I.MX 7 ULP/Solo datalogger use

[michiel_tjampen]

I'm new to I.MX processors and only familiar with Beaglebone black (AM355x). But i'm looking for a 'upgrade' to the BBB, any idea how the 7(ULP/Solo) compare? It's a core A7 compared to core A8 but a much newer design...

The goal is to use it for a datalogger written in java (so need ethernet,low power consumption and as much uart as possible, no gpu needed). Would a design based on MX7 (ULP/Solo) be te way to go or would another one be more suitable? 

Furthermore, given that i'm not at a skill level in which i consider myself making a design starting from the processor, can anyone recommend a kit? Or just buy the sabre starter?

[b36401 · Accepted solution]

i.MX7S and i.MX7ULP processors have single A7 core running at up to 800Mhz.
As far as I know AM355x processors have A8 core running at similar frequency.
So they have similar computing power in point of the core.
However you need to compare memory performance as wall.
So you need to note that i.MX7 processors supports LPDDR3 which is faster than LPDDR1.

[michiel_tjampen]

Just checked and the BBB uses DDR3L not LPDDR1.

[michiel_tjampen]

Ok, so performance should be on par or better. Given that I.MX6UL also has a A7 at 800MHz and LPDDR3 can the same reasoning be made (more or less?), this would be a more afordable option to get to know the architecture.

[b36401]

Yes. i.MX6UL or i.MX6ULL or i.MX6ULZ processor may be an option as well.

[michiel_tjampen]

Ok, then i'll start with I.MX6 and consider the I.MX7 dual a possible upgradepath.