NXP i.MX processors are widely used in professional embedded systems where stability, documentation, Linux support, security features, and long-term product planning are important. They are commonly found in industrial control devices, HMI panels, medical equipment, gateways, machine interfaces, smart building systems, automotive-related terminals, and many long-lifecycle embedded products.
In the embedded SBC market, NXP i.MX platforms are often used in Linux SBCs, Android-capable boards, system-on-modules, industrial HMI boards, gateway controllers, camera-enabled edge devices, and custom embedded mainboards. Unlike many consumer-oriented SoCs that mainly target short product cycles, i.MX processors are frequently selected for projects where the product may remain in production for many years.
For engineers, this makes the i.MX family an important platform to understand. Choosing an i.MX processor is not only about CPU performance. It also involves operating system support, BSP maturity, display interfaces, industrial I/O, power consumption, lifecycle planning, security requirements, and the availability of reliable board or module suppliers.
About NXP and the i.MX Family
NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company focused on embedded processing, automotive electronics, industrial applications, secure connectivity, IoT, and edge computing. Its i.MX application processor family is one of the most recognized processor lines in the professional embedded market.
The i.MX family has been used by many industrial board vendors, system-on-module suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and product design companies. It is common to see i.MX processors in systems where the development team values formal documentation, stable Linux support, long-term supply, and maintainable software architecture.
For embedded developers, NXP i.MX platforms are attractive because the ecosystem usually includes:
- Linux BSPs
- Yocto support
- Android support on selected platforms
- Evaluation boards
- System-on-modules
- Industrial SBCs
- Reference designs
- Security documentation
- Long-lifecycle product programs
- Third-party hardware and software partners
This ecosystem is especially useful for companies building industrial products, where long-term maintainability is often more important than using the newest or fastest processor.
Why NXP i.MX Is Used in Embedded Products
NXP i.MX processors are commonly selected for embedded products because they provide a balanced foundation for professional device development. Many embedded projects do not need the maximum possible CPU performance. Instead, they need predictable software support, stable peripheral integration, clear documentation, and a platform that can remain available throughout the product lifecycle.
Typical advantages of i.MX platforms include:
- Strong embedded Linux ecosystem
- Mature Yocto development workflow
- Good documentation and reference manuals
- Long-lifecycle support on many processor families
- Industrial and automotive-related ecosystem
- Security-oriented features on selected platforms
- Display, camera, audio, networking, and industrial interface support
- Availability of SoM and SBC products from many vendors
- Suitability for HMI, medical, gateway, and machine control applications
For products such as industrial HMI panels, machine controllers, medical interfaces, smart building systems, and gateways, the development team often cares about reliability, maintenance, and supply continuity. In these areas, NXP i.MX platforms are often a strong choice.
Main NXP i.MX Processor Families
The i.MX family includes several generations and product lines. Some older processors are still used in existing products, while newer platforms target modern HMI, edge AI, camera, secure gateway, and industrial applications.
The following overview focuses on i.MX processors commonly relevant to embedded SBCs, Linux systems, Android-capable devices, HMI panels, gateways, and industrial products.
| Processor Family | CPU Class | Typical OS | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| i.MX6 | Cortex-A7 / Cortex-A9 class depending on model | Linux / Android | Legacy HMI, gateways, industrial panels, medical devices |
| i.MX6ULL / i.MX6UL | Low-power Cortex-A7 class | Linux | Gateways, industrial control, simple HMI, IoT terminals |
| i.MX7 | Cortex-A7 + Cortex-M class on selected models | Linux | Industrial control, gateways, low-power embedded devices |
| i.MX8M Mini | Cortex-A53 class | Linux / Android | HMI panels, gateways, medical terminals, SBCs |
| i.MX8M Nano | Cortex-A53 class | Linux | Low-power gateways, compact HMI, smart devices |
| i.MX8M Plus | Cortex-A53 class with AI and vision features | Linux / Android | Machine vision, industrial HMI, edge AI, smart cameras |
| i.MX8M Quad | Cortex-A53 class | Linux / Android | Multimedia HMI, smart displays, audio/video systems |
| i.MX8X / i.MX8QuadXPlus | Heterogeneous embedded platform | Linux / Android | Industrial and automotive-related HMI, safety-aware systems |
| i.MX8QuadMax | Higher-end heterogeneous platform | Linux / Android | Advanced HMI, multi-display, automotive-related systems |
| i.MX8ULP | Ultra-low-power application processor | Linux | Low-power HMI, IoT, battery-sensitive products |
| i.MX9 Series | Newer industrial edge platform | Linux / Android on selected designs | Industrial HMI, gateways, edge AI, secure devices |
NXP i.MX6 Series
The i.MX6 series is an older but historically important application processor family. It has been widely used in industrial HMI panels, medical devices, automotive-related terminals, gateways, and embedded Linux systems.
