NXP adds performance, meets SIL3 criteria, with I.MX 8 MCUs
This series of MCUs, NXP, broadly follows on from the top of the I.MX 6 range, and provides users with a path to a 64-bit architecture. NXP builds the parts in a fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FDSOI) process developed with Samsung, which NXP says yields large gains in power-performance metrics. These devices will run at up to 1.2 GHz and feature graphics processing units (GPUs) to handle advanced display tasks.
NXP says it is extending the scalable range of the i.MX 8 series of applications processors with the introduction of this i.MX 8X family, which uses common subsystems and architecture from the higher-end i.MX 8 family with pin-compatible options and the highest level of software reuse. Power efficiency, cooler operation and longer battery life are enhanced by optimizing ARM Cortex-A35 and Cortex-M4F CPUs in FD-SOI technology. Automotive safety certification is supported up to ASIL-B for cameras and displays by employing an advanced SafeAssure display controller with failover safety planes and a real time domain that is independent of the Cortex-A CPUs and 3D graphics accelerators. Industrial safety certification is supported up to SIL 3 by using ECC on the L2 cache and DDR3L memory interfaces, enabled by several commercial RTOS solutions from QNX, Green Hills and others.
Built with a high level of integration to support graphics, video, image processing, audio and voice, the i.MX 8X family of processors is suited for industrial automation, HMI, industrial control, robotics, building control, automotive cluster, display audio infotainment, and telematics applications. It integrates up to four 64-bit ARMv8-A Cortex-A35 cores, a Cortex-M4F core, a Tensilica HiFi 4 DSP, Vivante hardware accelerated graphics and video engines, advanced image processing, advanced SafeAssure display controller, LPDDR4 and DDR3L memory support and a set of input-output controllers. Capable of driving up to three simultaneous displays – two 1080p screens and one parallel WVGA display – the new devices include:
– i.MX 8QuadXPlus with four Cortex-A35 cores, a Cortex-M4F core, a 4-shader GPU, a multi-format VPU and a HiFi 4 DSP
– i.MX 8DualXPlus with two Cortex-A35 cores, a Cortex-M4F core, a 4-shader GPU, a multi-format VPU and a HiFi 4 DSP
– i.MX 8DualX with two Cortex-A35 cores, a Cortex-M4F core, a 2-shader GPU, a multi-format VPU and a HiFi 4 DSP
Broad guidance to expected power for the parts is given as 2-3W for general operation, up to aroudn 5W for peak processing.
NXP adds, “From airline cockpit or in-flight entertainment displays to automotive dashboards and industrial equipment, system reliability is essential to a streamlined, uninterrupted and safe experience in the air, in production or on the road. The latest i.MX 8X family opens a pathway for customers to extend existing systems based on our i.MX 6 series with new capabilities for robust applications, such as audio processing and voice recognition for hands-free operation in environments where connecting to machines has evolved from a simple touch display to touchless interfaces.”
The i.MX 8QuadXPlus, 8DualXPlus and 8DualX processors include ECC protection on the L2 cache and DDR3L memory interface to detect and correct memory corruption, greatly increasing the reliability and safety of industrial control systems.
Industrial and automotive HMI users require constant access to mission-critical information, such as pressure, speed or fuel levels. Applications typically use the i.MX 8X Cortex-A35 application domain to run rich graphical user interface and connectivity software, and the Cortex-M4F domain for fast real-time responsiveness, standby modes and sensor data collection. When the i.MX 8X failover display feature detects an issue with the Cortex-A35 or graphics engine, the Cortex-M4F can take over to display critical information until the Cortex-A35 core recovers. Once recovered, the system can seamlessly switch back to the graphics intense display and the user never loses access to the critical information. The i.MX 8X exploits the FD-SOI process technology’s inherently high immunity to soft errors to dramatically improve mean time before failure (MTBF) and reduce latch-ups.
NXP; www.nxp.com/iMX8X
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