VAR-SMARC - new SoM modules for industrial projects, AI and secure migration
SMARC: a standard for new and existing projects
SMARC is a standard that makes it easier to separate the computing part from the carrier board. In practice, it allows embedded devices to be designed in a more structured way: the module is responsible for processing, while the carrier board can be tailored to a specific application, set of peripherals and mechanical requirements. This is particularly important in industrial projects. PLC controllers, machine controllers, IIoT gateways, HMI panels and test and measurement devices often require simultaneous support for multiple communication interfaces, inputs/outputs, control signals and displays. In such applications, the SMARC form factor helps make efficient use of the available lines from the SoM and reduce the risk of conflicts at the carrier board design stage.
The SMARC standard is also important for existing devices. If the module used so far becomes difficult to obtain or no longer provides a clear development path, switching to a Variscite module compliant with SMARC 2.2 can be a realistic way to reduce production risk. Such a migration naturally requires verification of the specific project, pinout and signal configuration, but the standard form factor and Pin2Pin approach make it easier to move the solution to a newer platform.
The design ecosystem is also an important element. Variscite provides documentation, BSP, Developer Center and Customer Portal, through which registered users can access support from the manufacturer’s engineers. Yocto materials are also available for the new modules, helping teams start system development faster and move more efficiently from evaluation to deployment.
VAR-SMARC-MX8M-PLUS: i.MX 8M Plus, support for multiple displays and TPM 2.0
VAR-SMARC-MX8M-PLUS is the first module from Variscite’s SMARC family. It is based on the NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor, which combines four Cortex-A53 cores with a Cortex-M7 real-time coprocessor. This architecture is well suited to devices that must simultaneously handle control logic, communication, user interface and local data processing.
Support for multi-display applications is also worth noting. The i.MX 8M Plus processor supports scenarios in which a device can use up to three displays simultaneously. Combined with the SMARC form factor, this gives designers greater freedom when building operator panels, diagnostic screens or additional service interfaces without excessively limiting the remaining signal lines.
A very important new feature is the integrated Trusted Platform Module 2.0. TPM 2.0 provides hardware support for cryptographic operations and for protecting keys and authentication data. In the context of the Cyber Resilience Act, this is highly significant: a higher level of security can be designed at the module level, rather than only as an additional element of the carrier board or software. For more critical industrial applications, this is an argument that can have a real impact on the choice of hardware platform.
VAR-SMARC-MX95: higher performance, edge AI and Safety Island
VAR-SMARC-MX95 expands Variscite’s SMARC family towards more demanding applications. The module is based on the NXP i.MX 95 processor and is intended, among other things, for industrial automation, medical systems, energy infrastructure, building management and devices using local artificial intelligence.
The processor offers up to six Cortex-A55 cores, as well as Cortex-M7 and Cortex-M33 real-time coprocessors. An important element is the independent Safety Island architecture, which supports the design of systems with elevated functional safety requirements. In edge AI applications, an important role is played by the integrated eIQ Neutron NPU accelerator with performance of 2 TOPS, which enables inference to be performed locally without the need to continuously send data to the cloud.
VAR-SMARC-MX95 also further develops the topic of hardware security. The module belongs to the VAR-SMARC Pin2Pin family with integrated TPM 2.0, FIPS 140-3 Level 2 certification, secure boot and processor cryptographic acceleration. This approach helps address CRA requirements already at the hardware level, which is particularly important in devices operating in industrial, medical and infrastructure environments.
Summary: SMARC as a basis for development and migration
VAR-SMARC-MX8M-PLUS and VAR-SMARC-MX95 create a practical path for both new and modernized embedded projects, combining the SMARC standard, a wide set of interfaces, AI features and TPM 2.0 hardware security. The first module is well suited to applications where efficiency and flexible peripheral integration are important, while the second addresses the needs of more advanced applications requiring higher performance, edge AI, Safety Island and an increased level of security.