Although newer platforms are now available, i.MX6 is still found in many existing products because it has a long field history and a mature ecosystem. For maintenance projects, replacement designs, and long-running industrial systems, engineers may still need to work with i.MX6-based platforms.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A7 or Cortex-A9 class depending on model |
| Positioning | Mature embedded application processor family |
| Typical OS | Linux, Android on selected legacy platforms |
| Display Use | RGB, LVDS, HDMI depending on model and board |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, CAN on selected models |
| Common Applications | Legacy HMI, gateways, medical terminals, industrial control panels |
| Main Strength | Mature ecosystem and long field history |
| Limitation | Older generation; new designs should evaluate lifecycle and software support carefully |
For new designs, many teams now compare i.MX6 with i.MX8M Mini, i.MX8M Plus, or i.MX9 depending on the required display, power, security, and software roadmap.
NXP i.MX6ULL and i.MX6UL
i.MX6ULL and i.MX6UL are low-power processors commonly used in cost-sensitive industrial Linux products. They are suitable for devices that do not require heavy graphics or multimedia features but still need reliable Linux operation and industrial connectivity.
These processors are often used in simple HMI devices, gateways, data loggers, industrial control modules, and IoT terminals.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Single-core Cortex-A7 class |
| Positioning | Low-power, cost-effective embedded Linux platform |
| Typical OS | Linux, Yocto, Buildroot |
| Display Use | Basic LCD interface depending on board design |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, CAN on selected designs |
| Common Applications | Gateways, industrial control, simple HMI, IoT terminals, data loggers |
| Main Strength | Low power, mature Linux support, suitable for compact industrial products |
| Limitation | Limited graphics and multimedia capability |
These platforms are useful when the product is mainly a controller, gateway, or simple Linux terminal rather than a rich graphical HMI.
NXP i.MX7 Series
The i.MX7 series combines application processing with lower-level embedded control features. Some variants include Cortex-A cores together with Cortex-M cores, making them suitable for products that need Linux plus more predictable low-level processing.
This architecture can be useful in applications where Linux handles communication, file systems, networking, and user interfaces, while lower-level tasks are handled separately.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A7 class, with Cortex-M support on selected variants |
| Positioning | Low-power industrial and embedded Linux platform |
| Typical OS | Linux |
| Display Use | Basic HMI and LCD products depending on board |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, CAN on selected designs |
| Common Applications | Industrial control, gateways, power-sensitive devices, embedded terminals |
| Main Strength | Low power and heterogeneous processing options |
| Limitation | Not intended for heavy UI, multimedia, or AI workloads |
i.MX7 is suitable for systems where power consumption and control behavior matter more than high graphics performance.
NXP i.MX8M Mini
i.MX8M Mini is one of the most widely used i.MX8 processors for embedded SBCs, HMI products, gateways, and professional devices. It provides a practical balance of Linux capability, display support, power consumption, and lifecycle suitability.
This platform is commonly selected for industrial HMI panels, medical terminals, smart building devices, and Linux SBCs that need stable operation without moving into high-end processor complexity.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A53 class, available in different core configurations |
| Positioning | Mid-range embedded Linux and HMI processor |
| Typical OS | Linux, Yocto, Android on selected BSPs |
| Display Use | MIPI DSI, HDMI, or other interfaces depending on board design |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, audio |
| Common Applications | Industrial HMI, gateways, medical terminals, smart building panels, Linux SBCs |
| Main Strength | Mature Linux ecosystem, good balance for HMI and gateway products |
| Limitation | Not ideal for heavy AI or advanced machine vision workloads |
i.MX8M Mini is often chosen when a product needs stable Linux support, professional lifecycle planning, and moderate display performance.
