QSXM Solder-down module: NXP i.MX8M Mini Quad
Solder-down High Performance Module with Quad Core ARM Cortex-A53 processor
QSXM is a QFN-style solder-down system-on-module series with NXP’s 
quad-core i.MX8M Mini ARM Cortex-A53 64-bit processors, plus 2GB of 32-bit LPDDR4 RAM, 4GB eMMC Flash memory and power management.
This tiny SoM exploits the 108-pin compatible version of the QS-family pinout in order to expose the PCIe interface. It also features high bandwidth LPDDR4 RAM in order to maximize performance (when compared with QS8M).
The module is 29mm square, with a height of 2.6mm, and pin-compatible with other QS and QSX series modules. Its edge-contact QFN-type pinout style features a 1mm pitch with 108 pads providing unparalleled miniaturisation, thermal efficiency and EMI minimisation – the base functions as both a ground pad and a thermal conductor. The module requires a single 3.3v supply.
The QSXM module’s i.MX8M family processor provides a quad core 1600MHz ARM Cortex-A53 processor complex as well as a separate GPU and Video Codec. The QSXM module offers all the features of QS8M, but performance is enhanced by 2GB of 32-bit LPDDR4 RAM, and the module’s slightly larger size and extra pins are used to expose the SoC’s PCIe interface.
The i.MX8M Mini makes for a cost-conscious module pricing and combines low energy operation with powerful features including MIPI-DSI display up to 1080p. The module offers an industrial temperature spec of -25C to +85C and a wide range of connectivity including UART s, SPI, I²C, Audio, Gb Ethernet, SD, USB Host and Client and MIPI-DSI display.
The QSXM like other QSX series modules uses a QSBASE3 development system, which offers access to the PCIe interface via an M.2 port. The development kit (see tab below the feature table) comes with Linux installed.
To purchase a development kit simply follow the “Buy Online” link below.
Download Datasheet and Pinout Further downloadable documents will appear here.
| Resource | QSXM | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | NXP i.MX8M Mini Quad | Differences from QS8M |
| CPU | 4x ARM Cortex-A53 | Mini Quad |
| Processor Clock Max (MHz) | 1600 | Mini |
| RAM | 2GB | 32-bit LPDDR4 |
| Persistent Storage | 4GB | 4GB eMMC |
| Coprocessors | GPU, VPU | |
| Floating Point | y | ARM Cortex-A53 Neon / VFP |
| Real-Time MCU | y | Cortex-M4F subsystem |
| UART (RS232) | 3 | |
| PCIe | 1 | 1 Lane Gen.2 |
| Gb Ethernet | 1 | |
| I2C Interface | 2 | |
| LCD Controller | 1080p | MIPI-DSI, 4-lane |
| Supplied LCD | - | Raspberry Pi compatible display connector |
| SAI Audio | 1 | |
| S/PDIF | 1 | |
| SD card/SDIO (4-bit) | 1 | |
| USB OTG | 2 | Hub on baseboard |
| SPI | 2 | |
| PWM | 1 | |
| JTAG | 1 | Special pads on base - refer to docs |
| Camera Interface | 1 | MIPI-CSI |
| RTC | 1 | |
| Temperature Range | -25 to +85C | |
| Dimensions | 29mm x 29mm | 2.6mm height |
| Power (mW) | 739/40 | Linux/Sleep |
| Connectors | 108-pin QFN | QSX range compatible pinout |
| Longevity (years) | 12 | Guaranteed supply to 2033 |
| Linux | y | Mainline, Yocto Project compatible |
| QNX | y | 7.0 |
QSX modules have their own development kit, built on the QSBASE3 baseboard, supplied with Linux running out of the box.
The development kit features a Raspberry Pi compatible expansion header and TFT interface – so you can implement interfaces in development using RPi hats and displays.
It is supplied with a QSXM module, with quad-core i.MX8M Mini, 2GB RAM and 4GB eMMC. There is MIPI-DSI connector for a touch screen, Gb Ethernet, 4x USB Host. USB 3.0 power, and debug UART. Additionally there is a 40-pin expansion header, and MIPI-CSI and PCIe via M.2 connectors on the rear. For production purposes, you will require a custom baseboard, and we are happy to offer baseboard design and manufacture as a service.
