TQ shows the newest embedded modules with Layerscape® technology

The technology company TQ has introduced two new module designs at embedded world 2018. These designs are based on the new 64-bit QorIQ® Layerscape® processors from NXP. The TQMLS1012AL and TQMLS1046A are particularly suited to robust, industrial applications in the area of high-speed communication.

With the TQMLS1012AL, TQ relied on proven LGA technology that is robust, stable over the long term and economical. The LS1012A processor with a single Cortex® A53 CPU forms the heart of this mini module. Besides the up to 1 GB of DDR3L RAM, up to 256 MB of QSPI NOR flash memory is available. In addition to 2-gigabit Ethernet, PCIe 2.0, SATA3 and USB 3.0, users have access to all signal pins to make best use of CPU resources and for cost-effective application development. With a module only 31 x 31 mm in size and a power dissipation of 1 to 2 W, the module is particularly well-suited for applications using more secure and fast data communication with low energy consumption.

The mainboard of the TQMLS1012AL has numerous high-speed interfaces on 160 x 100 mm. As a result, it can be used, for example, as an NAS/DAS server, Ethernet gateway or industrial router. TQ is planning a box PC for this that can be expanded with various wireless solutions.

In the TQMLS1046A, TQ is relying on the ARM® Layerscape LS10xxA processor family from NXP. Depending on the functionality needed, any one of five CPU versions, based either on the Cortex A53 or A72, can be selected. The pin-compatible CPUs (LS1046A/26A, LS1043A/23A and LS1088A) differ in the architecture and the number of cores. For different configurations, a dual-core or quad-core Cortex A72 or A53 or an octa-core A53 with a clock rate of up to 1.8 GHz is used. As a result, the TQMLS10xxA offers a comprehensive, scalable platform.

For extremely fast data communication, two 10-gigabit Ethernet interfaces are available on a compact footprint of 80 x 60 mm. In this unit, all the signal pins are routed to a total of 420 pins. The module also has the following interfaces: up to 8x Gigabit Ethernet, 3x PCIe Gen3 and 3x USB 3.0. The design has up to 2 GB of RAM using DDR4 SDRAM and ECC support as well as up to a 32-GB eMMC. A QSPI NOR flash memory is also used. Besides the two 10-gigabit Ethernet interfaces, users may access 4x gigabit and other high-speed interfaces on the available mainboard.

The trend-setting Layerscape core technology forms the base for these new embedded modules. Both module designs are particularly well-suited in the areas of industrial automation and control, networking and any applications needing fast, secure data communication. It is expected that initial samples will be available for customers in the second quarter of 2018.

_{Unless otherwise stated, TQ-Systems GmbH is the copyright holder of the images used in this press release. These pictures can be used free of charge if the author is named.}