Asus IMX8P-IM-A Single Board Computer

The ASUS IMX8P-IM-A Pico-ITX single board computer blends impressive processing power with an exceptionally small footprint, delivering a versatile platform for edge computing, industrial automation, digital signage, and compact AI-enabled devices. Powered by the NXP i.MX 8M quad-core CPU based on the ARM Cortex-A53 architecture and capable of reaching up to 1.3 GHz, this SBC is engineered to handle multimedia workloads, sensor data fusion, and real-time control in space-constrained environments. Its compact Pico-ITX form factor makes it ideal for embedded projects where space, noise, and power budgets are critical, yet you still demand robust I/O, flexible display options, and expandable connectivity. The IMX8P-IM-A brings together a rich set of interfaces — HDMI for high-definition display output, MIPI DSI for sleeker touchscreen panels, a 40-pin GPIO header for custom I/O, dual Ethernet LAN for segmented networks or redundant paths, and an M.2 E slot for wireless or storage expansion — all designed to accelerate development and shorten time-to-market. With strong Linux support, broad driver availability, and a thriving ecosystem of peripherals, this board is well-suited for edge gateways, industrial controllers, robotics, and interactive kiosks that demand reliability, performance, and scalability in a compact package.

• The Asus IMX8P-IM-A delivers powerful, energy-efficient performance with the NXP i.MX 8M quad-core CPU built on the ARM Cortex-A53 architecture, running up to 1.3 GHz. This combination provides responsive multitasking, efficient media handling, and capable edge-computing capabilities for real-time data processing, sensor fusion, and lightweight on-device AI tasks. The architecture strikes a balance between performance and thermal headroom, making it suitable for always-on deployments in factories, vending kiosks, and remote edge nodes where space and power are at a premium.
• Display versatility stands at the core of its design. One HDMI output supports standard high-definition video to monitors or TVs, while a dedicated MIPI DSI port enables direct connection to compact, high-density touchscreens and LCD panels. This dual-output arrangement is ideal for applications requiring a separate admin or monitoring display and an interactive user interface, such as digital signage players, HMI panels, or robotic kiosks where clear visuals and responsive touch input are essential.
• Connectivity and expandability empower flexible integration. Dual LAN ports enable network segmentation, management traffic isolation, or redundancy for critical deployments. The 40-pin GPIO header unlocks broad I/O access to sensors, actuators, and peripheral devices, enabling rapid integration with existing industrial equipment and custom automation hardware. An M.2 E slot adds expansion potential for wireless modules or compact storage options, allowing you to upgrade networking capabilities or add-on peripherals without sacrificing form-factor constraints. These features collectively position the IMX8P-IM-A as a robust backbone for gateways, edge servers, and compact control units.
• Compact, reliable form factor with practical thermal considerations. The Pico-ITX footprint is designed for tight enclosures and space-limited installations, while the board’s power characteristics are optimized for continuous operation in embedded environments. Built to support Linux-based images, the IMX8P-IM-A benefits from mature device drivers, software tooling, and community resources that simplify deployment, monitoring, and maintenance. This combination of a small footprint, efficient power usage, and broad software support makes it a dependable choice for applications ranging from smart factory machines to portable media players and autonomous edge devices.
• Software ecosystem and developer-friendly support. The IMX8P-IM-A is compatible with mainstream Linux ecosystems, enabling a straightforward path from prototyping to production. Images and toolchains commonly used in embedded projects—such as Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions or Yocto projects—provide reliable driver support for the CPU, GPIO, PCIe interfaces via M.2, USB peripherals, and networking hardware. Long-term software availability, regular security updates, and a wealth of community and vendor resources help engineers accelerate development, ensure maintainability, and scale deployments across single units or fleets in industrial settings.

Technical Details of Asus IMX8P-IM-A

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to install Asus IMX8P-IM-A

To install the Asus IMX8P-IM-A, begin by preparing a suitable Pico-ITX enclosure and securing the board with mounting hardware. Place the board in the chassis with adequate airflow to avoid thermal throttling in continuous-use scenarios. Connect a display via HDMI for video output, and optionally attach a touchscreen or LCD panel through the MIPI DSI interface for interactive applications. Decide on your preferred storage option and load a Linux-based image compatible with the i.MX 8M platform onto the chosen medium (microSD card, eMMC, or an M.2-based storage module as supported by your system). Connect the dual LAN ports to your network infrastructure to enable management and data connectivity, and wire the 40-pin GPIO header to sensors, actuators, or other peripherals required by your project. After powering on, perform initial software configuration: set hostnames, configure network interfaces, enable SSH for remote access, and apply any firmware or driver updates for wireless modules or attached peripherals. From there, you can deploy your application stack—containers, bare-metal services, or a microservices architecture—using your preferred Linux distribution. For development and debugging, keep an access point via SSH or a serial console to iterate rapidly, test I/O interactions, and verify performance under load.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Asus IMX8P-IM-A? A: It is a Pico-ITX single board computer powered by the NXP i.MX 8M quad-core processor (ARM Cortex-A53) running up to 1.3 GHz, featuring HDMI and MIPI DSI display outputs, a 40-pin GPIO header, dual Ethernet LAN, and an M.2 E expansion slot for wireless or storage modules.
• Q: Which display options does it support? A: The board provides HDMI for standard high-definition video output and a MIPI DSI interface for direct connection to compatible touchscreens and LCD panels, enabling flexible UI configurations for embedded systems and interactive kiosks.
• Q: How many network interfaces are available? A: It includes dual Ethernet LAN ports, offering network segmentation, management separation, or redundancy in connected edge deployments.
• Q: What operating systems are supported? A: Linux-based images are supported, with access to common embedded distributions and toolchains suitable for i.MX 8M platforms, plus community and vendor resources for drivers and development.
• Q: What expansions can be added? A: A 40-pin GPIO header provides extensive I/O for sensors and actuators, and an M.2 E slot supports wireless modules or additional storage, enabling versatile integration in gateways, HMIs, signage players, and robotics controllers.