Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and Gateways in the Connected World

In today's digital landscape, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and gateways have become integral components, enabling the seamless interaction between humans and complex systems. As industries become more connected, the role of these technologies in improving productivity, efficiency, and user experience cannot be overstated. From consumer electronics to automotive systems, from industrial automation to medical devices, HMIs provide an intuitive interface, making it easier for users to control and monitor sophisticated systems.

Simultaneously, gateways act as bridges between various networks, translating protocols and facilitating communication between devices. They are essential in enabling edge computing, where data is processed close to the source, reducing latency and ensuring real-time decision-making. Together, HMIs and gateways are driving innovations in areas such as smart cities, smart factories, and home automation.

i.MX 93 system on module: the foundation for industrial gateways and HMI solutions

The i.MX 93 System on Module (SoM) (Figure 1) from iWave is an ideal solution for building industrial-grade gateways and HMI systems. It offers a powerful combination of compute performance, energy efficiency, and integrated machine learning capabilities, all while enabling edge processing for critical applications. This makes it the perfect choice for industries that demand real-time data analysis, seamless communication, and enhanced user experiences.

Figure 1: iWave’s i.MX 93 SOM solutions are available in SMARC, SODIMM, and OSM standard form factors. (Image source: iWave)

Why the i.MX 93 processor is ideal for gateways and HMI applications:

1. Advanced processing capabilities with integrated AI/ML:

   At the heart of the i.MX 93 is the Arm® Cortex®-A55 core, known for its excellent balance of performance and power efficiency. This scalable processor architecture makes it perfect for edge applications that require high-speed data processing with minimal power consumption—critical for both HMI and gateway devices.

   What sets the i.MX 93 apart is its integrated microNPU, the Arm Ethos™-U65, which brings machine learning (ML) capabilities directly to the edge. This means that the i.MX 93 processor can perform AI tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and predictive maintenance without the need for cloud-based processing. Frameworks like TensorFlow Lite and ONNX are fully supported, enabling seamless development of intelligent applications.

2. Rich multimedia and display interfaces:

   For HMI applications, providing a rich multimedia experience is essential. The i.MX 93 supports various high-resolution displays, including a 4-lane MIPI-DSI interface for 1080p60 and 4-lane LVDS for 720p60. This ensures smooth, high-quality graphics output, making the processor well-suited for displays used in industrial control panels, medical devices, or automotive dashboards.

   The integrated 2D graphics acceleration engine enhances the user interface (UI) experience by enabling image resizing, rotation, and color conversion. This results in fluid, responsive UIs that enhance both functionality and aesthetics in HMI systems.

3. Comprehensive connectivity options:

   Gateways and HMI systems require robust communication interfaces to transmit data efficiently between various devices and networks. The i.MX 93 processor is equipped with multiple high-speed interfaces, including:

   • 2x CAN-FD interfaces for automotive and industrial applications
   • 2x USB 2.0 ports for data transfer and peripheral connectivity
   • Dual Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed network communication
   • Multiple SDIO interfaces for storage and data transfer

   This combination of interfaces makes the i.MX 93 a versatile choice for gateway solutions that must support multiple protocols and high-speed data transmission in real-time.

4. Built-In security with EdgeLock® secure enclave:

   Security is a top priority for connected devices, especially in industrial and IoT environments where breaches can have severe consequences. The i.MX 93 processor addresses this with the EdgeLock Secure Enclave, a comprehensive security subsystem that enables features such as:

• Secure boot to ensure only trusted software is executed
• Cryptographic services for secure data transmission
• Key management for safeguarding sensitive credentials
• Run-time attestation for real-time monitoring of system integrity

This built-in security framework makes the i.MX 93 an excellent choice for gateways that manage sensitive data or operate in high-risk environments.

i.MX 93 system on module (SoM): scalability and modularity for designers

iWave’s i.MX 93 SoM is designed with modularity and scalability in mind, providing a robust platform for diverse industrial applications, from gateways to HMI systems.

1. Flexible form factors:

   The i.MX 93 SoM is available in a variety of form factors, including SMARC, SODIMM, and the latest OSM standard (Figure 1). Each form factor is designed to address specific application needs, whether it’s compact size for space-constrained devices or enhanced connectivity for more complex systems. This flexibility allows product designers to select the most suitable form factor for their requirements, reducing design complexity and time to market.

2. Wireless connectivity for IoT:

   Wireless connectivity is a must-have for modern HMI and gateway systems, and iWave’s i.MX 93 SoM supports the latest wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. These wireless options enable seamless communication in IoT networks, making it easy to integrate devices and create fully connected systems.

3. Industrial-grade reliability and longevity:

   Designed for industrial applications, the i.MX 93 SoM supports an extended temperature range, making it suitable for harsh environments such as factory floors or outdoor installations. iWave’s longevity program guarantees product availability for up to 15 years, ensuring long-term support for projects and protecting investments.

4. Comprehensive software support:

   iWave provides robust Linux BSP support for the i.MX 93 SoM, ensuring that software development is smooth and efficient. With regular kernel updates, security patches, and driver support, iWave ensures that systems remain up-to-date and secure. For specific requirements, iWave also offers assistance with driver integration and software customization, further reducing development time.

Layered approach to system design: from hardware to HMI

The i.MX 93 SoM features a multi-layer architecture that supports all critical components of HMI and gateway systems:

• Hardware layer: The powerful i.MX 93 processor and high-speed interfaces provide the performance backbone, ensuring reliable data processing and real-time communication.
• OS layer: Supporting both Linux and real-time operating systems (RTOS), the SoM facilitates efficient development and integration of HMI and gateway functionalities.
• Middleware layer: Advanced media processing capabilities ensure smooth operation, with optimized graphics management for HMI systems.
• HMI layer: With support for AI-driven interactions, high-resolution display interfaces, and multimedia processing, the SoM enhances user experiences and real-time control in both HMI and gateway systems.

Conclusion

The i.MX 93 System on Module from iWave is a powerful and versatile platform for building next-generation HMI and gateway solutions. With its advanced processing capabilities, robust security features, extensive connectivity options, and support for machine learning, the i.MX 93 SoM is well-suited to meet the needs of various industrial applications. Whether developing smart factory solutions, automotive systems, or medical devices, the i.MX 93 SoM offers the performance, scalability, and longevity required to ensure success in today’s connected world.

For more information or to discuss custom requirements, please reach out at mktg@iwave-global.com.