congatec launches new SMARC modules based on NXP’s i.MX 95 processor series

congatec launches new SMARC modules based on NXP’s i.MX 95 processor series

congatec modules set new standards for security in edge AI applications

2024/7/16 Shanghai, China Congatec, a leading supplier of embedded and edge computing technologies, has launched a high-performance computing module (COM) equipped with NXP's i.MX 95 processor, expanding its module product portfolio based on the low-power NXP i.MX Arm processor. Congatec has also strengthened its close cooperation with NXP. Customers will benefit from the scalability of standard modules and a reliable upgrade path to meet the high security requirements of existing and new energy-efficient edge AI applications.

In these applications, the new modules deliver up to three times the floating point operations (GFLOPS) performance compared to the previous generation i.MX8 M Plus processor. NXP’s new neural processing unit, “eIQ Neutron,” doubles the performance of AI-accelerated machine vision inference. In addition, the hardware-integrated EdgeLock® secure zone simplifies the implementation of internal network security.

The new conga-SMX95 SMARC modules support an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, are mechanically reliable, and are optimized for cost and energy efficiency. The integrated high-performance eIQ Neutron NPU enables the execution of AI acceleration workloads closer to the local device level. Typical applications for the new SMARC modules for low-power AI acceleration include industrial production, machine vision and visual inspection, rugged human-machine interfaces, 3D printers, AMR and AGV robot controllers, as well as medical imaging and patient monitoring systems. Other target applications include passenger seatback entertainment systems in buses and airplanes, transportation fleet management, and construction and agricultural applications.

Detailed function introduction

The new conga-SMX95 SMARC 2.1 modules are based on the next generation of NXP’s i.MX 95 application processors with 4-6 Arm Cortex-A55 cores. NXP is using the new Arm Mali 3D graphics unit for the first time, which increases GPU performance by up to three times compared to its predecessor based on the i.MX8 M Plus. Another new feature is the Image Signal Processor (ISP) for hardware-accelerated image processing. In particular, the NXP eIQ Neutron NPU enables hardware-accelerated AI inference and edge machine learning (ML) in the new SMARC modules. NXP’s corresponding eIQ® software development environment provides OEMs with a high-performance development environment that simplifies the implementation of in-house ML applications.

In addition, the new SMARC modules integrate a real-time domain for real-time controllers. The conga-SMX95 SMARC modules offer 2 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces with TSN support for synchronous and deterministic network data transmission, as well as LPDDR5 (with in-band ECC) for data security. For display connections, the new modules offer DisplayPort as a standard interface in contrast to the still widely used LVDS display interface. For direct connection of cameras, the modules are equipped with 2 MIPI-CSI interfaces.

congatec also offers an extensive hardware and software ecosystem as well as comprehensive design services to simplify and accelerate application development. These services include evaluation and production-ready application carrier boards and customized thermal solutions. In terms of services, congatec provides comprehensive documentation, training and signal integrity measurements to support application development.