New processors deliver secure and scalable AI-enabled edge platforms

NXP Semiconductors has released the i.MX 95 family, its newest addition to its i.MX 9 series of applications processors. The new family incorporates high-performance compute, immersive Arm MaliTM-powered 3D graphics, an innovative new accelerator for ML, and high-speed data processing. This technology provides advanced applications in automotive, industrial, networking, connectivity, advanced HMI, and more. Further, the family supplies high-performance safety and security features developed in compliance with automotive ASIL-B and industrial SIL-2 functional safety standards and incorporates an integrated EdgeLock secure enclave.

The family is the first i.MX applications processor family to integrate the company's eIQ Neutron NPU and a new ISP developed to assist developers in building these powerful, next-generation edge platforms.

"The i.MX 95 family brings unparalleled features and performance to markets like automotive and industrial where security and safety are key. The i.MX 95 brings together NXP eIQ Neutron NPU, Arm Mali graphics, integrated heterogeneous safety domain, and networking capabilities to create a truly unique solution," said Rafael Sotomayor, executive vice president and general manager of Secure Connected Edge at NXP. "Combining our deep expertise in functional safety with AI acceleration, high-performance CPU cores, and high-throughput connectivity, NXP is creating the standard for a new generation of safe and secure edge platforms."

The family provides machine vision via its integrated eIQ Neutron NPU as part of a vision processing pipeline for usage with multiple camera sensors or network-attached smart cameras. Its SoC integrates an NXP ISP supporting a broad array of imaging sensors to allow vision-capable industrial, robotics, medical and automotive applications, all backed by comprehensive developer support. A rich, vibrant graphics experience for the user is facilitated by Arm Mali GPU capabilities, scaling from multi-display automotive infotainment centres to industrial and IoT HMI-based applications.

The family capabilities incorporate a multi-core application domain with up to six Arm Cortex-A55 cores and an independent safety domain consisting of high-performance Arm Cortex-M7 and Arm Cortex-M33 CPUs, combining low-power, real-time, and high-performance processing. It is designed to provide ISO 26262 ASIL-B and SIL-2 IEC 61508 compliant platforms, with the functional safety domain serving as a critical capability for many automotive and industrial applications. Platforms based on it assist critical vehicle safety actions, such as voice warnings, instrumentation, and cameras that meet high-reliability standards set by automotive OEMs. Also, in industrial factory automation platforms, the functional safety domain aids in ensuring that an industrial control system will always return to a pre-determined state, even when the rest of the system fails.

Security is a crucial foundation for edge applications. The family combines a secure enclave to simplify the implementation of security critical functions such as secure boot, cryptography, trust provisioning, and run-time attestation. Together with the company's EdgeLock 2 GO key management services, manufacturers can securely provision i.MX 95 SoC-based products for secure remote management of devices deployed in the field, including secure OTA.