Embedded Glossary

i.MX 8 is a processor family from NXP for high-performance embedded systems. Depending on the variant, it combines ARM Cortex-A cores for applications with Cortex-M cores for time-critical control tasks. It supports Embedded Linux and Operating Systems for connecting complex peripherals. Thus, i.MX 8 combines application logic and deterministic responses on one platform.

An i.MX processor belongs to a range of application processors from NXP that is based on the ARM architecture and tailored specifically to embedded devices. Its defining feature is the bundling of processing cores, graphics and video units and numerous interfaces on a single chip. The range extends from economical devices for simple controllers to powerful variants for operator terminals, industrial computers and image processing, on which Embedded Linux usually runs. The device often sits on a system on module, which provides the processor and memory as an interchangeable unit. The assured availability horizon of several years shapes its suitability for products with a long life cycle. With its broad performance range and a mature ecosystem, the i.MX processor dependably covers almost every class of embedded device.

An interrupt briefly interrupts normal program execution to handle asynchronous events. When it is triggered by a GPIO, the microcontroller saves its current state and executes the associated interrupt service routine. After processing, program execution resumes at its original position. Interrupts enable reliable responses to external signals.