NXP i.MX8M Nano
i.MX8M Nano is a lower-power member of the i.MX8M family. It is suitable for compact devices that need Linux capability, basic HMI, and network-connected embedded functionality.
It can be used in compact gateways, smart devices, low-power control terminals, and simple HMI systems.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A53 class, depending on configuration |
| Positioning | Low-power embedded application processor |
| Typical OS | Linux, Yocto |
| Display Use | Basic display and HMI depending on board |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, audio |
| Common Applications | Compact gateways, simple HMI products, smart devices, IoT terminals |
| Main Strength | Low power and compact embedded design suitability |
| Limitation | Less suitable for complex graphics, camera-heavy systems, or AI workloads |
i.MX8M Nano can be a good fit for products where power, size, and lifecycle matter more than rich multimedia performance.
NXP i.MX8M Plus
i.MX8M Plus is one of the most important NXP processors for modern embedded edge applications. It is commonly used in machine vision systems, AI-assisted products, smart cameras, industrial HMI panels, medical devices, gateways, and advanced Linux SBCs.
It is often selected when the product needs camera input, image processing, local AI inference, or more advanced edge capability.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A53 class with Cortex-M class real-time support on selected configurations |
| NPU | Integrated AI accelerator on i.MX8M Plus family |
| Positioning | Vision, AI, HMI, and industrial edge processor |
| Typical OS | Linux, Yocto, Android on selected BSPs |
| Display Use | MIPI DSI, LVDS/HDMI depending on board design |
| Camera | Camera input and image processing support depending on design |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, PCIe on selected boards, audio |
| Common Applications | Machine vision, smart cameras, edge AI gateways, industrial HMI, medical terminals |
| Main Strength | Strong choice for camera, AI, and industrial edge applications |
| Limitation | Higher cost and greater design complexity than simpler i.MX platforms |
For products involving edge AI, smart camera features, or industrial vision, i.MX8M Plus is often a practical candidate. However, engineers should still test the actual AI model, camera sensor, display, and BSP before making a final decision.
NXP i.MX8M Quad
i.MX8M Quad is used in multimedia-oriented HMI and embedded display products. It can support graphics, video, audio, and richer user interface designs.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Cortex-A53 class |
| Positioning | Multimedia and display-oriented embedded processor |
| Typical OS | Linux, Android |
| Display Use | HDMI, MIPI DSI, or other interfaces depending on board |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, audio |
| Common Applications | Smart displays, multimedia HMI, audio/video terminals, Android/Linux SBCs |
| Main Strength | Multimedia and HMI capability |
| Limitation | Should be compared with i.MX8M Plus for newer camera or AI requirements |
i.MX8M Quad can still be useful in smart display products, but newer designs often compare it with i.MX8M Plus or i.MX9 depending on roadmap and application requirements.
NXP i.MX8X and i.MX8QuadXPlus
i.MX8X and i.MX8QuadXPlus are used in industrial and automotive-related embedded systems that may require heterogeneous processing, display support, and more advanced system partitioning.
These processors are typically selected for more complex professional systems rather than simple low-cost SBC products.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | ARM application cores with heterogeneous architecture depending on model |
| Positioning | Industrial and automotive-related embedded platform |
| Typical OS | Linux, Android on selected BSPs |
| Display Use | Multi-display or HMI support depending on board |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, CAN and other interfaces depending on design |
| Common Applications | Automotive-related HMI, industrial panels, control terminals, professional equipment |
| Main Strength | More advanced architecture for professional embedded systems |
| Limitation | Greater system complexity than simpler i.MX8M platforms |
These platforms are useful when the system requires more advanced architecture, partitioning, or automotive-related ecosystem support.
