Wand Pi 8M is a Raspberry Pi-like PC with NXP i.MX8 CPU for $89 and up (coming in 2018)

Wandboard has been making tiny computers featuring Freescale i.MX chips for years, but the company’s next product may be one of the most interesting to date.

The Wand Pi 8M is powered by an NXP i.MX8M ARMv8 processor (Freescale was acquired by NXP), and it has a Raspberry Pi-like design, as well as a Raspberry Pi-compatible 40-pin connector.

The new single-board computers go up for pre-order today, and they should ship in the spring of 2018 with prices starting at $89.

wand-pi-8m

While that’s more than twice as much as you’d spend on a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, the i.MX line of processors have been popular with free and open source software developers because of the ample documentation that’s available for these chips. Purism is planning to use an i.MX8 chip for its upcoming Linux-powered Librem 5 smartphone, for example.

The Wand Pi 8M comes in three versions:

All three models feature a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, Vivante GC700Lite graphics (with 4Kp60 H.265 and VP9 video support), HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and USB 3.0 Type-C ports.

The Pro and Deluxe models also include 802.11ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2.

 

Core System

Processor NXP i.MX8M Quad
Architecture ARM Cortex-A53 + M4
Memory 2GB DDR4
Storage 16GB eMMC
Debug Interface Micro USB debug

Connectivity

Network LAN 1x Atheros AR8035 Gigabit LAN
WiFi 1x Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetooth 1x Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377 Bluetooth 4.2 (BR+EDR+BLE)
Antenna MHF4 connector

Internal Headers

Expansion Headers GPIO
I²C
I²S
PWM
SPI
UART

External Connectors

External Display 1x HDMI
Network 1x RJ45
USB 1x USB 3.0 Host
1x USB 3.0 Type-C
Buttons 1x Reset

Video

Graphic Engine Vivante GC7000Lite
Video Decode 4K UltraHD HDR 4Kp60, H.265 VP9

Power Specifications

Power Input 5V DC +/-5%
Power Consumption Depending on Configuration

Operation Systems

Standard Support Linux
Yocto
Ubuntu
Android

Environmental and Mechanical

Dimensions 85 (W) x 56 (H) x 17.5 (D) mm
Weight TBD
Temperature Commercial: 0° to +50° C
Relative Humidity 10 to 90 %
MTBF 50 000 Hours
Shock 50G/25ms
Vibration 20G/0-600Hz
Certification Compliant with CE / FCC / RoHS / REACH directives

About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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