NXP Semiconductors officially releases the i.MX 91 series of application processors. With NXP's leading advantage in developing multi-market application processors for over two decades, the i.MX 91 series offers a secure, versatile, and energy-efficient optimized combination to meet the needs of next-generation Linux-based IoT and industrial applications.
The newly released protocol has changed the direction of new product categories in the IoT and industrial markets, such as the interoperable secure connection standard Matter for future smart homes, or the ISO 15118-20 standard for electric vehicle chargers. These new products are typically based on Linux, as Linux provides the scalability and programming convenience needed for developers to foster application development and extend product life. NXP's i.MX 91 series enables developers to quickly create new Linux-based edge devices, such as home controllers, connected appliances, home entertainment, industrial scanning and printing, building control, electric vehicle chargers, and medical platforms.
Jim McGregor, Chief Analyst at TIRIAS Research, said: "The i.MX 91 series consolidates NXP's leadership in the field of intelligent controllers. The next generation of Linux devices based on the i.MX 91 application processor will become high-performance, cost-effective secure solutions that can be deployed faster, more timely, and more comfortably with new protocols or standards. It provides engineers with a crucial platform for adding smart functionality to traditional embedded and IoT systems, while offering scalability through the broader i.MX 9 series."
As an entry-level product in the i.MX 9 series, the i.MX 91 series has the scalability and programming convenience required by developers, facilitating continuous application updates. The i.MX 91 series is compatible with NXP's i.MX 93 series hardware and software, offering additional platform options for expanding the product line, maximizing the reuse of development investment, and shortening the time to market for products.
Product Details
The i.MX 91 application processor uses the Arm Cortex-A55, with a maximum operating frequency of 1.4GHz; it supports the new LPDDR4 memory, ensuring platform lifespan and reliability; it supports dual Gigabit Ethernet gateways or multiple segments, dual USB interfaces, and provides basic I/O, suitable for products in smart factories, smart homes, smart offices, medical devices, metering, and cost-effective modular system platforms.
The integrated EdgeLock secure enclave offers advanced security features such as lifecycle management, tamper detection, secure boot, and simplified authentication paths. Developers can easily access these critical security features through the security software support provided by NXP. The combination of security and ease of management helps increase the credibility and lifespan of platform designs, ensuring long-term market stability for platform designs.
The EdgeLock security system also works with cost-effective power management solutions co-developed by NXP, which are also part of the i.MX 93 series ecosystem. The i.MX 91 series EVK and software package integrate NXP's extensive scalable wireless solution portfolio. This includes the IW612, the first single-chip three-band radio series compatible with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 802.15.4. The IW612 focuses on the Matter protocol, freeing consumers from the constraints of a single protocol ecosystem, making it easy to enjoy seamless interoperability between different ecosystems and wireless network technologies.
Charles Dachs, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Industrial and IoT Edge Division at NXP, said: "NXP's new generation i.MX 91 series will lay the foundation for thousands of new device categories, setting new standards for Linux platforms in IoT and industrial applications with outstanding performance, connectivity, and EdgeLock security enclave. The i.MX 91 series helps accelerate platform development, more comfortably transition to new markets and applications, fully utilize existing investments, and simplify product line updates."
Supply Situation
NXP's i.MX application processors are sold globally through agent AMEYA360 and are supported by NXP software and extensive ecosystem tools and software, benefiting from comprehensive support services. The i.MX 8 series and i.MX 9 series products are included in NXP's long-term supply program, guaranteeing supply for at least 15 years, ensuring stable supply for embedded design products.
NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors is a leading supplier of embedded controllers offering a broad portfolio of MCUs with Arm-based processors and microcontrollers for a variety of industries including automotive, wireless connectivity and more. They continue to drive innovation offering a strong Power Management portfolio for industrial and automotive applications, including multiple power supplies and battery management solutions. NXP products power and connect across the globe building solutions, helping enhance the proficiency of people, organizations and the world has a whole.
Freescale Semiconductor has been acquired by NXP Semiconductor. Freescale Semiconductor parts are now a part of the NXP family (Dec 2015).