What Is the Variscite VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS?
The VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS is a System on Module (SoM) from Variscite built around the NXP i.MX 8M Plus applications processor. A SoM packages the CPU, memory, storage and core I/O onto a compact board that plugs into a custom carrier board, letting product designers build embedded devices without laying out a full processor design from scratch. The i.MX 8M Plus itself is an ARM Cortex-A53 quad-core platform running at up to 1.8 GHz, paired with a Cortex-M7 real-time core, and is notable for integrating a dedicated 2.3 TOPS neural processing unit (NPU) for on-device machine learning.
Key Specifications and Technical Details
The module family typically pairs the i.MX 8M Plus processor with LPDDR4 RAM, eMMC flash, and a broad set of interfaces including Gigabit Ethernet, USB, PCIe, MIPI-CSI camera inputs, MIPI-DSI and HDMI display outputs, plus industrial connectivity such as CAN-FD and multiple UARTs. Because the i.MX 8M Plus includes an ISP and NPU, it suits vision and edge-AI workloads. The table below summarises the general class of this platform.
| Attribute | Typical i.MX 8M Plus SoM Class |
|---|---|
| CPU | Quad ARM Cortex-A53 + Cortex-M7 |
| NPU | ~2.3 TOPS (on i.MX 8M Plus) |
| Memory | LPDDR4 |
| Storage | eMMC |
| Display | HDMI, MIPI-DSI |
| Camera | MIPI-CSI with ISP |
| Networking | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Industrial I/O | CAN-FD, UART, I2C, SPI |
| OS Support | Linux, Android |
Use Cases and Applications
SoMs like the VAR-SOM-MX8M-PLUS are used in industrial automation controllers, machine-vision cameras, medical devices, smart retail terminals, and edge-AI gateways where low power, long lifecycle availability, and integrated vision/AI acceleration matter. The ARM architecture keeps power draw low, which is valuable for fanless, sealed enclosures in dusty or hot environments.
Where Thinvent Fits
Thinvent designs and manufactures industrial computers, mini PCs, thin clients and all-in-one PCs built on both Intel and ARM platforms. For teams evaluating an ARM-based SoM approach, Thinvent's ARM-based industrial systems offer an alternative route to production: instead of integrating a module and carrier board yourself, you can deploy a ready-made, fanless industrial computer or thin client that is validated for continuous operation. For workloads that need higher single-thread performance, Windows 11 support, or x86 software compatibility, Thinvent's Intel-based IPC range provides a complementary option.
Thinvent Products Featuring This Technology
Thinvent's ARM-based industrial computers and thin clients bring the same low-power, fanless design philosophy as ARM SoM platforms, while Thinvent's Intel-based IPC3 and mini PC lines cover x86 requirements. Together they let system integrators choose ARM efficiency or Intel performance from a single, worldwide supplier.
