AAEON Introduces RICO-MX8P pITX Motherboard Designed for Kiosk Applications

AAEON, the embedded solutions provider that’s been stirring up the tech industry, has just rolled out an intriguing new product: the RICO-MX8P. This isn’t just any single-board computer; it’s a fanless marvel built on the Pico-ITX Plus form factor, powered by NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus. If you’re scratching your head at that name, don’t worry—let’s break it down together.

At the heart of the RICO-MX8P is a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor paired with a secondary Arm Cortex-M7 core. Think of these as the brain and the assistant—one handles the heavy lifting while the other takes care of simpler tasks. And for those who are into machine learning, there’s an optional Neural Processing Unit (NPU) that can deliver up to 2.3 TOPS (that’s trillions of operations per second, for the uninitiated) of inference performance. It’s like having a mini brain that can think on its own, making it particularly suited for applications that require quick decision-making.

But what does this mean for everyday users? Well, if you’ve ever marveled at the smooth graphics in a video game or the stunning visuals in a digital signage display, you’ll appreciate the integrated Vivante GC7000 UltraLite 3D GPU that the RICO-MX8P boasts. This board is not just about raw power; it’s designed for multimedia applications, making it a solid candidate for digital signage, smart kiosks, and even interactive advertising. Imagine walking past a sleek digital display that not only grabs your attention but also responds to your movements—pretty cool, right?

What’s even more fascinating is the board’s support for advanced graphics APIs like OpenGL ES 3.1, Vulkan, and OpenCL 1.2. If you’re not a techie, think of these as the tools that allow developers to create rich, interactive experiences. Plus, its multiformat encoding and decoding capabilities mean it can handle a variety of media types without breaking a sweat.

Yet, the RICO-MX8P isn’t just a pretty face. Its versatility extends into the industrial realm, where it can support low-Latency, entry-level AI applications. Picture this: a factory floor where machines communicate seamlessly, thanks to the board’s robust connectivity options. You’ve got a GbE LAN port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports (one Type-C OTG and one Type-A), and, of course, an HDMI 2.0 port for easy display connections.

For those who are into the nitty-gritty, the RICO-MX8P also provides a range of internal interfaces to support various industrial communication protocols. This includes RS-232/422/485 pin headers, UART, GPIO, and a 40-pin FPC connector. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife for industrial control systems, making it ideal for applications like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and telemetry.

And let’s not forget about its expansion capabilities. The RICO-MX8P is equipped with an M.2 2230 E-Key slot for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, along with a full-size mPCIe slot for 4G/LTE connectivity. For those who need extra storage or cellular capabilities, there are Micro SD and Nano SIM card slots. The board is designed to operate in a range of temperatures from -20°C to 70°C, so whether it’s in a chilly warehouse or a hot factory, it’s built to last.

If you’re curious about the nitty-gritty details or want to dive deeper into the specs, AAEON has you covered on the product page for the RICO-MX8P. With this board, they’re not just pushing the envelope; they’re redefining what’s possible in embedded solutions. So, whether you’re a developer, an industrial engineer, or just a tech enthusiast, there’s a lot to unpack here—and it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Background Information

---

About AAEON:

AAEON is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced industrial and embedded computing solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, AAEON provides a wide range of rugged and reliable hardware products tailored to meet the diverse needs of industries such as industrial automation, IoT (Internet of Things), edge computing, and AI (Artificial Intelligence).

  

Latest Articles about AAEON

---

About ARM:

ARM, originally known as Acorn RISC Machine, is a British semiconductor and software design company that specializes in creating energy-efficient microprocessors, system-on-chip (SoC) designs, and related technologies. Founded in 1990, ARM has become a important player in the global semiconductor industry and is widely recognized for its contributions to mobile computing, embedded systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. ARM's microprocessor designs are based on the Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture, which prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in instruction execution. This approach has enabled ARM to produce highly efficient and power-saving processors that are used in a vast array of devices, ranging from smartphones and tablets to IoT devices, smart TVs, and more. The company does not manufacture its own chips but licenses its processor designs and intellectual property to a wide range of manufacturers, including Qualcomm, Apple, Samsung, and NVIDIA, who then integrate ARM's technology into their own SoCs. This licensing model has contributed to ARM's widespread adoption and influence across various industries.

