Variscite adds QNX RTOS to System on Module portfolio

Variscite has recently made an exciting announcement regarding the availability of the QNX Operating System 8.0 on its i.MX 8M Plus modules. This addition is significant as it offers customers a secure real-time operating system (RTOS) that is ideal for embedded systems requiring long-term functionality, precise timing, and uncompromised performance.

QNX is a widely used RTOS in critical embedded systems within various industries such as industrial IoT, healthcare, and aerospace/defense. Known for its commercial-grade, microkernel-based architecture, QNX provides a solid hardware-software foundation for secure and robust devices.

By integrating QNX on Variscite System on Modules (SoMs), users can benefit from enhanced security mechanisms tailored to industries with strict compliance requirements, professional software support from QNX, and regular updates with lifecycle commitments. The QNX RTOS is compliant with IEC 62304 software standards and other safety certifications, complementing Variscite’s range of hardware certifications like ISO 13485.

Variscite offers a diverse product portfolio that includes two highly scalable, pin-compatible SoM families: the VAR-SOM and DART. This Pin2Pin compatibility allows for easy migration between different performance levels without the need to redesign carrier boards, enabling seamless upgrades or downgrades as project requirements evolve.

The availability of the QNX RTOS on i.MX8M-PLUS and i.MX8 SoMs is just the beginning, with plans to extend compatibility to additional SoM series like the i.MX9. This expansion aims to address a broader range of application requirements and end-product specifications, showcasing Variscite’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions.

Grant Courville, SVP Products and Strategy at QNX, emphasized the importance of delivering robust, real-time operating systems and foundational software components to enhance performance, security, safety, and reliability. Leveraging QNX’s modular architecture and real-time capabilities, Variscite can offer cutting-edge integrated solutions tailored to the needs of various mission-critical industries.

Ofer Austerlitz, VP of Business Development and Sales at Variscite, highlighted the increasing complexity of embedded systems and the need for advanced hardware capabilities while adhering to strict regulations. He noted that QNX offers a complementary solution that aligns with Variscite’s commitment to compliance and long-term support, ensuring that customers have access to reliable and innovative technologies.