Intelligence at the Edge

phyCORE®-i.MX 8M Plus

Root Part #: PCM-070

Edge computing module for accelerated machine learning applications.

  • 40 mm x 37 mm
  • Cortex®-A53 Cortex®-M7
  • NPU Neural Processing Unit
  • LVDS, MIPI DSI-2, HDMI

Product Overview

Designed for edge devices that need high-performance AI, advanced multimedia, and reliable industrial connectivity in a single compact platform. The phyCORE®-i.MX 8M Plus System on Module combines powerful processing, integrated machine learning, and extensive I/O to support vision systems, smart HMIs, and complex embedded applications without increasing system complexity.

The phyCORE®-i.MX 8M Plus delivers high-performance edge computing in a compact, connectorized System on Module designed for feature-rich embedded systems. It supports dual camera inputs, high-speed networking with TSN, and advanced display interfaces, making it ideal for vision-based applications, multimedia devices, and complex industrial systems.

Built on Cortex-A53 application cores with a Cortex-M7 real-time processor, the module enables responsive control alongside Linux-based applications. The integrated 2.3 TOPS Neural Processing Unit allows on-device AI processing, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making at the edge.

With extensive I/O, proven software support, and PHYTEC engineering expertise, development teams can reduce integration complexity, shorten time to market, and confidently scale advanced embedded designs.

Contact Sales for more information about this product.

When to Choose an i.MX 8M Plus System On Module

Designed for applications where performance, AI capability, and connectivity need to work together in a single platform.

Choose this module if your application requires:

  • On-device AI processing for real-time inference without cloud dependency
  • Multiple camera inputs for machine vision and image processing systems
  • High-performance multimedia for advanced display and UI applications
  • Deterministic networking with TSN for time-sensitive industrial systems
  • Combined Linux and real-time control for complex embedded workloads
  • A compact SOM with extensive I/O for feature-rich product designs

Typical applications include:

  • Smart cameras and machine vision systems
  • Industrial human-machine interfaces (HMIs)
  • Medical imaging and diagnostic devices
  • Retail automation and smart kiosks
  • Edge AI gateways and analytics devices
  • Transport systems and EV infrastructure
  • Robotics and autonomous systems

Development and Integration Benefits

  • Compact 40 mm x 37 mm form factor to reduce PCB space requirements
  • One of the smallest connectorized SOMs to simplify system design
  • Extensive I/O to support complex, feature-rich applications
  • Linux BSP and software resources to accelerate development
  • Access to local engineering support from concept to production
  • Reduced development risk compared to fully custom processor boards
Expand All

Features

On-device Machine Learning

Fast response time with machine learning hardware acceleration. Run your TensorFlow Lite model directly on the device without utilizing all your processor cores.

Low Power Design

Beginning with the NXP 14LPC FinFET process technology at the applications processor, low power design elements are continued on the SOM with selections such as LPDDR4 and use of the NXP codesigned PMIC.

Versatile Display Capabilities

MIPI-DSI, LVDS, or HDMI options to work with the display you have.

Cost Optimized

Customization options to reduce Bill of Materials including depopulation of connectors as well as the option for direct solder BGA version for complete elimination of connector cost.

Specifications

Processor

Processor NXP i.MX 8QuadPlus
Architecture Arm Cortex-A53, Arm Cortex-M7
Frequency 1.8 GHz (per core) / 800 MHz

Memory

RAM 256 MB - 8 GB LPDDR4
eMMC 8 GB default / 64 GB max
NOR 4 MB up to 256 MB Quad SPI Flash
EEPROM 4 KB
SD/SDIO/MMC Interfaces 3x (1x reserved for eMMC)

High-Speed Interfaces

PCIe 1x PCIe 3.0
USB 2x USB 3.0 / 2.0 OTG

Peripherals

CAN 2x CAN FD
GPIO Yes
I2C 3
PWM 4
SPI/SSP 3x ECSPI
UART 4

Connectivity

Ethernet 2x 10/100/1000 Mbps (TSN Support)

Multimedia

Display 1x HDMI, 1x MIPI DSI-2, 2x LVDS
Graphics 2D GPU (Vivante GC520L), 3D GPU (Vivante GC7000UL)
Camera 2x MIPI CSI-2
Audio SAI, SPDIF, I2S, AC97, TDM
Video Decode - 1080p60 H.264, H.265, VP8, VP9, Encode - 1080p60 H.264, H.265

Miscellaneous

JTAG Yes
RTC Yes
Security Accelerators 3DES, AES, CAAM, DES, DRM, EEC, PKHA, RDC, RNG, RTIC

Mechanical

Dimensions 40 mm x 37 mm
Connector 2x 120-pin + 1x 60-pin 0.5 mm

Operating Conditions

Operating Temperature -40° to +85° C
Supply Voltage 3.3V
Power (Typical) 1.81 W
Power (Max) 3.72 W

Hardware Documentation

SOM

Hardware Manual

phyCORE-i.MX8M Plus Hardware Manual

Component Placement

phyCORE-i.MX8M Plus Component Placement

Schematic Symbol and Footprint

phyCORE-i.MX 8M Plus

Carrier Board

Component Placement

phyBOARD-i.MX8M Plus Component Placement

Connectors

SOM
Samtec ASP-205225-01 (PHYTEC Article # VB406)

ASP-205225-01.zip

Carrier Board
Samtec REF-177862-03 (PHYTEC Article # VM240)

REF-177862-03.zip

The i.MX 8M Plus Processor

The NXP i.MX 8M Plus family of application processors revolutionizes edge computing by integrating on-chip machine learning accelerators. The dual or quad Arm Cortex-A53 and real-time Cortex-M7 cores are complemented by NXPs Neural Processing Unit (NPU) operating at 2.3 TOPS for fast response time of machine learning algorithms. In addition 1080p60, h.265/4, VP9, VP8 video decode, 1080p60, h.265/4 encode, dedicated Dual Image Signal Processor (ISPs) with resolution up to 12MP, 3D/2D graphics acceleration, advanced audio, and Cadence® Tensilica® HiFi 4 DSP @ 800 MHz for low power voice acceleration are features that support machine vision as well as audio and voice capabilities.

Go to Processor Details

Software

Linux

BSP-Yocto-NXP-i.MX8MP-PD24.1.0
Date: 2024-11-06

Yocto Scarthgap 5.0.4

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