  

Latest Articles about ARM

---

About NXP:

NXP Semiconductors is a global leader in secure connectivity solutions for embedded applications, empowering the world's most innovative companies to create new ways to connect, secure, and power the world. With a rich heritage of technological expertise spanning over six decades, NXP continues to drive innovation in automotive, industrial, IoT, mobile, and communication infrastructure markets. Their commitment to delivering secure, reliable, and efficient solutions has established them as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

  

Latest Articles about NXP

Technology Explained

---

GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

Latest Articles about GPU

---

ITX: ITX (Information Technology eXtended) is a form factor for motherboards and other computer components. It is a small form factor that is designed to be more compact than traditional ATX motherboards. ITX motherboards are typically used in small form factor PCs, such as those used in home theater PCs, media centers, and other small form factor applications. ITX motherboards are also used in embedded systems, such as those used in industrial automation, medical equipment, and other embedded applications. ITX motherboards offer a number of advantages over traditional ATX motherboards, such as lower power consumption, smaller size, and improved cooling. Additionally, ITX motherboards are often more affordable than their ATX counterparts, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Latest Articles about ITX

---

Latency: Technology latency is the time it takes for a computer system to respond to a request. It is an important factor in the performance of computer systems, as it affects the speed and efficiency of data processing. In the computer industry, latency is a major factor in the performance of computer networks, storage systems, and other computer systems. Low latency is essential for applications that require fast response times, such as online gaming, streaming media, and real-time data processing. High latency can cause delays in data processing, resulting in slow response times and poor performance. To reduce latency, computer systems use various techniques such as caching, load balancing, and parallel processing. By reducing latency, computer systems can provide faster response times and improved performance.

Latest Articles about Latency

---

M.2: M.2, also known as Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a computer expansion card format that is designed to replace the outdated mSATA standard. It is thinner and longer than mSATA, which gives it a much higher data transfer rate. The M.2 format measures 22mm in width and can measure up to 110mm in length. It uses the M-key and B-key connectors to interface with PC host systems, and can connect to both SATA III and PCIe for data transfer. Due to its small size, M.2 is often used for ultra-slim laptops and netbooks, as well as in embedded SSDs for tablets and other mobile devices. It is also becoming increasingly popular in the desktop computer industry, thanks to its compactness and fast transfer speeds. This makes M.2 ideal for gaming PCs, workstations, and other demanding applications that require high levels of data throughput.

Latest Articles about M.2

---

NPU: NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is a type of specialized processor that is designed to handle complex artificial intelligence tasks. It is inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, with the ability to process and analyze large amounts of data simultaneously. In the computer industry, NPU technology is being used in various applications such as speech recognition, image and video processing, and natural language processing. This allows computers to perform tasks that were previously only possible for humans, making them more efficient and intelligent. NPU technology is also being integrated into smartphones, self-driving cars, and other devices, making them smarter and more responsive to user needs. With the increasing demand for AI-driven technology, the use of NPU is expected to grow and revolutionize the way we interact with computers in the future.

Latest Articles about NPU

---

OpenGL: OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-platform application programming interface (API) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics. It is used in computer graphics, such as video games, virtual reality, and scientific visualization. OpenGL is used to create interactive 3D applications, such as video games, simulations, and virtual reality. It is also used in CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, such as AutoCAD, and in 3D animation software, such as Maya. OpenGL is widely used in the computer industry, as it is a powerful and efficient way to create interactive 3D applications. It is also used in the development of computer graphics hardware, such as GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). OpenGL is an important tool for developers, as it allows them to create high-quality graphics quickly and efficiently.

Latest Articles about OpenGL