Windows 10 on ARM with NXP i.MX 8M Plus: A New Frontier in Embedded Computing

ARM-based processors have become increasingly popular with the growing need for powerful yet energyefficient computing solutions. Microsoft’s decision to expand Windows 10 support to ARM architectures has opened up new possibilities for embedded systems. Among these, the NXP i.MX 8M Plus (i.MX8MP) stands out as a versatile System-on-Chip (SoC) that integrates well with Windows 10 on ARM, offering a robust platform for various applications, from IoT devices to advanced multimedia systems.

Windows 10 on ARM Overview

Windows 10 on ARM delivers a complete Windows experience optimized for the ARM architecture. It supports x86 emulation, enabling ARM-based systems to run traditional Windows applications seamlessly. This compatibility, combined with the native performance and power efficiency of ARM processors, makes Windows 10 on ARM an attractive option for embedded systems.

NXP i.MX 8M Plus Overview

The NXP i.MX 8M Plus is a feature-rich SoC designed for high-performance, low-power applications. The key features include:

• Quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor running up to 1.8 GHz
• Dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) for AI and machine learning applications, delivering up to 2.3 TOPS
• Integrated DSP for audio and voice processing
• 4K video decoding and encoding capabilities
• Comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet

These features make the i.MX 8M Plus excellent for running Windows 10 on ARM, particularly in applications requiring multimedia processing, AI capabilities, and efficient power usage.

Block Diagram

Below are block diagrams illustrating the architecture of Windows 10 on ARM running on the NXP i.MX 8M Plus.

 NXP i.MX 8M Plus SoC Block Diagram

System Architecture with Windows 10 on ARM

Advantages of Using Windows 10 on ARM with i.MX 8M Plus

1. Power Efficiency: The ARM architecture's low power consumption is ideal for energy-efficient embedded systems.
2. Performance: The i.MX 8M Plus's Cortex-A53 cores and NPU ensure robust performance for general computing and AI tasks.
3. Compatibility: With Windows 10 on ARM, users can run ARM64 and legacy x86 applications, offering software option flexibility.
4. Connectivity: The i.MX 8M Plus provides versatile connectivity for integration into diverse embedded applications, from smart homes to industrial automation.

Use Cases

1. Smart Home Devices: Leveraging the multimedia capabilities and AI processing power of the i.MX 8M Plus, along with Windows 10’s intuitive interface and extensive software support, can enhance smart home devices' functionality and user experience.
2. Industrial Automation: The robust processing power and connectivity options make the i.MX 8M Plus suitable for controlling and monitoring industrial systems, while Windows 10 offers a familiar environment for developing and running industrial software.
3. AI-Driven Applications: The integrated NPU makes the i.MX 8M Plus an excellent choice for AI applications, such as image recognition and natural language processing. Windows 10 provides a platform for developing and deploying these solutions.

Ending Note

The integration of Windows 10 on ARM with the I-Pi SMARC IMX8MP represents a significant step forward in embedded computing. This combination leverages ARM architecture's power efficiency and performance with the versatility and compatibility of Windows 10, creating a powerful platform for a wide range of applications. As the demand for smart, connected devices grows, the synergy between Windows 10 on ARM and the i.MX 8M Plus will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the future of embedded systems.