The board has AI, processor, and video support. It helps build tools like drones, cameras, medical devices, farm machines, and robots.
Virtium Embedded Artists has launched the iMX8M Mini DX-M1, a compact system-on-module (SOM) measuring 82 mm × 50 mm. This module integrates a quad-core NXP i.MX 8M Mini application processor, featuring four Arm Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.6/1.8 GHz, along with a 400 MHz Cortex-M4 controller core. It also includes 2 GB of LPDDR4 memory.
A key feature of the SOM is the built-in AI accelerator, a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 25 TOPS. By embedding this AI hardware directly into the board, the need for a separate AI module is removed. This simplifies system design, reduces the bill of materials, saves board space, and shortens development time.
The SOM is well-suited for video and imaging tasks. It includes a 1080p video codec, 2D/3D graphics engine, a four-lane MIPI-DSI interface, and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, making it a practical choice for edge AI and industrial applications.
Working together with the DEEPX DX-M1 neural processing unit (NPU), the i.MX 8M Mini processor delivers the image processing power needed for AI-enabled vision systems. This combination supports a wide range of applications, including drones, security and surveillance, automated inspection, transportation, medical devices, and agricultural technology.
The DX-M1 AI accelerator offers 25 TOPS of performance while maintaining an average power consumption of just 5 watts. This makes the SOM a strong fit for edge AI applications where power efficiency is critical. In this implementation from Virtium Embedded Artists, the SOM includes 4 GB of LPDDR5 memory dedicated to the AI processor, connected via a 64-bit, 4-channel data bus. This setup allows the DX-M1 to handle multiple AI models at once without slowing down performance.
Anders Rosvall, Managing Director of Virtium Embedded Artists, said: “By bringing the iMX8M Mini DX-M1 to market, Virtium Embedded Artists is meeting surging demand from edge and IoT device manufacturers for a ready-made hardware platform for low-power vision AI processing and embedded control. Now OEMs can get to market faster and more easily with new product designs which offer the extra value that vision AI brings to industrial, mobility, security and edge computing applications.”
