Taiwanese embedded computer company Advantech partnered NXP to develop an open-standard module (OSM) for AIoT applications.

The ROM-2620 comes in the OSM size-S form factor specified by the Standardisation Group for Embedded Technologies (SGet), and incorporates NXP’s i.MX 8ULP applications processor with integrated EdgeLock secure enclave.

This combination is said to offer modular embedded computing that is cost-effective, compact and power-efficient at the intelligent edge.  

The module leverages the NXP i.MX 8ULP applications processor, featuring two Arm Cortex-A35 cores for processing, a Cortex-M33 core for real-time response, and a Cadence Tensilica Hifi 4 DSP and Fusion DSP for efficient edge AI and ML processing and acceleration.

Built using a 28nm FD-SoI process and featuring NXP’s Energy Flex architecture, the i.MX 8ULP applications processor enables power efficiency in static and dynamic modes. The Cortex-M33 reduces static power to 36µW for applications requiring extended battery life.

The Cortex-A35, an upgrade from the Cortex-A7, delivers a 40% performance improvement from 32 to 64bit at 1.62W for main operation load. The i.MX 8ULP device also offers 3D and 2D GPUs and four-lane Mipi DSI parallel display interfaces to cater to industrial HMI graphics needs. Additionally, uart, GPIO, I²C, FlexCan and fast Ethernet interfaces enable edge data collection, control and transmission.

The OSM size-S form factor measures 30 by 30mm and the module has 332 pinouts to meet the growing space requirements of IoT applications. With the LGA surface-mount package, it is more resilient to vibration, shock and other mechanical stressors, making it suitable for IoT edge nodes operating in harsh industrial environments.

To future-proof the OSM form factor, Advantech provides support throughout the design-in process and volume production, to product lifecycle management. It offers design references, hardware documentation and manufacturing guidelines, such as stencil design suggestion and IR reflow diagram, with tips and information.

Advantech has simplified the establishment of secure systems by integrating NXP’s HAB high-assurance boot technology into its AIM-Linux software service. This ensures only software images signed by developers can be executed on the SoC. By leveraging the NXP EdgeLock secure enclave integrated into the i.MX 8ULP as a built-in security subsystem, the module provides a silicon root of trust and robust security architecture, protecting edge devices against physical and network attacks. This simplifies the implementation of system-wide security intelligence for IoT applications.

“The i.MX 8ULP applications processor family brings ultra-low power processing and advanced integrated security with the EdgeLock secure enclave to the intelligent edge,” said Robert Thompson, director at NXP. “The ROM-2620 module combines the optimised energy efficiency of the i.MX 8ULP processor with the space-optimised OSM standard to create a product that will enable the proliferation and acceleration of intelligent, energy-efficient edge computing for a wide range of applications, including the IoT, industrial, medical devices or other battery-powered systems.”

The module is available now for sample purchases.