Custom i.MX Industrial SBC, 10-Layer DDR Design

Challenge: The client's SCADA application needed a custom SBC with a specific I/O mix (Ethernet, RS-485, CAN, USB) that commercial industrial boards didn't offer at a reasonable cost. Solution: Custom SBC around the NXP i.MX with DDR, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and expansion headers for application-specific I/O. Power input accepts 9-36VDC with transient protection to IEC 61000-4-5. The 10-layer stackup handles DDR with length-matched differential pairs and controlled impedance. The i.MX was selected partly for NXP's 15-year longevity commitment, which matters for industrial products. Results: Running a custom Yocto Linux build with the client's SCADA HMI. Certified for hazardous location (HazLoc) deployment.