Introduction

By the three cores of the Dual Cortex-A7 and the Cortex-M4 processors’ in one chip, the module – with dimensions of only 1-inch x 1 inch (25.4 x 25.4 mm) – achieves maximum performance in terms of visualization and computing power. In addition, it offers extensive interfaces that are predestined for applications in industry, automation, medical technology, POS/POI applications as well as IoT and Industry 4.0. Its compact design is ideally suited for a wide range of baseboard designs. Kontron has already provided a corresponding evaluation board in the 4.3-inch form factor as a reference design.

The new STM32MP157 processor from STMicroelectronics offers sufficient computing and graphics power for demanding visualization and Internet communication applications as well as for control tasks within mechanical engineering and equipment technology. Based on a pre-installed embedded Linux operating system, the Cortex-A7 Dual-Core handles complex visualization tasks, including the display of web content. In this context, touch displays and wireless technologies are also supported, as they are mainly used in IoT solutions. The integrated Cortex-M4 offers proven microcontroller technology with a multitude of interfaces for industrial measuring and control technology.

The System-on-Module based on the STM32MP157 processor provides a powerful, compact and cost-effective basis for individual board designs. As it is a solderable module, the costs for connectors on the SOM module and the baseboard below are omitted. The module’s long-term availability is provided for a period of ten years.

The Kontron SOM with the STM32MP157 processor is equipped with 256 MB DDR3 RAM (optional 512 MB), 2 MB NOR flash and 256 MB NAND flash (optional 512 MB) as standard. It has two 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one as OTG, up to 8 UART ports and up to two CAN ports. Numerous digital and analogue I/Os, as well as PWM and three Secure Digital Input Output (SDIO) interfaces, make the SOM ideal for industrial use. A Display Serial Interface (DSI) port and an RGB interface are available for connecting displays.

Power is supplied via a 3.3-volt connection. The application range is from 0°C to +70°C; optional versions for the extended industrial temperature range from -40°C to +85°C are available as well.