SMARC Modules Make New 3.5-inch Boards Scalable
March 03, 2020
News
congatec introduces a new carrier board, the conga-SMC1 3.5-inch board, with a socket for Arm based SMARC modules.
congatec introduces a new carrier board, the conga-SMC1 3.5-inch board, with a socket for Arm based SMARC modules. Its I/Os can be used with congatec's NXP i.MX8 module portfolio and it comes in 12 different processor configurations. OEMs can implement them in their system solutions without any hardware development effort, using the large ecosystems of standard form factors. Customization of I/Os is another benefit of a modular design and is suitable for small or medium sized projects.
The new carrier board not only features a SMARC socket for scalable processor performance, but is also optimized for MIPI cameras, which can be connected directly and without any additional hardware. With two MIPI-CSI 2.0 connectors, it is possible to develop systems that provide three-dimensional vision and can be used for situational awareness in autonomous vehicles. Combined with processor-integrated support for artificial intelligence and neural networks, this COTS platform offers what developers need for smart vision systems.
The conga-SMC1 board is scalable in 12 performance steps and offers dual GbE, 5x USB, and USB hub support as well as SATA 3 for external hard drives or SSDs.
For specific expansions, the board offers a miniPCIe slot as well as an M.2 Type E E2230 slot with I2S, PCIe and USB, and an M.2 Type B B2242/2280 with 2x PCIe and 1x USB. An integrated MicroSim slot for IoT connection is also provided, next to specific embedded interfaces such as 4x UART, 2x CAN, 8x GPIO, I2C, and SPI.
Displays can be connected via HDMI, LVDS/eDP/DP and MIPI-DSI. The board further offers two MIPI-CSI inputs for camera connection. I2S sound can be implemented via audio jack.
In terms of software, congatec offers precompiled binaries with a configured bootloader, Linux, Yocto, and Android images, as well as all required drivers that are available to congatec customers on GitHub.
For more information, visit: https://www.congatec.com/en/products/accessories/conga-smc1smarc-arm.html
Tiera Oliver is the assistant managing editor at Embedded Computing Design. She is responsible for web content editing, product news, and story development. She also manages, edits, and develops content for ECD podcasts, including Embedded Insiders.
She utilizes her expertise in journalism and content management to oversee editorial content, coordinate with editors, and ensure high-quality output across web, print, and multimedia platforms. She manages diverse projects, assists in the production of digital magazines, and hosts company podcasts by conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders to deliver engaging and insightful discussions.
Tiera attended Northern Arizona University, where she received her bachelor's in journalism and political science. She was also a news reporter for the student-led newspaper, The Lumberjack.
