Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano: Developer Resources, Security, Scalability

The Digi ConnectCore® 8M Nano system-on-module is designed to meet the needs of organizations developing industrial, medical, agricultural and transportation products that require advanced connectivity, security and multimedia capabilities.

This advanced, highly integrated SOM solution supports rapid prototyping and development, as well as complete lifecycle management of your end product.

In this blog post, we highlight some of the features that help developers to rapidly design, build and deploy intelligent, connected devices. Ready to start prototyping? Get started with the Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano development kit.

Features of the Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano platform

The Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano, based on the NXP® i.MX 8M Nano processor, features up to 4x power-efficient Arm® Cortex®-A53 cores and 1x Cortex-M7 core.

This highly integrated, cost-effective SOM platform optimizes power consumption while maintaining a standard of high-performance, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial and medical applications including Internet of Things (IoT), human-machine interface (HMI), equipment monitoring, audio/voice, edge computing and machine learning (e.g. anomaly detection).

Organizations can get to market faster with lower development costs by leveraging Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano platform’s pre-certified wireless connectivity, integrated device security framework, remote management, cloud integration and a complete Linux software platform based on Yocto Project®.


To build or to buy – that is the question!

As you begin to think about the development of your industrial or medical product, key product design aspects should be accounted for during the planning phase that will help you accelerate product development cycles. While your first inclination may be to analyze the capabilities of a chip and then account for the per-unit purchase price, there are other critical factors to consider, such as security, software development support , wireless integration and pre-certification.

The Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano system-on-module is part of a family of SOMs that designed to short-cut development and enhance the functionality of your end product. Each of these products comes with a built-in security framework, a range of software enhancements and pre-certified connectivity. In turn, these enhancements support more stable and predictable product development and lower maintenance costs throughout the lifecycle of the product.

In the next section we’ll talk about some key considerations in selecting a System-on-Module for your future product development — a process that involves evaluating the complete offering of the manufacturer.

Considerations in selecting your SOM partner

Here are a few critical factors that should be carefully considered during the due diligence phase of selecting an embedded module partner.

Accelerate development with 8M Nano developer resources

8M Nano developer resources

The embedded development cycle comes with hurdles that can slow your team’s development cadence. Therefore it is critical to work with a solution that comes with the critical support needed to accelerate development, such as 8M Nano developer resources.

All Digi ConnectCore SOMs and single-board computers, including the 8M Nano, come with Digi Embedded Yocto (DEY). DEY is an open-source, production-ready Yocto Project™ based embedded Linux distribution with fully tested and maintained BSPs, and software extensions for security, power management and wireless connectivity. As a distribution, DEY provides the following:

  • Digi BSP. DEY provides precompiled images that are ready to use, but you can also compile the whole distribution from source. The distribution contains the following components, which have been customized and tested for the ConnectCore module.
  • A U-Boot-based bootloader customized for the ConnectCore module to boot the Linux image. You can configure U-Boot at boot time, and it integrates a useful set of additional commands so you can program your own scripts and manage security functions. Digi provides source code that can be tailored to your design requirements as well as integrated within the build system. When the Yocto image is built, the U-Boot image is also built with it.
  • A Linux kernel customized for ConnectCore products. DEY includes the kernel source as well as device tree configuration files.
  • Reference root file system images using the DEY reference distribution. The DEY distribution makes the following choices:
    • The default selection of packages through the supported images
    • systemd as initialization manager
    • Framebuffer and XWayland support
    • Bluez5 support
    • QT support
    • WPE Webkit support
    • Pre-compiled framebuffer images (dey-image-qt-fb) or XWayland images (dey-image-qt-xwayland)
    • Multimedia enabled (using the gstreamer open source framework)
    • Standard Linux networking tools NetworkManager and ModemManager

You can further customize it by creating your own DEY-based distribution.

