Single Chip Runs AI Tasks And Wireless Communication
An edge processor combines AI acceleration with secure tri-radio wireless in one chip, aiming to simplify system design and enable physical AI devices to operate locally.
NXP Semiconductors has introduced the i.MX 93W applications processor, expanding its i.MX 93 family and targeting systems that run physical AI at the edge. The processor integrates a dedicated AI neural processing unit (NPU) with secure tri-radio wireless connectivity in a single device. The company claims that this makes it the first applications processor to combine these capabilities in one chip.
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The high level of integration allows designers to replace up to 60 discrete components with a single package. Pre-certified reference designs are intended to address common RF integration challenges, reducing design complexity, cost, and risk during development. The processor is also supported by NXP’s software stack and its eIQ AI enablement tools, helping developers build smaller systems and shorten product development cycles.
The processor is designed for physical AI applications where multiple AI agents operate locally and respond to real-world conditions with low latency and high reliability. These systems process data at the edge rather than relying on cloud processing.
In a smart building, for example, AI agents could coordinate lighting, HVAC, access control, occupancy monitoring, and energy systems. By sharing local data, these systems can adjust conditions automatically to manage comfort, energy consumption, and building operations in real time.
NXP designed the i.MX 93W to support this type of local coordination by combining scalable edge computing, AI acceleration, and secure wireless connectivity in a single package. The platform is supported by NXP software, eIQ AI tools, and pre-certified reference designs that simplify system integration.
In healthcare environments, coordinated AI agents could connect wearables, smart diagnostics, sensors, and health gateways to exchange data and generate real-time health insights and actions.
The same architecture can support a range of connected systems, including healthcare devices, smart building controllers, industrial gateways, energy infrastructure monitors, and smart home hubs.
“With the i.MX 93W, we’re extending the i.MX 9 family to help customers scale physical AI faster. This new platform simplifies integration of AI and secure wireless connectivity, reducing design complexity and allowing customers to more quickly deploy AI agents at the edge,” said Charles Dachs, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Secure Connected Edge at NXP Semiconductors.
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