NXP i.MX8QuadMax
i.MX8QuadMax is a higher-end i.MX8 platform designed for advanced embedded systems, including automotive-related HMI, multi-display terminals, and complex professional equipment.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Heterogeneous multi-core ARM platform |
| Positioning | High-end i.MX8 embedded and automotive-related processor |
| Typical OS | Linux, Android on selected BSPs |
| Display Use | Advanced display and multi-display systems depending on board |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, PCIe, audio, camera, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI depending on design |
| Common Applications | Digital cockpit, advanced HMI, multi-display systems, professional embedded computers |
| Main Strength | High system capability and advanced architecture |
| Limitation | Higher cost and design complexity; often unnecessary for simple SBC products |
i.MX8QuadMax is usually not selected for simple HMI panels. It is more relevant to complex systems that require multiple processing domains, advanced graphics, or multi-display architecture.
NXP i.MX8ULP
i.MX8ULP is designed for ultra-low-power embedded applications. It can be used in battery-sensitive devices, low-power HMI terminals, IoT devices, and always-on connected systems.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Low-power ARM application processor architecture |
| Positioning | Ultra-low-power embedded platform |
| Typical OS | Linux on suitable configurations |
| Display Use | Low-power HMI and compact display products |
| Typical Interfaces | USB, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, audio depending on board |
| Common Applications | Battery-powered terminals, low-power HMI, IoT devices, smart equipment |
| Main Strength | Power efficiency and always-on design suitability |
| Limitation | Not intended for heavy multimedia or high-performance edge computing |
i.MX8ULP should be considered when power consumption is one of the most important design constraints.
NXP i.MX9 Series
The i.MX9 series is a newer embedded processor family for industrial edge, secure connected devices, HMI products, gateways, and next-generation embedded systems. It is often considered for new designs that require modern security features, edge processing, and long-term roadmap support.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Newer ARM application processor architecture, varies by model |
| Positioning | Modern industrial edge and secure embedded platform |
| Typical OS | Linux, Android on selected platforms and BSPs |
| Display Use | HMI and display products depending on variant and board |
| AI / Edge | AI acceleration available on selected models |
| Typical Interfaces | Ethernet, USB, CAN, UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, audio, camera depending on model |
| Common Applications | Industrial HMI, gateways, smart devices, edge AI, secure terminals |
| Main Strength | Newer platform direction, security and industrial edge positioning |
| Limitation | Newer platform; BSP maturity and board availability should be evaluated carefully |
For new industrial projects, i.MX9 can be attractive. However, engineers should validate BSP readiness, board support, display integration, software stack, and lifecycle fit before committing to a design.
Quick Selection Guide
Different i.MX platforms fit different product types. The following table gives a practical starting point.
| Product Type | Suitable i.MX Platforms |
|---|---|
| Simple Linux gateway | i.MX6ULL, i.MX7, i.MX8M Nano |
| Compact HMI | i.MX8M Nano, i.MX8M Mini |
| Industrial HMI panel | i.MX8M Mini, i.MX8M Plus, i.MX9 |
| Medical interface device | i.MX8M Mini, i.MX8M Plus, i.MX9 |
| Machine control terminal | i.MX8M Mini, i.MX8M Plus |
| Camera-enabled terminal | i.MX8M Plus |
| Edge AI gateway | i.MX8M Plus, i.MX9 |
| Automotive-related HMI | i.MX8X, i.MX8QuadXPlus, i.MX8QuadMax |
| Low-power connected device | i.MX8ULP, i.MX8M Nano |
| Long-lifecycle Linux SBC | i.MX8M Mini, i.MX8M Plus, i.MX9 depending on needs |
This is not a strict rule. The final decision should be based on actual performance requirements, operating system support, I/O needs, display interfaces, board availability, software maturity, and lifecycle planning.
i.MX for Linux SBCs
Linux is one of the strongest use cases for NXP i.MX processors. Many i.MX boards and modules provide Linux BSPs, Yocto support, kernel source, device tree examples, and production-ready development tools.
