NXP Unveils i.MX 94 Family: Advanced Processors for Industrial and Automotive Edge Computing

NXP Introduces i.MX 94 Family for Industrial and Automotive Applications

NXP Semiconductors has announced the launch of its new i.MX 94 family of applications processors, designed to address the growing demands of industrial control, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), telematics, and automotive gateways 1

1

2

2

. This latest addition to NXP's i.MX 9 series aims to simplify the complexity of modern connectivity requirements while delivering high-performance edge processing.

Advanced Connectivity and Real-Time Processing

The i.MX 94 family integrates a 2.5Gbps Ethernet Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) switch, marking it as NXP's first i.MX applications processor to do so 1

1

. This feature enables highly configurable, secure communications with support for a wide range of industrial and automotive protocols. The integration of communications, safety, and real-time control features into a single System-on-Chip (SoC) helps designers navigate the increasing complexity of industrial and automotive environments 2

2

.

Multi-Core Architecture for Enhanced Performance

The processors feature a multi-core design with up to four Arm Cortex-A55 cores capable of running Linux, complemented by two Cortex-M33 cores and two Cortex-M7 cores for increased real-time processing capability 1

1

2

2

. This architecture, supported by NXP's Real-Time Edge software framework, allows for optimal combination of real-time and application-level tasks across all cores.

Robust Security Features

In response to evolving cybersecurity threats, the i.MX 94 family introduces several advanced security features:

1. Post-quantum cryptography support, a first for NXP's applications processors, designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers 1

   1

   .
2. EdgeLock Secure Enclave (Advanced Profile) for secure boot, debug, and updates based on post-quantum cryptography 2

   2

   .
3. Runtime protections, including automatic recovery to a trusted state and EdgeLock 2GO key management 1

   1

   2

   2

   .

AI and Machine Learning Capabilities

The integration of NXP's eIQ Neutron Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivers 0.5 TOPS of machine learning performance 1

1

. This enables real-time predictive maintenance, operator guidance, defect scanning, and machine diagnostics. The NPU also provides adaptable security features, including machine learning-assisted cybersecurity for critical systems protection 2

2

.

Industry Standards Compliance

The i.MX 94 family supports various industry standards and regulations:

• IEC61508 SIL2 and ISO26262 ASIL-B compliance for functional safety 1

  1

  2

  2

  .
• Security standards such as IEC 62443 and ISO 21434 1

  1

  2

  2

  .
• Upcoming regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act in Europe 1

  1

  2

  2

  .

Market Impact and Applications

Charles Dachs, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Industrial and IoT at NXP, emphasized the i.MX 94 family's role in simplifying complex connectivity challenges 1

1

. The processors are positioned to meet the demands of industrial automation and automotive telematics applications, offering the necessary networking, security, safety, and AI capabilities for future innovations 2

2

.

As the industrial and automotive sectors continue to evolve towards more connected and software-defined systems, NXP's i.MX 94 family represents a significant step in providing the necessary hardware infrastructure to support these advancements.