PANZER-PLUS fanless AIoT computer to support Ubuntu 24.04, Android 14, Yocto 5.0

Taiwan-based MayQueen Technologies has recently introduced the PANZER-PLUS fanless AIoT computer powered by an NXP i.MX 8M Plus Arm SoC with support for Ubuntu 22.04, Android 12/13, and Yocto 4.0 “Kirkstone”, but the company also claims it is working on Ubuntu 24.04 and Android 14 operating systems, as well as Yocto 5.0 “Scarthgap”.

The company initially pinged us in 2018 about its NXP iMX6UL-powered PANZER fanless box PC and contacted us again last week with the new PANZER-PLUS model equipped with an NXP i.MX 8M Plus AI processor, which I found only mildly interesting until the company informed me about (planned) software support. So let’s have a closer look.

PANZER-PLUS specifications:

• SoC – NXP i.MX8M Plus
  • CPU – Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 processor @ 1.8GHz
  • MCU – Arm Cortex-M7 real-time core @ 400 MHz
  • GPU – Vivante GC520L 2D GPU, Vivante GC7000UL 3D GPU
  • VPU – 1080p60 hardware decoder (HEVC, H.264, VP9, and VP8) and encode (H.265/H.264)
  • AI accelerator – 2.3 TOPS NPU
• System Memory – 4GB LPDDR4
• Storage – 16GB eMMC flash and microSD card slot
• Video Output – HDMI output up to 4K resolution
• Audio – 3.5mm audio jack and digital audio via HDMI
• Networking
  • 2x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports
  • Connector for optional WIFi 5/6 and Bluetooth 5.x module
  • M.2 socket for optional 5G or 4G LTE module plus SIM card slot
• USB – 2x USB 3.0 host ports, 1x USB Type-C port (for firmware flashing)
• Serial
  • 1x RS232/RS422/RS485 DB9 connector
  • 1x RS232/RS485 DB9 connector (on front panel)
• Expansion – 8x GPIO via DB9 connector (on front panel)
• Debugging – 4-pin connector for serial console, USB-C port
• Misc – Power key
• Power Supply
  • 12V via terminal block
  • PMIC – NXP PCA9450
• Dimensions – 155 x 110 x 35mm
• Temperature Range – -20°C to 70°C

The fanless Edge AI computer is based on the WAGER-IMX8MP SBC shown above which also features MIPI-DSI + touchpanel connectors and a MIPI CSI connector that are not used in the fanless embedded box.  While the company has a website, it’s pretty bare, and all useful information is shared on GitHub instead.

We’ll find all OS images there including Ubuntu 22.04, Android 12/13, and a Linux image based on Yocto Kirkstone with instructions to get started or even build them from sources. Several other images are “coming soon” with Ubuntu 24.04, Android 14, and Yocto 5.0, and the company promises at least 5 years of OS updates. The GitHub repository also has further details about the hardware interfaces.

MayQueen Technologies does not have an online store, but they do take orders by email and have transparent sample pricing with the PANZER-PLUS going for $350. Accessories are also available as follows:

• Sierra Wireless EM7455 or Fibocom NL668-EAU LTE module – $55
• Fibocom FM160-EAU (external box) 5GNR module – $300
• WiFi/Bluetooth modules
  • Broadcom AP6275SDSR WiFi6/BT5 Pre-certified  – $60
  • Broadcom AP6275S WiFi6/BT5 – $55
  • Realtek RTL8822CS WiFi5/BT5 – $50
• USB to TTL cable – $10

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