NXP i.MX 8M Mini multi-core heterogeneous applications processors

The i.MX 8M Mini is a multi-core heterogeneous applications processors built using advanced 14LPC FinFET process technology. And brings together high-performance computing, power efficiency, enhanced system reliability and embedded security.

At the heart is a scalable core complex of up to four Cortex-A53 running up to 1.8GHz plus Cortex-M4 based real-time domain at 400+MHz. i.MX 8M Mini core options are optimized for low-power but offer the breadth of processing power necessary for consumer, audio, industrial, machine learning training and inferencing across a range of cloud providers.

Key features

• Power Efficient and Scalable Performance
• Size- and Cost-optimized System Design
• Media-rich: Video, Graphics, Audio, User Interface
• Industrial and Commercial, Longevity of Supply

Additional features

Power Efficient   and Scalable Performance

• Low power 14LPC delivers much lower leakage than standard technology
• Single-, dual- or quad-core Cortex-A53 cores up to 1.8 GHz; scalable performance in a pin-compatible package
• Cortex-M4 up to 400MHz for HMP (task offload, power optimizations)

Size- and Cost-optimized System Design

• Full-featured packages with 6-8 layer board design and no microvias
• DDR3L, DDR4, LPDDR4
• Direct connection of PDM microphones (no CODEC) enables low system-cost
• Linux/Android/FreeRTOS BSP and solutions software

Media-rich: Video, Graphics, Audio, User Interface

• 1080p60 video decoding (H.265, H.264, VP8/9)
• 1080p60 video encoding (H.264, VP8)
• 2D and 3D GPU to enable 1080p media UI via MIPI-DSI display interface
• Advanced audio supports 12Tx + 16Rx external I2S lanes with support for 384KHz and 768KHz audio, with DSD512 support

Industrial and Commercial, Longevity of Supply

• -40C to 105C junction temperature and qualification for industrial operation
• Up to 10 year continuous operation
• 0C to 95C junction temperature and qualification for consumer applications needing more performance
• Minimum 10 year supply longevity on commercial and industrial devices
   

Applications

• Embedded Industrial IoT
• Security and surveillance system
• Building access control
• HVAC climate control
• Home gateway
• Human Machine Interface
• Printers

Available tools

i.MX 8M Mini Development Tools and Ecosystem

Manufacturing Part Number: 8MMINILPD4-EVK

The i.MX 8M Mini development board (EVK) is a two-board solution that consists of a compact compute module and a larger base board that brings out the broad connectivity that is needed for product evaluation. The compute module uses fast, power-efficient 2 GB of LPDDR4 memory alongside the i.MX 8M Mini, PMIC, eMMC, and soldered-down Wi-Fi/BT module for connectivity out-of-the-box.

The EVK enables HDMI via a MIPI-DSI to HDMI accessory card, for simple out-of-the-box bring up. Below is a photograph of the compute module plus base board (delivered pre-assembled out-of-the-box) as well as the MIPI-DSI to HDMI accessory card (included in the box). Note that the compute module is not sold separately.

Key Features of the i.MX 8M Mini EVK:

Compute module:

• 8-layer PCB, no HDI, compact size (2” x 2”)
• i.MX 8M Mini Quad multimedia applications processor
• Murata Wi-Fi Type 1PJ (QCA9377)
• PMIC Rohm BD71847MWV
• 2 GB, 32-bit LPDDR4
• 16 GB eMMC 5.1
• 64 MB QSPI Flash

Base board:

• Interface board, 4.2” x 4.2”
• Display Connector: 1x mini-SAS MIPI-DSI
• Camera connector:1x mini-SAS MIPI-CSI
• Audio DAC (WM8524)
• MicroSD card connector
• 10/100/1000 Ethernet port (AR8031 Gigabit PHY)
• 2x USB 3.0 Type C connectors, Port2 is the only power supply port
• USB to serial converter for debug
• JTAG connector for debug
• Wi-Fi/BT antenna
• LEDs for power indication and general-purpose use
• 3.5 mm audio jack for amplified speakers
• M.2 connector for Wi-Fi/BT (PCIe, I2C, etc.)
• Audio expansion connector (UART, I2S)
• General purpose expansion connector (RPI-like, UART, I2S):
• UART, I2S
• NXP PN7150RPI board supported via this interface

Tools & OS Support:

• www.nxp.com/imxsw
• www.nxp.com/imx8mminievk  
• Linux 4.14
• Android P
• FreeRTOS (Cortex-M4)

Accessory Boards:

• MX8-DSI-OLED1: OLED display for touchscreen support.
• MINISASTOCSI: Camera module for machine vision and video recording.
• Accessory boards are available for purchase.