Core module speeds development of low power wireless multimedia devices

Digi International claims three firsts with this product: first wireless enabled core module based on Freescale's i.MX51 processor, first with 802.11 a/b/g/n, and first to support MS Windows CE 6.0 R3.

By Renee Robbins November 12, 2009

Digi International’s ConnectCore Wi-MX51 is a core module designed specifically for low power, wireless multimedia applications based on Freescale’s new high-performance i.MX51 processor. The ConnectCore Wi-MX51 enables wired and Wi-Fi networking for low power embedded applications with demanding performance requirements, such as displays within medical devices, digital signage, security/access control devices, point-of-sale equipment and industrial automation technology.

"The ConnectCore Wi-MX51 features three industry firsts," said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Digi International. "First, it offers connectivity on the newest‘n’ Wi-Fi band for faster and more reliable wireless connectivity of display devices. Second, it features new high performance, power efficient technology from Freescale. Third, it includes the latest tools from Microsoft for display technology development."

Ken Obuszewski, director of product management, multimedia applications division for Freescale Semiconductor, said the high performance i.MX51 includes advanced multimedia features and low power consumption. Integrated with Digi’s ConnectCore Wi-MX51, it enables "fast time to market for network enabled display devices," he said.
The ConnectCore Wi-MX51 is a 32-bit module featuring a high-performance ARM Cortex-A8 processor with 600 and 800 MHz processor speeds. It comes with Freescale’s 10-year processor availability guarantee and Digi’s five-year product warranty and features 10/100 MBit Ethernet networking and a pre-certified 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless interface. It also includes powerful dual-display and multimedia capabilities, an on-chip hardware encryption accelerator, an industrial temperature rating, ZigBee connectivity support, and Windows CE 6.0 R3 operating system.

Early access Digi JumpStart development kits will be available shortly, according to Kraft. Kits include a development board, Windows CE board support package, and 7" XVGA LCD. Modules and Digi JumpStart kits for Windows CE and Linux will be available in the first quarter of 2010. Customization capabilities are also available through Spectrum Design Solutions, Digi’s wireless consulting division.

– Edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor
Control Engineering News Desk
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