SolidRun and Amarisoft Reveal Small Footprint, Low-Power ARM-Based Cellular Network Solutions

SolidRun and Amarisoft Reveal Small Footprint, Low-Power ARM-Based Cellular Network Solutions

TEL AVIV, November 13, 2024SolidRun, a leading developer of high-performance embedded systems and network edge solutions, today announced a strategic collaboration with Amarisoft to launch a compact, energy-efficient Arm-based cellular network solution. Built on SolidRun’s COM Express 7 module featuring the NXP® Layerscape® LX2160A SoC and HoneyComb workstation, and combined with Amarisoft’s software-defined radio (SDR), RAN, and Core Network software, this platform delivers high performance with drastically lower power consumption compared to traditional x86-based cellular systems.

The jointly developed platform is optimized for 4G/5G testbeds, private networks, and telecommunications applications that demand scalable, cost-effective deployment options. With full compatibility across split 8 and 7.2 interfaces, the solution supports a wide variety of radio units and use cases—from public network enhancement to private enterprise connectivity.

“This small-footprint Arm-based 4G/5G platform meets the needs of carriers and enterprises alike,” said Neda Nikaein, VP of Product and Operations at Amarisoft. “Our software-driven flexibility and CPU-only architecture dramatically reduce total cost of ownership and simplify deployment.”

High-Performance Cellular Networking Without the x86 Overhead

SolidRun’s COM Express 7 module is powered by the NXP Layerscape LX2160A, a 16-core Arm processor delivering excellent performance-per-watt. Combined with the Amarisoft stack, which runs entirely on standard CPUs with no need for FPGAs or accelerators, the platform offers developers and system integrators a lightweight, software-defined network solution suitable for:

  • Private 5G network deployments

  • UE emulation and telecom lab testing

  • IoT infrastructure with cellular backhaul

  • Ad-hoc small cell and remote connectivity use cases

The hardware and software combination reduces power draw while supporting high-performance tasks such as RAN/Core emulation, spectrum testing, or small-scale network build-outs.

Configurable, Flexible, and Cost-Effective

This Arm-based cellular network platform is highly modular and upgradable via software. Amarisoft’s RAN and Core software components support over-the-air upgrades and are compatible with a broad set of deployment scenarios thanks to the system’s support for split 7.2 and split 8 architectures.

The result is a truly flexible ecosystem that can adapt to evolving telecom standards while slashing time-to-market and infrastructure costs.

“Our collaboration with Amarisoft showcases how Arm-based platforms can rival traditional architectures in performance and scalability,” said Jon Nettleton, Chief Software Architect at SolidRun. “It’s a game-changer for developers and integrators.”

Backed by NXP and Ready for Real-World Applications

The NXP Layerscape LX2160A brings balanced compute power, robust networking I/O, and exceptional energy efficiency to the solution. According to Wim Rouwet, Senior Principal Engineer at NXP, “This SoC is uniquely suited for emulation, private networks, and industrial deployments without the power and thermal challenges of x86 systems.”

Developers interested in exploring this solution can view the recent webinar recap hosted by SolidRun, Amarisoft, and NXP through the IWPC Library, showcasing the system’s capabilities for real-world telecom deployments.

Visit SolidRun at Electronica 2024

SolidRun representatives will be available to discuss this new Arm-based 4G/5G platform and more at Electronica in Munich. Interested attendees can schedule a meeting via: https://www.solid-run.com/contact-us

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About SolidRun

SolidRun is a global leader in embedded computing, delivering a range of Arm and x86-based platforms including SOMs, SBCs, and industrial-grade mini-PCs. With services from hardware customization to software support and enclosure design, SolidRun accelerates deployment and reduces time-to-market for industrial and network applications.

About Amarisoft

Amarisoft is a software company revolutionizing mobile telecom infrastructure with its affordable, CPU-only 4G/5G solutions. From lab testing to real-world deployment, Amarisoft’s software-defined approach empowers businesses of all sizes to innovate and deploy mobile networks faster.

