Embedded devices are getting smarter, more connected, and increasingly user-centric. To meet these demands, Android has emerged as a flexible and developer-friendly operating system for embedded systems — powering HMIs, industrial controllers, and edge devices.
At iWave, we’re bringing this versatility to the NXP i.MX93 platform, enabling developers to deploy Android even in environments without a dedicated GPU — without compromising functionality or performance.
Why Android for Embedded Systems?
Android offers a familiar, scalable, and secure foundation that accelerates embedded product development. It brings:
- Rich UI capabilitiesfor touch displays and multimedia interfaces.
- Extensive open-source ecosystemfor rapid prototyping and deployment.
- Strong security architectureincluding Verified Boot and SELinux.
- Native connectivity stackwith Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and Ethernet support.
i.MX93: Designed for Smart, Efficient Edge Systems
The NXP i.MX93 processor combines dual Arm® Cortex®-A55 cores with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (0.5 TOPS) to deliver AI acceleration at the edge.
Its low-power architecture, secure boot, and diverse connectivity make it ideal for industrial, IoT, and consumer embedded applications.
Key capabilities of the iWave Single Board Computer include:
- Up to2GB LPDDR4X memory
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
- Dual Gigabit Ethernet
- MIPI-DSI, LVDS, and CSI camera interfaces
- TrustZone® and Secure Boot
- Low power architecture for battery-operated devices
Running Android Without a GPU: Two Deployment Models
Despite the lack of a 3D GPU, Android runs efficiently on i.MX93 through optimized configurations:
- Lite (Framebuffer) GUI:Uses software rendering to power lightweight, touch-friendly interfaces ideal for HMIs and smart appliances.
- Headless Android:Operates without a GUI — perfect for gateways, sensors, and industrial controllers that rely on background processing, cloud connectivity, and low-power operation.
These flexible configurations open up new opportunities for OEMs to leverage Android in non-visual or resource-constrained environments.
Powering the Future of Embedded Android
With Android on i.MX93, iWave enables developers to build intelligent, connected systems with a familiar OS, strong security, and scalable performance.
Whether powering a smart display, industrial gateway, or edge AI sensor, the i.MX93 platform delivers the flexibility and performance needed for tomorrow’s embedded innovation.
The i.MX 93 System on Module and Single Board Computer are go-to-market and production ready, with all documentation, necessary software drivers, and BSP available for customers. iWave maintains a product longevity program and ensures the availability of the modules for 10+ years.