  • SDK. DEY includes a precompiled C/C++ toolchain. You can use it to cross-compile applications to run on Digi embedded platforms.
  • Precompiled images. DEY includes pre-built reference images to accelerate your development process.
  • Digi TrustFence®. An integrated, tested, and complete Linux device security framework foundation that simplifies building secure connected products incl. secure boot, filesystem encryption, tamper detection, hardware port protection and more.
  • Documentation. DEY comes with comprehensive documentation covering all the development and technical aspects of the ConnectCore products.
  • Software extensions. DEY is designed to improve your time to market with common and simple to use software features that work out of the box.

You can learn more about the Digi tools for accelerating embedded development with DEY in our article titled, Development Accelerators: Digi Embedded Yocto Software Extensions.

In future Digi ConnectCore-focused blogs, we’ll talk more about Digi Microcontroller Assist™, an on-board subsystem that assists with advanced power management, security, peripheral support and system reliability operations as well as Digi ConnectCore Cloud Services for remote device management with over-the-air update capability, as well as IoT end application enablement through APIs. The takeaway is this — Digi is a partner with a wide-breadth of software and services that you can lean on to solve problems and maintain support throughout your product’s lifecycle.

Think about security up front

As the number of IoT devices continues to grow exponentially, it’s critical to make security a top priority for virtually any application – particularly if you’re transmitting sensitive data. The troubling fact is, an estimated 70 percent of IoT devices are vulnerable to attack, so it is essential for developers to factor in this critical requirement from the beginning.


Digi TrustFence® is the security framework for Digi ConnectCore solutions. Digi TrustFence is an integrated, tested, and complete Linux device security framework that simplifies building secure connected products. Designed for the long product lifecycles of embedded devices, Digi TrustFence allows customers to easily integrate device security, device identity, and data privacy capabilities.

The built-in security of Digi TrustFence gives you immediate access to critical features including secure connections, authenticated boot, encrypted data storage, access-controlled ports, secure software updates, and seamless integration of the dedicated on-module Secure Element.

Simplify development of secure connected products with Digi TrustFence. Let Digi TrustFence handle security for you with a full range of built-in features including:

  • Secure boot: Ensures only signed software images can run on a device
  • Encrypted storage: Local file system encryption keeps internal device data safe
  • Protected ports: Access-controlled internal and external ports prevent unwanted “back doors”
  • Device identity: Root of trust, certificate management, and secure key storage identity protection
  • Device integrity: Tamper-proofing and device-integrity monitoring with low-power support protect against physical intrusion
  • Secure connections: Enterprise-level data encryption for wired and wireless network privacy
  • Lifecycle longevity: Rely on a Digi-maintained future-proof platform architecture

Read more about Digi TrustFence for embedded designs in this brochure.

Design for future scalability with the 8M Nano SOM platform

8M Nano developer

Companies are pushing hard to be first to offer IoT solutions in their respective markets. That emphasis on time-to-market often leads to some short-term design decisions with a narrower technology focus. While this may get you to market faster, it ignores the hard reality that technologies, customer needs, and market dynamics are always changing.

The Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano SOM is based on the NXP i.MX8, an applications processor for superior hardware and software integration trusted by leading companies in smart cities, transportation, energy, healthcare and other highly regulated industries. The Digi ConnectCore family of SOMs are designed with longevity in mind to meet the future requirements of products with 10+ year lifespans.

Digi ConnectCore provides functional scalability from the single-core i.MX 6UL to dual/quad-core versions of the Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano and Mini system-on-module and 8X SOM. The Digi ConnectCore 8 family is also compatible with the new ConnectCore 9 family based on NXP’s newest line of application processors. In addition to various processor core options, Digi ConnectCore includes upgradable memory up to 16 GB eMMC flash and up to 2 GB LPDDR4 to meet a range of deployment options. Digi provides the ability to scale with increased processor cores and memory to future-proof your designs.

