congatec modules set new benchmarks for secure edge A.I. applications A close-up of a computer chip
congatec presents new high-performance computer-on-modules (COMs) with i.MX 95 processors from NXP expand its extensive module portfolio with low-power NXP i.MX Arm processors. In doing so, congatec underlines its strong partnership with NXP. Customers benefit from straightforward scalability and reliable upgrade paths for existing and new energy-efficient edge A.I. applications with high-security requirements.
In these applications, the new modules offer the advantages of up to three times the GFLOPS computing performance compared to the previous generation with i.MX8 M Plus processors. The new neural processing unit from NXP called ‘eIQ Neutron’ doubles the inference performance for AI-accelerated machine vision. In addition, the hardware-integrated EdgeLock® secure enclave simplifies the implementation of in-house cyber security measures.
The new conga-SMX95 SMARC modules are designed for an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, are robust in mechanical terms, and are optimized for cost- and energy-efficient applications. The integrated high-performance eIQ Neutron NPU allows AI-accelerated workloads to be performed closer to the local device level. Specific applications for the new SMARC modules can be found in AI-accelerated low-power applications in sectors such as industrial production, machine vision and visual inspection, rugged HMIs, 3D printers, robotics controllers in AMR and AGV, as well as medical imaging and patient monitoring systems. Other target applications include passenger seat back entertainment in buses and aircraft, fleet management in transportation, and construction and farming applications.
The feature set in detail.
The new conga-SMX95 SMARC 2.1 modules are based on the next generation of the NXP i.MX 95 application processors with 4-6 Arm Cortex-A55 cores. NXP is now using the new Arm Mali 3D graphics unit for the first time, which delivers up to three times the GPU performance compared to predecessors based on i. MX8 M Plus. Also new is the image signal processor (ISP) for hardware-accelerated image processing. The NXP eIQ Neutron NPU is particularly noteworthy for hardware-accelerated A.I. inference and machine learning (ML) on the edge in the new SMARC modules. The corresponding eIQ® software development environment from NXP offers OEMs a high-performance development environment that simplifies the implementation of in-house ML applications.
In addition, the new SMARC modules also integrate a real-time domain for controllers. The conga-SMX95 SMARC modules offer 2x Gbit Ethernet with TSN for synchronized and deterministic network data transmission and LPDDR5 (with inline ECC) for data security. The new modules provide DisplayPort as the standard interface and the still widely used LVDS display interface for display connectivity. For direct camera connectivity, the modules have 2x MIPI-CSI.
congatec also offers an extensive hardware and software ecosystem and comprehensive design-in-services for simplified and accelerated application development. These include, among other things, evaluation- and production-ready application carrier boards and custom-tailored cooling solutions. In terms of services, congatec offers comprehensive documentation, training, and signal integrity measurements for application development.