SECO, an NXP® Semiconductors Gold Partner, has always invested heavily in cooperation with NXP, to further strengthen our leadership strategy in designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art embedded solutions.

SECO’s product portfolio based on the NXP i.MX 8 Series of applications processors is extensive, ranging from the ultra-low power NXP i.MX 8M Nano to the high-performing i.MX 8QuadMax, with advanced graphics, execution, and visualization. Today, SECO is enriching the lineup with the latest member in the i.MX 8 Series: the i.MX 8M Plus applications processors, which takes the possibility to use machine learning in embedded applications to the next level.

Computing performance is impressive for its class thanks to the Single/Dual/Quad core Arm® Cortex®-A53 processor running up to 1.8 GHz, and Cortex- M7 running up to 800MHz. Furthermore, this SoC is built in 14nm FinFET LPC process technology, a technology that means power-efficiency. The 3D GPU and VPU enable efficient video and display and advanced multimedia. As the first i.MX processor integrating a hardware accelerator dedicated to machine learning and vision algorithms, the i.MX 8M Plus processor excels in machine learning and vision, advanced multimedia and industrial IoT applications. The integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) enables voice and gesture control, multi-object surveillance, and natural language processing. The Image Signal Processor brings real-time image processing to high-definition video and performs algorithms that extract any detail of the image, thus ensuring the maximum level of information.

SECO embedded this innovative applications processor in a SMARC Rel. 2.1 compliant module, exploiting low-power design, scalability, and flexibility of the SMARC form factor. Featuring Dual or Quad Cortex-A53 cores + general purpose Cortex-M7 800MHz processor, the SM-D18 mounts an integrated GC7000UL GPU supporting 3 independent displays and a soldered-down LPDDR4-4000 memory, up to 8GB. With regard to connectivity interfaces this COM is well equipped with 2x GbE, optional Wi-Fi + BT LE module onboard, 2x CAN, up to 14x GPIOs, 1x 4-lanes CSI camera interface.

Exploiting the full potential of the i.MX 8M Plus applications processor, SECO’s SM-D18 fits any application requiring advanced multimedia, wide connectivity and enhanced security, ranging from industrial IoT to HMI and smart digital signage, up to smart city and home automation.

“The integrated NPU, 3D GPU, and security features on the i.MX 8M Plus SoC address the increasing need for better privacy, elevated performance levels, and real-time response of IoT applications,” said Robert Thompson, Director of i.MX Ecosystem, NXP Semiconductors. “The SM-D18 SMARC module with i.MX 8M Plus SoC from SECO helps accelerate time to market.”

Like all SECO SMARC modules, the SM-D18 is compatible with the SMARC DEV KIT, a complete development kit including the CSM-B79 carrier board and dual camera accessory for rapid prototyping of machine vision industrial applications. Combining the module’s features with the content of the SMARC DEV KIT, SECO provides its customers with a comprehensive kit for machine vision applications.

SECO CTO, Davide Catani, stated: “Machine Learning is moving rapidly to the edge to ensure privacy, reduce latency, improve user experiences and increase real-time response of IIoT applications. SM-D18 SMARC module from SECO, integrating NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus SoC, dramatically shortens the development time to bring this trend into the market”.