DSP, Micros & Memory


Applications processor for machine learning at the edge

29 January 2020 DSP, Micros & Memory

NXP Semiconductors has expanded its advanced EdgeVerse portfolio with the i.MX 8M Plus application processor – the first i.MX family to integrate a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced machine learning inference at the industrial and IoT (Internet of Things) edge.

The i.MX 8M Plus combines a high-performance NPU delivering 2,3 TOPS (tera operations per second) with a quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 sub-system running at up to 2 GHz, an independent real-time sub-system with an 800 MHz Cortex-M7, a high-performance 800 MHz audio DSP for voice and natural language processing, dual-camera image signal processors (ISP), and a 3D GPU for rich graphics rendering.

With the combination of high-performance Cortex-A53 cores and NPU, edge devices will be able to make intelligent decisions locally by learning and inferring inputs with little or no human intervention. The range of applications made possible with the cost-effective i.MX 8M Plus spans people and object recognition for public safety, industrial machine vision, robotics, hand gesture, and emotion detection with natural language processing for seamless human-to-device interaction with ultra-fast response time and high accuracy.

Built on advanced 14 nm LPC FinFET process technology, the NXP i.MX 8M Plus can execute multiple, highly complex neural networks simultaneously, such as multi-object identification, speech recognition of 40 000+ English words, and medical imaging. For example, the powerful NPU is capable of processing MobileNet v1, a popular image classification network, at over 500 images per second.

Developers can off-load machine learning inference functions to the NPU, allowing the high-performance Cortex-A and Cortex-M cores, DSP, and GPUs to execute other system-level or user applications tasks. The vision pipeline is anchored by dual integrated ISPs that support two high-definition cameras for real-time stereo vision or a single 12 megapixel resolution camera and includes high dynamic range (HDR) and fisheye lens correction. These features enable real-time image processing applications such as surveillance, smart retail applications, robot vision, and home health monitors.

To enable voice applications, the i.MX 8M Plus integrates a high-performance HiFi 4 DSP that enhances natural language processing with pre- and post-processing of voice streams. The powerful Cortex-M7 domain can be used to run real-time response systems while the applications processor domain executes complex non-real-time applications to reduce the overall system-level power consumption by turning off the application processor domain while keeping only the Cortex-M domain alive for wake word detection.

The i.MX 8M Plus extends advanced multimedia, and video processing with a system that can compress multiple video feeds using the H.265 or H.264 HD video encoder and decoder for cloud streaming or local storage and a rich user experience enabled by 3D/2D graphics, and Immersiv3D audio with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

The i.MX 8M Plus advances industrial productivity and automation with machines that can inspect, measure, precisely identify objects, and enable predictive maintenance by accurately detecting anomalies in machine operation. In addition, the factory human-machine interfaces can be made more intuitive and secure by combining accurate face recognition with voice/command recognition and even gesture recognition.

Supporting Industry 4.0 IT/OT convergence, the i.MX 8M Plus integrates gigabit Ethernet with time-sensitive networking (TSN), which combined with Arm Cortex M7 real-time processing provides deterministic wired network connectivity and processing. NXP also offers a tailor-made, optimised power management IC, the PCA9450C, to support the i.MX 8M Plus.

To meet the high quality and reliability standards required for industrial applications, the i.MX 8M Plus features error correction code (ECC) for internal memories and the DDR interface. The family is expected to be qualified to meet the stringent industrial temperature range (-40°C to 105°C ambient), power-on profile (100% power-on), and is planned to be part of NXP’s extended longevity commitment (15 years).


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Redefining entry-level MCUs
NuVision Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
The company positions the GD32C231 series as a ‘high-performance entry-level’ solution designed to offer more competitive options for multiple applications.

Read more...
High-reliability isolation amplifiers
EBV Electrolink Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
The VIA series of isolation amplifiers from Vishay are designed to deliver exceptional thermal stability and precise measurement capabilities.

Read more...
Microchip enhances TrustMANAGER platform
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
Firmware over-the-air updates and remote cryptographic key management provide scalable solutions for addressing IoT security challenges.

Read more...
First NVMe SSD Built with 8th-gen BiCS FLASH
EBV Electrolink Computer/Embedded Technology
KIOXIA recently announced the development and prototype demonstration of its new KIOXIA CM9 Series PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs, which incorporates CMOS directly Bonded to Array technology.

Read more...
MCU for low-power, IoT applications
NuVision Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
Silicon Labs recently announced the PG26, a general-purpose microcontroller with a dedicated matrix vector processor to enhance AI/ML hardware accelerator speeds.

Read more...
IMU with dual-sensing capability
EBV Electrolink Analogue, Mixed Signal, LSI
ST’s 6-axis inertial measurement unit integrates a dual accelerometer up to 320g and embedded AI for activity tracking and high-impact sensing.

Read more...
EEPROMs for industrial and military markets
Vepac Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
Designed to ensure the data retention and the secure and safe boot of digital systems, the memory product line includes small and medium density EEPROMs from 16 kb to 1 Mb.

Read more...
PLCnext – Open, IIoT-ready industrial platform
IOT Electronics DSP, Micros & Memory
PLCnext can be used alongside an existing PLC system, collecting control system data via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or MODBUS, and can push this information to a cloud instance.

Read more...
ICs vs modules: Understanding the technical trade-offs for IoT applications
NuVision Electronics Editor's Choice DSP, Micros & Memory
As the IoT continues to transform industries, design decisions around wireless connectivity components become increasingly complex with engineers often facing the dilemma of choosing between ICs and wireless modules for their IoT applications.

Read more...
Hardware quantum resistance to embedded controllers
Avnet Silica DSP, Micros & Memory
To help system architects meet evolving security demands, Microchip Technology has developed its MEC175xB embedded controllers with embedded immutable post-quantum cryptography support.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved