NXP Semiconductors has expanded the i.MX 8 application processor series with the launch of the new i.MX 8X family. This family utilizes the common subsystems and architecture found in the advanced i.MX 8 family, enabling pin-compatible options and software reuse. By optimizing ARM Cortex-A35 and Cortex-M4F CPUs with FD-SOI (Fully Depleted Silicon Insulator) technology, power efficiency is increased and heat generation is reduced, resulting in extended battery life.

With a failover-safe display controller, Cortex-A CPU, 3D graphics accelerator, and independent real-time domain, automotive safety certification is up to ASIL-B. By utilizing L2 cache error correction codes (ECC) and DDR3L memory interfaces implemented with popular commercial real-time operating system (RTOS) solutions from QNX, Greenhills, and others, industrial safety certification is supported up to Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL3).



The i.MX 8X family integrates up to four 64-bit ARM v8-A Cortex-A35 cores, one Cortex-M4F core, one Tensilica HiFi 4 DSP, a Vivante hardware-accelerated graphics and video engine, a safety display controller, LPDDR4 and memory support, and a set of input-output controllers. It can drive up to three simultaneous displays and is ideal for industrial automation, HMI, industrial control, robots, building control, automotive clusters, display audio infotainment, telematics applications, etc.

"The i.MX 8X and 8 processor families are suitable for enabling uninterrupted and secure experiences, ranging from airplane cockpits and in-flight entertainment displays in the sky to automotive dashboards and industrial equipment," said Ronald Martino, Vice President of Application Processors, adding, "The touch displays of the existing i.MX6 series can become hands-free audio processing that does not even require touch."