NXP Semiconductors announced the i.MX 952 applications processor, part of its i.MX 9 series, designed for AI-powered vision, human-machine interfaces, and in-cabin sensing applications.

The processor utilizes sensor fusion with the eIQ Neutron Neural Processing Unit to deliver capabilities like driver monitoring and child presence detection. The i.MX 952 features pin-to-pin compatibility with the i.MX 95 family, allowing developers to scale their designs across different price points efficiently, thus reducing costs and speeding up time to market.

This advancement is significant due to a growing need for advanced in-cabin sensing systems, driven by global legislation and standards, such as Euro NCAP. These systems assess driver attention, airbag calibration, and child safety in cars. The i.MX 952 employs AI to fuse data from various sensors, providing a robust, scalable cabin sensing solution, enhancing safety and meeting regulatory requirements.

Beyond automotive applications, the i.MX 952 is suitable for industrial uses, including AI-powered surveillance and environment sensing. In modern industrial settings, it aids in real-time analysis and anomaly detection, leveraging AI for low-power, cost-effective monitoring across multiple sites. Supported by NXP's eIQ AI software development environment, it is designed as a low-power solution for vision processing and sensor fusion, with features like an integrated image signal processor processing up to 500Mpixel/s.

The i.MX 952 offers high-performance processing through a multi-core domain, including Arm® Cortex®-A55 cores and additional safety domains with Arm Cortex-M7 and Cortex-M33 CPUs. It supports ISO 26262 ASIL B and SIL2/SIL3 compliant platforms for rapid deployment in industrial safety-critical environments.

Furthermore, the i.MX 952 is the first processor in the automotive and industrial sector with integrated local dimming, improving visibility and energy efficiency for in-cabin LCD panels and outdoor HMI panels. It integrates advanced security measures through an EdgeLock Secure Enclave to address security standards and regulatory requirements, enabling post-quantum cryptography and providing secure device management services, including over-the-air updates.

The processor enables developers with system solutions, integrating seamlessly with NXP's wireless solutions and providing extended connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth and BLE Audio. Sampling of the i.MX 952 applications processor is expected to begin in the first half of 2026.

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