As industrial automation, edge AI, and IoT applications demand ever-greater processing power in constrained spaces, Giada delivers a solution that fits the bill — literally. The Giada IM1-993 is an NXP i.MX 93-based SMARC V2.1.1 Computer-on-Module designed to bring low-power, high-efficiency computing to the industrial edge.

Measuring just 82 × 50 mm, the IM1-993 packs a powerful punch. At its core lies the NXP i.MX 93 processor, featuring one or two ARM Cortex-A55 cores running at 1.7 GHz, an ARM Cortex-M33 real-time core at 250 MHz, and an ARM Ethos-U65 microNPU for efficient AI inference. This heterogeneous architecture enables the module to handle control tasks, image acquisition, and lightweight AI inference in parallel — all while consuming as little as 1.7W at full capacity.

With onboard LPDDR4x memory (up to 2 GB) and eMMC storage (up to 64 GB), the IM1-993 delivers reliable performance for data-intensive edge applications. It runs Yocto Linux (versions 4.2 or 5.0.4), providing a stable and customizable embedded OS environment.

The IM1-993 is built for demanding environments, with an operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C for industrial-grade variants. Its rich I/O portfolio includes:

- Dual Gigabit Ethernet for redundant or isolated networking

- Dual CAN-FD interfaces for automotive and industrial communication

- MIPI-DSI (4-lane) and LVDS display outputs for HMI applications

- MIPI-CSI camera input for vision-based systems

- Multiple UART, I2C, SPI, and GPIO interfaces for sensor and peripheral integration

The IM1-993 follows the SMARC V2.1.1 standard, which separates the compute core from the application-specific carrier board. This modular approach allows developers to:

- Reduce NRE costs by up to 70% and cut development cycles by half

- Upgrade to future processor generations without redesigning the carrier board

- Customize I/O, power, and enclosure for specific applications without re-engineering the core computing module

Giada also offers the IB3-9931 carrier board as a ready-to-use reference design, enabling rapid prototyping and faster time-to-market.

The IM1-993 is versatile enough to power a wide range of edge scenarios:

- Industrial Control / CNC HMI: Multi-serial ports connect to PLCs in harsh factory environments

- EV Charging Stations: CAN-FD interfaces battery management systems; dual Ethernet handles local control and cloud uploads

- Vending Machines: MIPI-DSI drives touchscreens; USB supports barcode scanners

- Low-Altitude Drones: Onboard control, CSI camera feedback, and attitude calculation in high-altitude, low-temperature conditions

- Smart Transportation / Self-Service Terminals: Driver monitoring, access control, and digital signage