NXP Introduces i.MX 8M Processor to Transform IoT Audio, Voice and Video Interactions

At CES 2017, NXP Semiconductors (now part of Qualcomm) introduced its new i.MX 8M family of applications processors specifically designed to meet increasing audio and video system requirements for smart home and smart mobility applications such as over-the-top (OTT) set-top boxes, digital media adapters, surround sound, sound bars, A/V receivers, voice control, voice assistance, digital signage and general purpose human machine interface (HMI) solutions.
 
The concept of the smart home is expanding rapidly, heightening consumers' expectations for audio and video entertainment and transforming the requirements for consumer electronics devices. NXP’s i.MX 8M family addresses the major inflection points currently underway in streaming media: voice recognition and networked speakers in audio, and the move to 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) and the growth of smaller, more compact form factors in video.

NXP’s i.MX 8M family of processors has up to four 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex-A53 and Cortex-M4 cores, flexible memory options and high-speed connectivity interfaces. The processors also feature full 4K UltraHD resolution and HDR (Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HLG) video quality, the highest levels of pro audio fidelity, up to 20 audio channels and DSD512 audio. The i.MX 8M family is tailored to streaming video devices, streaming audio devices and voice control applications.  Capable of driving dual displays, the new devices include:
The i.MX 8M Dual/i.MX 8M Quad, which integrates two or four ARM Cortex-A53 cores, one Cortex- M4F core, a GC7000Lite GPU and 4kp60, h.265 and VP9 video capability.
The i.MX 8M QuadLite, which integrates four ARM Cortex-A53 cores, one Cortex- M4F core and a GC7000Lite GPU.
The i.MX 8M Solo, which integrates one ARM Cortex-A53 core, one Cortex-M4F core and a GC7000nanoULTRA GPU.

“Prior to this, there weren’t any viable processing solutions that addressed voice, video and audio requirements without being overkill,” says Martyn Humphries, vice president of consumer and industrial applications processors at NXP. “With i.MX 8M, customers can get the exact solution for their specific A/V and versatility needs.”

The i.MX 8 applications processor is highly scalable with a pin- and power-compatible package and comprehensive software support. The i.MX 8 multi-sensory enablement kit (MEK) is now available to prototype i.MX 8M systems. Limited sampling of i.MX 8M will begin in the second quarter of 2017, and general availability is expected in the fourth quarter of 2017.
www.nxp.com/iMX8M