As a Preferred Vision Partner, Basler worked jointly with NXP to develop a high-performing vision system for Machine Learning (ML) edge computing applications that leverages the full potential of both the camera module and the SoC.

Ahrensburg, 07 January 2020 - Basler is pleased to announce the release of the first camera module that is matched to the NXP® Semiconductors i.MX 8M Plus applications processor. The NXP i.MX 8M Plus features a dual camera Image Signal Processor (ISP) providing real-time processing for crystal clear images and a neural network accelerator delivering up to 2.3 TOPs for extensive machine learning capabilities. In combination with the new Basler camera modules, the resulting vision system provides the perfect solution for intelligent, vision-based machine learning applications.

Through close cooperation and intensive coordination of all hardware and software components, Basler realized a powerful and cost-optimized vision system that utilizes the full potential of both the camera module and the NXP i.MX 8M Plus. The Basler camera module, an 8 MP dart with BCON for MIPI interface, features a premium 4K sensor with excellent High Dynamic Range (HDR) from On Semiconductor. The image data can be processed smoothly by the i.MX 8M Plus, which is optimized for the HDR feature of the sensor.

In addition to the new camera module, two Add-On Camera Kits coordinated with the SoC complete the solution concept. These Add-On Kits contain all hardware components and the necessary drivers to run the Basler camera module with the NXP i.MX 8M Plus without any programming effort. They are available with the new 8 MP or a 5 MP dart BCON for MIPI camera module. Like all Basler products, these camera modules are ideally suited for complex industrial applications due to their long-term availability, quality and robustness.

"For our customers, the combination of Basler's vision know-how and NXP's processor expertise results in ideal embedded vision solutions for AI applications. The added value lies in the optimal use of the different processor modules of the i.MX 8M Plus, in particular the ISP and the Machine Learning Accelerator," commented Gerrit Fischer, Head of Marketing Module Business at Basler.

"The i.MX 8M Plus opens innovation opportunities for intelligent embedded vision systems," said Martyn Humphries, Vice President and General Manager, i.MX applications processors for consumer and industrial markets at NXP. "Working with Basler, we provide the perfect solution for real-time image processing applications with sophisticated machine learning capabilities."

The NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor with the Basler camera module will be presented today at the NXP booth at the CES in Las Vegas and from February 25 to 27, 2020 at the Basler booth at the embedded world 2020 in Nuremberg, Germany.