SolidRun Launches HummingBoard i.MX8M – A Rugged Industrial IoT SBC for Smart Automation and HMI

SolidRun Launches HummingBoard i.MX8M – A Rugged Industrial IoT SBC for Smart Automation and HMI

TEL AVIV, November 8, 2024SolidRun, a leading developer of high-performance embedded systems, today announced the HummingBoard i.MX8M IIOT, a next-generation industrial IoT SBC (single-board computer) purpose-built for demanding IIOT and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications. Leveraging the robust i.MX8M Plus SOM from NXP, this new SBC offers powerful processing, broad connectivity, and exceptional durability for mission-critical industrial deployments.

The HummingBoard i.MX8M is engineered to perform in extreme environments with a wide -40°C to 85°C operating range, rich industrial protocol support, and flexible I/O. Designed for scalable deployment in factory automation, smart energy systems, and logistics infrastructure, it provides a highly adaptable foundation for industrial digital transformation.

“We designed the HummingBoard i.MX8M IIOT SBC to exceed the rigorous demands of modern industrial environments,” said Dr. Atai Ziv, CEO of SolidRun. “This SBC gives system integrators the flexibility, power, and connectivity needed to build the next generation of industrial automation systems.”

Built for Industrial IoT: Flexibility, Power, and Connectivity

The HummingBoard i.MX8M IIOT SBC supports critical industrial protocols including multiple RS232, RS485, dual CAN-FD, and dual 1Gb Ethernet, with one port featuring Power over Ethernet (PoE). It delivers powerful performance via the i.MX 8M Plus Quad-core A53 processor (up to 1.8GHz) and supports LTE with dual SIM slots, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and M.2 expansion for NVMe or AI acceleration—ideal for both centralized control and edge data processing.

Key Applications:

  • Real-time sensor data collection across factory floors

  • Smart energy monitoring and grid management

  • HMI dashboards in warehousing and logistics

  • AI-powered automation and edge intelligence

Designed for HMI Excellence

The HummingBoard i.MX8M includes MIPI-DSI and LVDS display interfaces, with support for 7-inch touch panels in evaluation kits. Combined with powerful graphics and multiple USB 3.0 ports, it’s ready to support rich visual interfaces, control panels, and interactive systems used in industrial HMI environments.

Expandable and Long-Lasting

Built for a 10-year lifecycle, the SBC supports multiple M.2 slots:

  • B-Key for LTE and dual SIM

  • M-Key for NVMe storage or AI accelerators

  • Additional card options for custom expansion

Software support includes Yocto and Debian BSP, and drivers for TPM 2.0, RTC, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth LE, and other industrial interfaces. These capabilities make the HummingBoard i.MX8M IIOT SBC ideal for scalable deployments with long-term support needs.

New IIOT-200-8M Gateway: Market-Ready Expansion

Alongside the SBC, SolidRun also introduced the IIOT-200-8M Gateway—a DIN-rail-mountable industrial IoT gateway built on the same platform. With the same industrial protocol support, LTE capabilities, PoE networking, and expandable M.2 interface, the IIOT-200-8M is a turnkey solution for customers who want fast deployment and robust industrial performance.

Product Specs (HummingBoard i.MX8M IIOT SBC):

  • Processor: i.MX 8M Plus Quad-core A53 (up to 1.8 GHz)

  • Networking: Dual Ethernet (1 with PoE), LTE (dual SIM), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

  • I/O: 3x USB 3.0, 2x RS232, 2x RS485, 2x CAN-FD

  • Display: MIPI-DSI, LVDS

  • Power: Wide range input with PoE support

  • Software: Yocto & Debian BSP, TPM 2.0 support

  • Operating Temp: -40°C to 85°C

  • Form Factor: 120x80x30mm, DIN rail compatible

Availability

The HummingBoard i.MX8M IIOT SBC is available now via SolidRun’s website and through global distribution partners including Arrow Electronics, Avnet Silica, and Future Electronics.

Click here to access the full press kit