Think about the total cost of ownership

In both the short- and long-term, the module or chipset you choose becomes a key component in your product. That’s why it is critical to base your buying decision on more than what is on the datasheet or in the price quote. In many ways, your selection process extends beyond the component to include each vendor’s maintenance and support that stands behind the module. It includes the features and robustness of the SOM, the development and management support, , the ability to get assistance with your product along the way and the maintenance for the product in terms of hardware, software and security into the future.

Digi International’s “hardware enabled, software defined” strategy can give you the confidence you need to streamline your team’s product development process, maintain products over the long-term and redeploy existing applications to new business cases.

Don’t underestimate the certification process

Product development teams sometimes view certifications as a one-time cost, not realizing that every entry into a new geographic region can lead to design changes to meet new certification. Even if you are not entering into a new region, certification bodies may change their standards that require you to re-certify products. Purchasing a pre-certified module can eliminate many of the headaches associated with wireless certifications for the FCC, Industry Canada (IC), and the CE Mark in Europe and other regions.

Like all Digi ConnectCore SOMs, the 8M Nano SOM platform comes with integrated pre-certified dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 ac and Bluetooth 5 as well as enterprise Wi-Fi capabilities not typically supported by other SOMs, all of which are critical in certain medical and transportation applications.

Note: If you need help prototyping or developing your design to ensure you pass certifications the first time, Digi Wireless Design Services can help.

Get started with a Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano Development Kit

Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano Development Kits are available through Digi distribution partners. With the 8M Nano Development Kit, you have the opportunity to completely explore the platform, test features, integrate your planned functionality, and run trials. The kits are the best way to try before you buy, and learn how the Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano developer resources will support your full development cycle.

Need wireless connectivity? Digi ConnectCore 6UL, 8X and 8M Nano and Mini development kits are designed for Digi XBee® integration. The Digi XBee ecosystem extends wireless connectivity options with a global, pre-certified family of modules spanning popular IoT protocols including 2.4 GHz mesh (Zigbee, 802.15.4, DigiMesh), long-range (868/900 MHz) and cellular (3G, LTE Cat 1, Cat 4, LTE-M, NB-IoT). The ConnectCore 8M Nano development kit also includes Digi XBee SDK libraries and examples for Yocto Linux to assist with integration.

With the Digi ConnectCore line of SOMs, SBCs and dev kits, you can find the product that meets the specific requirements of your application. Reach out to an IoT expert today and ask about Digi ConnectCore solutions or development support for your next embedded design — contact us!

Next Steps

Need Development Support? Digi Wireless Design Services Can Help.
Learn about Digi WDS software design and product development services

Related Content

EV Charging Station Design – OEM Market Opportunity and Solutions EV Charging Station Design – OEM Market Opportunity and Solutions The electric vehicle market is growing rapidly, which means there is a huge need for EV charging stations. OEMs and independent... READ BLOG Accelerate Device Design Without Sacrificing Security Accelerate Device Design Without Sacrificing Security Since industrial IoT devices often have long lifecycles, their security needs to be designed with the complete lifespan in mind. VIEW PDF Digi ConnectCore Wireless Integration Digi ConnectCore Wireless Integration Setting up and configuring a new system-on-module (SOM) is easier when you can see how it’s done and follow along, step-by-step... WATCH VIDEO Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano Development Kit Unboxing and Getting Started Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano Development Kit Unboxing and Getting Started The Digi ConnectCore® 8M Nano system-on-module is an excellent development platform for rapid prototyping of embedded products ... WATCH VIDEO AI at the Edge: Machine Learning in Embedded Systems AI at the Edge: Machine Learning in Embedded Systems Are you looking to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into your next product design? How about machine learning (ML) and... RECORDED WEBINAR Medical Devices MUST Be Secure Medical Devices MUST Be Secure OEMs and embedded developers who design and build medical devices have an ever-changing challenge on their hands. Security... RECORDED WEBINAR Power: It’s All About Efficiency Power: It’s All About Efficiency If you design connected products for medical, industrial or agricultural applications, power management and power efficiency... RECORDED WEBINAR How IoT Wearables Bring Better Ergonomics and COVID Contact Tracing to the Industrial Workplace How IoT Wearables Bring Better Ergonomics and COVID Contact Tracing to the Industrial Workplace Workers in industrial settings such as the manufacturing floor and supply chain settings face a number of hazards, but the... RECORDED WEBINAR No Matter How Good Your Design Is, If It's Not Secure, You Could Be At Risk No Matter How Good Your Design Is, If It's Not Secure, You Could Be At Risk Embedded Designs: Building in Security from Day 1

