Most systems-on-module come with a processor, memory, storage, and maybe a PMIC and some extra chips such as an Ethernet PHY. Some add wireless connectivity with a WiFi & Bluetooth module, but TT Electronics S-2Connect Creo SoM is more unusual as a Linux-powered SO-DIMM module with built-in Cat M1 & NB-IoT cellular connectivity, as well as GPS.
This is implemented through Quectel BG95-M3 multi-mode LPWA module and an eSIM and a micro SIM socket in combination with an NXP i.MX 6UL processor Cortex-A7 processor along with 256MB RAM and a 4GB eMMC flash.
S-2Connect Creo SoM specifications:
- SoC – NXP i.MX6UL Cortex-A7
- System Memory – 256MB DDR3L
- Storaage – 4GB eMMC flash
- Connectivity
- LTE Cat M1 (eMTC), Cat NB2 (NB-IoT) 2G/EGPRS fallback via Quectel BG95-M3 module based on Cortex-A7 processor running ThreadX
- Bands
- LTE – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 66, 85
2, 3, 5, 8 - 2G – 2, 3, 5, 8
- LTE – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 66, 85
- On-module micro-SIM card socket (3FF) and eSIM (MFF2)
- 2x u.FL antenna connectors
- Bands
- GNSS (GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/QZSS) via Quelctel BG95-M3
- Bluetooth LE 5.0
- LTE Cat M1 (eMTC), Cat NB2 (NB-IoT) 2G/EGPRS fallback via Quectel BG95-M3 module based on Cortex-A7 processor running ThreadX
- 200-pin SO-DIMM edge-connector
- Sensors – Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer
- Supply Voltage – 5V and 3.3V DC
- Dimensions – 67.6 x 50.0 x 5.0 mm
- Weight – 18 grams
- Temperature Range – -30°C to +60°C
The system supports Linux on the i.MX 6UL processor and an SDK is available with the technical documentation found on the company’s website.
The company also plans to launch an evaluation kit for the S-2CONNECT Creo SOM in summer 2021. The module is said to be designed as a “robust, scalable and cost-effective embedded system-on-module platform for building industrial IoT products”.
Pricing and availability information was not provided for the S-2Connect Creo SoM and evaluation board. Additional information may be found on the product page and announcement.
Via EENews Europe and LinuxGizmos
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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NB-IoT embedded in a board that runs an operating system like linux seems a bit strange… Those kind of SoCs are not suitable for long period battery life applications (those ones that Narrowband IoT makes more sense)
They’d probably be using those in gateways.