Freescale Semiconductor has introduced what it claims to be the world’s smallest single chip module (SCM) for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Talking about the chip in a press statement, Freescale said as the IoT required more processing horsepower to be packed into ever smaller spaces, Freescale’s new SCM line of products could integrate hundreds of components including processors, memory, power management and RF parts, which would otherwise be deployed on a six-inch board, into a tiny 17mm X 14mm X 1.7mm package – the size of a US dime.
The first product in the SCM portfolio was unveiled at the Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) in Austin, Texas, US. Designed to function as a computer on a chip, the i.MX 6Dual SCM is enabled for DDR memory and combines the performance of Freescale’s i.MX 6Dual applications processor together with a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), flash memory, embedded software/firmware, and system-level security technology including random number generation, cryptographic cipher engines and tamper prevention.
SCM products are engineered to dramatically reduce time-to-market, allowing an estimated 25 percent reduction in hardware development time – as well as greater than 50 percent reduction in size versus current discrete solutions, said the company. The module’s exceptional performance and connectivity allow customers targeting IoT markets to incorporate sophisticated predictive data analytics capabilities into their products, allowing for highly compelling and potentially disruptive end-products, the company said.
Freescale’s SCM modules are targeted for applications such as 3D gaming goggles and next-generation IoT drones, among other IoT products.
“Early-stage companies entering the IoT and portable markets often work with limited resources and must create novel, compelling products in highly constrained form factors,” said Nancy Fares Vice-president of System Solutions at Freescale. “For these and other businesses targeting highly competitive and fast-growing markets, Freescale’s SCM product line represents a major breakthrough that addresses a host of hardware and software design challenges, allowing them to begin development immediately and focus their efforts on designing highly differentiated applications and products.”
The i.MX 6Dual SCM was planned for availability in August 2015 directly from Freescale, and through Arrow Electronics distribution. Additional products in the SCM product roadmap were planned for release over the next two years.
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Image Credit: Freescale
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