Virtium, in collaboration with Embedded Artists, has introduced the DEEPX iMX8M Mini AI Kit, integrating the DEEPX DX-M1 AI Booster with the NXP iMX8M Mini processor and a carrier board. The kit is designed for evaluating and deploying Edge AI technologies across various applications.

The DEEPX DX-M1 AI Booster delivers 25 TOPS of AI performance with a power consumption of 5W, focusing on efficiency in terms of cost, power, and performance. The iMX8M Mini processor complements this with quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs, a dedicated Cortex-M4 core, and multimedia capabilities suitable for Edge AI tasks.

   
iMX8M Mini uCOM
(click image to enlarge)

The iMX8M Mini processor provides 1 GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 8 GB of eMMC flash, and hardware-accelerated graphics through GCNanoUltra and GC320. The processor supports OpenVG 1.1 and OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 standards, while its video hardware enables encoding and decoding of 1080p at 60 fps. Additional features include connectivity options such as Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 OTG, and optional Wi-Fi via the Murata 1ZM module.

The DEEPX iMX8M Mini AI Kit includes a carrier board that facilitates integration and provides interfaces for diverse use cases. It incorporates a MIPI-to-HDMI bridge, M.2 adapters, and a USB camera for vision applications. The kit also comes with accessories such as a 12V power supply, Micro-B to A USB cable, and MCU-Link debug tools

   
uCOM Carrier Board periperals
(click image to enlarge)

The kit supports both pre-trained DEEPX models and custom models compiled using DEEPX tools, offering flexibility for engineers working on Edge AI solutions. Anders Rosvall, Managing Director of Virtium Embedded Artists, notes that the kit is designed to assist design engineers in evaluating the solution’s suitability for their applications, while potentially streamlining the development process.

   
DEEPX iMX8M Mini AI Kit
(click image to enlarge)

Specifications listed for the uCOM Carrier Board include:

• Storage:
  • MicroSD card slot
  • Pads for mounting QSPI flash memories
• Display:
  • MIPI-DSI, dual connectors
  • Parallel RGB w/ backlight control (LCD not included in all Developer Kits)
  • Adapter for MIPI-DSI to HDMI
• Camera:
  • MIPI-CSI
• Connectivity:
  • 1000/100/10 Mbps Ethernet RJ45
  • Adapter for second 100/10 Mbps Ethernet PHY
• Expansion:
  • M.2 E-key slot (w/ SDIO, PCIe, and USB interfaces connected) for Wi-Fi/BT modules
  • M.2 B-key slot (w/ PCIe, USB, and SIM card holder interfaces)
• I/O Interfaces:
  • Mikrobus interface connector for Click boards
  • 12x GPIOs
  • 2x CAN ports
  • 3x UART, 2x SPI, 4x I2C
• USB:
  • USB OTG
  • USB Host
  • 1x USB Type-C
  • 2x USB console
• Power:
  • 12V DC (+-30%) supply voltage w/ reverse polarity protection
  • External VBAT power input (for uCOM RTC)
  • 5V/3A DC/DC supply to uCOM
  • 3.3V/3A DC/DC supply to RF modules (M.2 interface connectors)
• Other Features:
  • On/Off, Reset, ISP Enable, Wakeup, and user push-buttons
  • RGB-LED, LEDs
  • Debug interface
• Operating Temperature:
  • 0°C to 60°C
• Mechanical:
  • 152 x 152 mm
  • Five 4.3mm holes for mounting & grounding

Further information

The DEEPX iMX8M Mini AI Kit is now available, but pricing has not been disclosed; additional details can be found on Virtium’s website or through Embedded Artists’ website.