Avnet Unveils MaaXBoard OSM93: A Powerhouse for Edge AI Development

Avnet introduces the MaaXBoard OSM93, a Raspberry Pi-style semi-single-board computer designed to cater to energy-efficient edge artificial intelligence (edge AI) tasks. The board leverages the NXP i.MX 93 system-on-chip (SoC) to power its capabilities, offering a versatile platform for developers and embedded designers alike.

“The MaaXBoard OSM93 Development Kit is a great way for embedded designers to quickly evaluate and prototype both the i.MX 93 applications processor from NXP and the Avnet Embedded OSM-SF-IMX93 OSM,” highlights Jim Beneke from Avnet, emphasizing the board’s potential for high-volume applications. With its OSM-standard module and production-ready SBC form factor, the MaaXBoard suits various project scales and assembly needs efficiently.

The NXP i.MX 93 SoC boasts two Arm Cortex-A55 application-class processors clocked at up to 1.7GHz, complemented by a Cortex-M33 real-time core running at up to 250MHz. Additionally, it features an Ethos-U65 neural processing unit running at 1GHz, delivering up to 0.5 tera-operations per second (TOPS) for edge AI and machine learning tasks. The inclusion of an EdgeLock secure enclave system ensures robust security measures, making the MaaXBoard OSM93 a compelling choice for IoT applications requiring both performance and reliability.

Elsewhere on the board, users will find a robust set of features, including 2GB of LPDDR4 memory for smooth multitasking and performance, complemented by 640kB of on-chip RAM (OCRAM) for efficient data processing. Storage needs are addressed with 16GB of eMMC 5.1 storage and 16MB of QSPI NOR flash, ensuring ample space for applications and data.

Connectivity options abound, with two USB 2.0 Type-A host ports and a USB 2.0 Type-C port for versatile peripheral connections. Display and camera interfaces include four-lane MIPI Display Serial Interface (DSI) and two-lane Camera Serial Interface (CSI) connectors, catering to diverse multimedia requirements. Network connectivity is robust with two gigabit Ethernet ports, while an M.2 E-key connector offers flexibility for optional wireless modules.

Additionally, the board features a 40-pin Raspberry Pi-style general-purpose input/output (GPIO) header, enabling easy interfacing with external devices and expansion boards. Debugging capabilities are enhanced with a JTAG debugging header, while analog input needs are met with a four-pin header. Moreover, a six-pin CAN-FD header and SAI digital audio header, combined with onboard PDM microphone sensors, further extend the board’s functionality for a wide range of applications.

Avnet has confirmed it will be showing off the MaaXBoard OSM93 at Embedded World in Nuremberg, Germany, April 9-11 at Booth 1-510; the board and module will both become generally available in the second quarter, with pricing yet to be confirmed. More information is available on the Avnet website.

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