Kontron Launches Tiny 30x30mm i.MX8M System-on-Module, the SOM-SL i.MX8M Mini

Embedded computing specialist Kontron has announced a new system-on-module (SoM) with NXP's i.MX8M system-on-chip on board — and somehow measuring just 30x30mm (around 1.18x1.18").

Based around NXP's i.MX8M SoC, the SOM-SL i.MX8M Mini includes four Arm Cortex-A53 processing cores running at 1.6GHz plus an Arm Cortex-M4 running at 400MHz for real-time operation, 1GB to 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, 2MB of NOR flash plus 8GB eMMC storage configurable up to 128GB.

Kontron's design also features a gigabit Ethernet MAC, two USB 2.0 OTG, and four UART ports, along with a range of general-purpose input/output capabilities including some with pulse width modulation (PWM) support - and even two SDIO interfaces. plus MIPI DSI and CSI2 connectivity for a display and a camera.

Impressively, all this is crammed into a module design measuring just 30mm (around 1.18") on a side. The company has also prepared a board support package (BSP) for Yocto Linux, under its "ready2use" programme, making the module immediately deployable without further development.

For those looking to experiment with the SOM-SL i.MX8M Mini, Kontron has an evaluation board design measuring 4.3" diagonally; the module itself, meanwhile, is machine-solderable — meaning manufacturing can progress without the need to add special connectors to the bill of materials or to pay for hand assembly. Operating temperature support is given as -25°C to +85°C (around -13°F to 185°F.)

Pricing for the module has not yet been announced; more information, including the data sheet, is available on the Kontron website.