NYX Core System On Module

What's the project about?

The Nyx Core SOM (System On Module) is an innovative, open-source, high-performance single board computer designed by university students, for university students and companies. It serves as a versatile platform that can be adapted for a multitude of applications, including robotics, automotive, aerospace, and drone technology. At the heart of the Nyx Core SoM is the powerful Texas Instruments AM68 processor, featuring dual 64-bit Arm® Cortex®-A72 microprocessor subsystems, deep learning accelerators, and advanced vision processing capabilities. This project aims to provide an open-source hardware solution that can drive innovation and support the development of complex systems across various industries.

Team Members

Yassine Dehhani

• Role: Project Lead, Hardware Designer, System Architect, Software Developer
• Background: Engineering student at Ynov Bordeaux University, specializing in Embedded Systems, Electronics Engineering and Software Development. Yassine leads the project with a focus on hardware design and system integration.

Emile Bailey

• Role: Project Lead, Hardware Designer, System Architect, Software Developer
• Background: Engineering student at Ynov Bordeaux University, with expertise in Embedded Systems and Electronics Engineering. Emile is responsible for developing the custom Linux OS and ensuring seamless integration with the hardware.

Why did we decide to make it?

The Nyx Core SOM project was born out of a desire to create a powerful and adaptable hardware platform that meets the diverse needs of modern embedded applications. As students at an engineering university in Bordeaux, France, we identified a gap in the market for a robust and flexible System On Module that could cater to the demanding requirements of different technological domains. Our goal is to empower fellow students and researchers by providing them with a reliable and efficient hardware foundation that can be used to develop cutting-edge projects in robotics, automotive systems, aerospace technology, and more. By making this project open-source, we aim to foster a collaborative environment where knowledge and innovation can thrive.

How does it work?

The Nyx Core SOM integrates several key components that make it an ideal solution for embedded systems:

• Processor and Memory:
• The Texas Instruments AM6852ATGGHAALZR processor includes up to dual 64-bit Arm® Cortex®-A72 cores running at 2 GHz, deep learning accelerators, and multiple vision processing accelerators.
• The module is equipped with 2x8GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 512MB of on-board flash memory, ensuring high-speed data processing and sufficient storage for a variety of applications.
• Connectivity and Interfaces:
• The SoM features a range of high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, USB 3.1, Ethernet, and multiple I2C, SPI, and UART ports, enabling seamless connectivity with various peripherals and sensors.
• It also includes dedicated interfaces for camera modules (CSI), making it perfect for vision-intensive applications.
• Power Management
• The onboard PMICs (Power Management Integrated Circuits) ensures efficient power distribution and management across the module, supporting both high-performance and energy-efficient operations.
• Customization and Flexibility
• The Nyx Core SOM can be paired with different carrier boards designed for specific applications. This modular approach allows users to design custom solutions for robotics, automotive systems, aerospace projects, and more, simply by selecting the appropriate carrier board.
• The system will embed a custom version of Linux (Helios Core OS), tailored to maximize the performance and capabilities of the hardware.

Current Status of the Project

We are currently in the design phase of the Nyx Core SOM. The schematics for the SOM have been completed, marking a significant milestone in our development process. Our next step involves creating a highly optimized PCB layout to ensure the best possible performance and reliability of the module. This stage is critical as it will impact the overall functionality and integration capabilities of the SOM with various carrier boards.

Our team is diligently working on:

• Finalizing the PCB layout to meet high standards of performance and efficiency.
• Conducting simulations and tests to validate the design before proceeding to manufacturing.
• Preparing for the initial prototype production run, which will allow us to evaluate the SOM in real-world applications and refine it further based on feedback and testing results.