How the iMX8M Mini Improved a Medical Device Product Line
40% boost in image processing speed
Battery life extended by 25%
Overview
In the field of embedded systems, companies are always on the lookout for compact, powerful, and efficient technologies. One game-changing solution is the iMX8M Mini system module, which has made a notable impact in both industrial and medical sectors for its high performance and energy efficiency. Let’s dive into a specific case where this technology truly transformed a product line.
Client Profile
Our client is a frontrunner in manufacturing portable diagnostic medical devices. They were eager for a technological upgrade to enhance the functionality and reliability of their products.
The Challenge
1. Their existing embedded systems didn’t have the processing capacity, needed for advanced graphical user interfaces (GUIs), which are essential for user-friendly medical devices.
2. High power consumption was a significant issue, reducing the efficiency and battery life of their portable devices.
3. Additionally, they faced strict regulations and complicated certification processes, especially when it came to wireless connectivity.
Solution Implementation with the iMX8M Mini
We recommended the iMX8M Mini system on module for its robust features tailored to their needs:
Quad-Core Performance for Advanced Operations
The iMX8M Mini’s four Cortex-A53 cores allowed us to support advanced operating systems and demanding applications, enhancing both the speed and responsiveness of the GUIs on medical devices.
Real-Time Processing Capabilities
With the Cortex-M4 processor handling real-time tasks, we ensured that critical diagnostic measurements were processed quickly and accurately.
Energy Efficiency
Thanks to its 14nm FinFET technology, the iMX8M Mini significantly improved energy efficiency, extending the battery life of the devices.
Enhanced Connectivity Options
We upgraded the device’s connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi (specifically 802.11ac) and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities. The pre-certification of these features also helped us speed up the time to market.
Future-Proofing with Advanced Interfaces
The addition of interfaces like Gigabit Ethernet and PCIe ensures that the devices can adapt to future needs.
Implementation and Results
The integration process was smooth. The engineering team successfully incorporated the iMX8M Mini into the development of a new series of portable ultrasound devices, creating a custom Linux-based system that harnessed the module’s 64-bit processing power.
“Integrating the iMX8M Mini has been a game changer for our products,” the project manager noted. “We achieved a 40% boost in image processing speed, which really cut down diagnosis times. The user experience improved significantly, thanks to a much smoother and more reliable GUI. Plus, the battery life increased by 25%, allowing for longer use in critical situations.”
The success of the iMX8M Mini exemplifies its efficacy in modernizing medical equipment, showcasing its broader potential across various industrial applications. As the project manager concluded, “This technology didn’t just meet our expectations; it exceeded them, setting a new standard for what we expect from our embedded systems.”
