Aug 27, 2025
NXP is a leader in the industrial and automotive sectors, renowned for its processors' high reliability, functional safety, long-term availability, and rich set of industrial interfaces.
The main series used in industrial computer/core board modules are:
1. i.MX RT Series: Crossover MCUs
Positioning: High-performance MCUs bridging the gap between traditional MCUs and MPUs.
Characteristics: High frequency (hundreds of MHz to 1GHz+), real-time performance, rich peripherals. They typically do not run Linux but use an RTOS or bare-metal code with GUI libraries like LVGL or Embedded Wizard.
Key Models:
i.MX RT1170: Dual-core (Cortex-M7 @ 1GHz + Cortex-M4 @ 400MHz). One of the most powerful crossover MCUs. Features 2D GPU, CAN-FD, dual Gigabit Ethernet. Ideal for HMIs requiring high power and real-time control.
i.MX RT1060/1064: A classic and popular series. Single Cortex-M7 @ 600MHz. Offers excellent performance and a mature ecosystem, widely used in industrial HMI products.
2. i.MX 8 Series: High-Performance Application Processors
Positioning: True application processors for running complex embedded operating systems like Linux and Android.
Characteristics: Heterogeneous multi-core architectures (ARM Cortex-A + Cortex-M), integrated GPU/VPU for HD display and video codec, comprehensive industrial communication interfaces.
Key Models (by performance/application):
i.MX 8M Mini / 8M Nano:
Application: Mainstream industrial HMI, smart appliances, portable devices.
Characteristics: Cortex-A53 cores, balancing performance and power efficiency. Integrated 2D/3D GPU, 1080p support. Interfaces include LVDS, MIPI-DSI, CAN-FD, GbE. A top choice for many industrial core board vendors.
i.MX 8M Plus:
Application: Industrial HMI with Machine Learning (ML), machine vision, AGVs, smart retail.
Characteristics: Based on the 8M Mini but adds a dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI inference (up to 2.3 TOPS). Also includes an ISP for direct camera sensor processing. NXP's flagship for AI at the edge.
i.MX 8X:
Application: Automotive instrumentation, marine displays, high-reliability industrial systems.
Characteristics: Emphasizes functional safety, certified for ASIL-B/C. Features a powerful GC7000Lite GPU for advanced 3D graphics.
i.MX 6 Series (Classic Series):
e.g., i.MX 6ULL, i.MX 6Quad/Plus: While a previous generation, they remain extremely popular in industrial projects due to their proven stability, mature ecosystem, and cost-effectiveness for non-cutting-edge applications.
3. Layerscape Series: Networking & Communication Processors
Positioning: Focused on network communication and packet processing, often used in industrial gateways and edge computing servers.
Key Model:
LS1028A: Dual-core ARM Cortex-A72. Integrates two Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) capable Gigabit Ethernet controllers and a powerful GPU. Excellent for combined Industrial Gateway and HMI devices.
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