QSBASE4 with Raspberry Pi Display
All QS and QSX modules may use the QSBASE4 baseboard for development purposes.
QSBASE4 is designed to accept socketed versions of all QS and QSX modules, and features:
- Gb Ethernet
- 2-port USB hub
- 2-Lane MIPI display connector – Raspberry Pi compatible
- 2-Lane MIPI camera connector
- Micro USB to UART bridge for debug
- USB type-C connector for client/power
- Expansion connector – RasPi power/I2C/SPI/UART compatible + CAN, SDIO
- JTAG ICE header
Special socketed versions of QS/QSX modules are connected via two 80-pin push-down connectors.
The QSBASE4 works with a standard Raspberry Pi 7″ touch display which is readily obtainable (we may also have stock). It is supplied complete with a USB-C cable for power and flashing, and a micro USB-B cable for debugging. The socketed modules are preflashed with a Linux image (contact support for details, and possible customisation).
The QSXM module is available in production form on 500pcs reels (smaller quantities supplied as cut tape).
For development purposes either the dedicated devkit, or the socketed version of the module, plus a QSBASE4 development kit should be ordered. Links to the online shop are above, and the kits are in local (UK) inventory.
Simply order the QSXM development system via our online shop, using the “Buy Online” link to the right, and it should be with you in a couple of days. We look forward to providing you with knowledgeable, professional support to create your product. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling Direct Insight on +44 1295 768800 9am to 5.30pm UK time, emailing info at directinsight.co.uk, or by using the “Contact Us” form below.
Contact our experienced team with your detailed questions – we’ll be happy to help.
You can quickly access volume pricing information using the “Get Quote” link to the right.
QSX vs QS solder-down SoM pinouts
The QSX pinout maintains pin-compatibility with QS, but adds high performance interfaces including PCIe
For projects requiring PCIe or USB 3.0, QSX is an enlarged (29mm vs 27mm) version of the QS footprint, which maintains pin-compatibility as QS modules can be placed on the footprint, but adds 8 extra pins needed for USB 3.0 and/or PCIe where these interfaces are available.
In addition they offer:
Guaranteed lifetime is a key reason to choose us – we have been shipping modules for over two decades, and have a track record of offering several products for well over 10 years. Each module that we sell is guaranteed to be available, in small or large quantities for at least 12 years from launch. This is a minimum, with expected lifetimes of 15 years where possible. Direct Insight has a unique track-record in maintaining partnership with our customers for the long-term, supporting you throughout the product life-cycle.
Because the TRITON-TX modules are manufactured in a high-quality small-batch production facility within the EU, there are never problems with manufacturing standards or with supply. If you order 100 modules and we don’t have them in stock, we will make them. Often, cheap modules are produced in large batches by volume-oriented contract manufacturers in the Far East, and once they are gone, they are gone.
Our BSPs whether for Linux, or other supported OS including QNX and Windows 10 IoT Core are complete, and are designed so that you can use them without further development or modification. One of the key advantages of the system-on-module approach is rapid time-to-market, and requires a reliable, production-ready BSP, and a ready-to-roll compatible tools setup. For Linux, we supply a pre-configured VM SDK so that the kit and tools are ready to use out of the box.
Further to our longevity guarantee, additional security is provided by the pin-compatible nature of the QS/QSX-Module ranges, which means that suitable baseboard designs can take all the modules from this family, from the low-end low-cost QSMP, to the i.MX8 based QS8M and QSXP, and allows older modules to be replaced by the latest designs, with new features, better price-performance, and renewed longevity.
Striving for the best technical support provision to our customers is what makes Direct Insight stand out. Using a system-on-module is all about achieving a quicker, smoother route to project completion. We have supported our customers in many hundreds of system-on-module projects over the last 20 years, and are uniquely placed to assist you.
i.MX8 processors have a sophisticat
ed feature called High Assurance Boot (HAB) which potentially allows the user to secure the device against code modification, while preserving the ability to update. This is achieved by programming public keys into the device, against which the private-key signed image and data are validated. We offer HAB programming during manufacture to enable customers to easily secure their device.
