contact DEEPX separately. You can still evaluate the module with the iMX8M Mini DX-M1 AI Kit and run pretrained/precompiled models from DEEPX. A wiki provides a few more details, but nothing yet for the AI accelerator.
This module will be used for vision systems found in drones, security and surveillance equipment, automated inspection and monitoring devices, transportation, MedTech, and Smart Agriculture applications.
Virtium Embedded Artists did not provide pricing information for the module, but the company is accepting (pre) orders for the iMX8M Mini DX-M1 SOM directly or through Arrow, Avnet, and Future Electronics, with shipments expected to start in August. Additional information may be found on the product page and the press release. In case you wonder whether Embedded Artists and Virtium Embedded Artists are related, Virtium acquired Embedded Artists in 2024.
Thanks to TLS for the tip.
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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