Linux-based i.MX SBCs are commonly used in:
- Industrial gateways
- HMI panels
- Machine control terminals
- Medical equipment
- Laboratory instruments
- Smart building systems
- Data loggers
- Edge monitoring devices
- Camera-enabled systems
Linux gives engineers direct access to kernel drivers, device tree, networking tools, serial ports, GPIO, I2C, SPI, systemd services, and custom daemons. This makes i.MX platforms suitable for hardware-driven embedded products.
i.MX for Android SBCs
Selected i.MX platforms can also run Android. Android is useful when the product needs a polished touch interface, multimedia features, camera preview, WebView, and an app-based software model.
Android i.MX products may include:
- Smart HMI panels
- Medical touch terminals
- Building automation panels
- Commercial control terminals
- Interactive devices
- Smart display products
Before selecting Android on an i.MX platform, engineers should verify the exact processor, board, and BSP. Important items include Android version, display support, touch support, camera HAL, GPU driver, audio routing, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, OTA tools, and source code availability.
i.MX for Industrial HMI
NXP i.MX processors are commonly used in industrial HMI panels because they combine Linux support, display capability, and long-term product suitability.
An i.MX HMI system may include:
- TFT LCD display
- Capacitive touch panel
- Linux or Android OS
- Qt, LVGL, GTK, or web-based UI
- Ethernet
- USB
- RS485, CAN, or GPIO expansion through board design
- eMMC storage
- Wide-voltage input
- Industrial enclosure
For Linux HMI systems, Qt is a common choice because it provides a mature graphical framework and long-term maintainability. For lightweight interfaces, LVGL may be suitable. For web-based dashboards, Chromium or embedded browser frameworks may also be used depending on system performance.
i.MX for Gateways and Machine Control
NXP i.MX processors are often used in gateways and machine control-related systems. In many architectures, the i.MX board does not replace a PLC or safety controller. Instead, it handles high-level software functions such as data logging, protocol conversion, remote communication, configuration, and user interface.
Typical gateway functions include:
- Modbus RTU or Modbus TCP communication
- MQTT data upload
- CAN monitoring
- Local data buffering
- Remote diagnostics
- Web dashboard
- Configuration management
- Firmware update
- User permission management
For deterministic or safety-critical control, a PLC, MCU, motion controller, or safety module should handle the real-time tasks. The i.MX SBC is better suited for high-level software, communication, and interface management.
Key Factors When Selecting an i.MX Processor
Before selecting an i.MX processor, engineers should evaluate the complete product requirement rather than focusing only on CPU specifications.
Important factors include:
- Linux or Android support
- Yocto BSP maturity
- Display interface requirement
- Touch panel support
- Camera and ISP requirements
- AI acceleration requirement
- Ethernet and USB needs
- UART, I2C, SPI, GPIO, CAN, and PCIe requirements
- Security features
- Operating temperature
- Power consumption
- Thermal design
- Long-term supply
- Board and module availability
- Documentation quality
- Vendor technical support
- Production test requirements
- Firmware update strategy
The best i.MX processor is the one that matches the product’s real requirements with acceptable cost, software support, and lifecycle risk.
Related NXP i.MX Guides
If you are building an embedded SBC product, the following topics are also worth exploring:
- NXP i.MX8 Series Overview
- Rockchip vs NXP for Embedded SBCs
- Choosing SoCs for Android SBCs and Linux SBCs
- Embedded Linux BSP Development
- Industrial HMI Hardware Design
- TFT LCD Integration for Embedded Systems
Conclusion
NXP i.MX processors are widely used in professional embedded products where stability, documentation, Linux support, security, and long-term availability are important. They are especially relevant for industrial HMI panels, gateways, machine control terminals, medical devices, automotive-related interfaces, and long-lifecycle Linux SBCs.
Older platforms such as i.MX6 and i.MX7 remain important in existing products. i.MX8M Mini is a strong option for HMI and gateway designs. i.MX8M Plus is valuable for camera, AI, and industrial edge applications. i.MX9 provides a newer direction for secure connected industrial and edge devices.
Choosing the right i.MX platform requires matching processor capability, board design, operating system, display support, industrial interfaces, BSP maturity, power design, thermal behavior, security, and lifecycle planning.
When the i.MX processor, SBC hardware, operating system, application software, enclosure, and production process are designed together, NXP i.MX can provide a reliable foundation for professional embedded systems.