The challenges developers face in building secure product...
RECORDED WEBINAR
Using the Digi ConnectCore Smart IOmux Tool to Design with ConnectCore SOMs Using the Digi ConnectCore Smart IOmux Tool to Design with ConnectCore SOMs Digi International offers a range of embedded system-on-modules for development of product designs. To help simplify the tasks... WATCH VIDEO Digi ConnectCore SOM Solutions Digi ConnectCore SOM Solutions Embedded system-on-modules based exclusively on NXP i.MX applications processors - designed for longevity and scalability, in industrial IoT applications VIEW PDF Machine Learning Demo with Digi ConnectCore and ByteSnap SnapUI Machine Learning Demo with Digi ConnectCore and ByteSnap SnapUI Digi International and ByteSnap Design collaborated to develop an interesting and entertaining demo featuring a pirate game... WATCH VIDEO Building Blocks for Embedded Security Building Blocks for Embedded Security Developers can rely on Digi TrustFence for built-in security without having to design features from scratch. VIEW PDF Use Device Tree Overlays to Patch Your Device Tree Use Device Tree Overlays to Patch Your Device Tree The device tree overlays mechanism in Digi Embedded Yocto 3.0 makes it much easier to fix up your original device tree with small changes. This article shares the methodology VIEW GUIDE Simplify and accelerate your development with Digi ConnectCore i.MX-based SOMs Simplify and accelerate your development with Digi ConnectCore i.MX-based SOMs Developing an IoT product is challenging, and as a result, a large percentage of embedded design projects fail due to the... RECORDED WEBINAR How to Approach Embedded Design Challenges the Right Way How to Approach Embedded Design Challenges the Right Way What are the top five challenges for embedded development, and how can you leap over those hurdles and create a successful... RECORDED WEBINAR Taiga Motors Next Gen Powersports: Taiga Motors Creates the First Electric Snowmobile and Personal Watercraft Using Digi Solutions Taiga Motors is an innovative electric power sports company, based in Canada, whose mission is to produce vehicles that provide... READ STORY Embedded Computing: Designing for Ease of Manufacturing and Low Cost-of-Ownership Embedded Computing: Designing for Ease of Manufacturing and Low Cost-of-Ownership The embedded system-on-module (SOM) market has grown, offering diverse options for applications ranging from retail displays to... READ BLOG Machine Learning and Machine Vision Work Better with Real Time Edge Processing Machine Learning and Machine Vision Work Better with Real Time Edge Processing Among the most promising complementary technologies today are machine learning (ML) and machine vision (MV). Machine learning... READ BLOG Open Source Licenses and Applications on Embedded Linux: a Practical Viewpoint Open Source Licenses and Applications on Embedded Linux: a Practical Viewpoint Developers of proprietary software are often leery of embedded Linux platforms, due to the implications of open source licenses... READ BLOG Yocto Project for Embedded Systems Design Yocto Project for Embedded Systems Design Choosing an operating system (OS) for an embedded system is one of the most complex and critical tasks. It has significant long... READ BLOG Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano Digi ConnectCore 8M Nano Embedded system-on-module based on the NXP i.MX 8M Nano processor; designed for longevity and scalability in industrial IoT applications VIEW PRODUCT