Toradex Aquila IQ8 SoM Brings 40 TOPS Edge AI to Embedded Systems

Toradex has recently unveiled its first System on Module centered on the Qualcomm Dragonwing, the Aquila IQ8. Driven by the Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-8275 processor from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the Aquila IQ8 delivers high-end, computationally efficient computing power to the Aquila family. It provides OEMs developing robotics, computer vision, and industrial edge systems with a module capable of running demanding edge AI workloads in real time directly on the device.

The Dragonwing IQ-8275 features an eight-core Qualcomm Kryo Gen 6 CPU, Qualcomm Adreno 623 GPU, and a dedicated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU capable of delivering up to 40 dense TOPS of AI processing performance. The Aquila IQ8 is based on Toradex’s 400-pin Aquila architecture for high-performance embedded systems and features a rugged board-to-board connector interface.

Toradex Aquila IQ8

Toradex Aquila IQ8 Specifications:

• SoC / Compute:
  • Qualcomm Dragonwing IQ-8275 platform
  • 8-core Qualcomm Kryo Gen 6 CPU
    • 4x performance cores
    • 4x efficiency cores
  • Qualcomm Adreno 623 integrated GPU
  • Qualcomm Hexagon NPU for AI/ML acceleration
  • AI performance of up to 40 Dense TOPS
• Camera Interface:
  • 3x quad-lane MIPI CSI interfaces
  • Supports up to 12 concurrent camera streams
• Networking and Connectivity:
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • SGMII interface
• Expansion: PCIe interface for high-speed peripheral and expansion connectivity
• Mechanical and I/O:
  • 400-pin Toradex Aquila form factor
  • 1.8V I/O Signalling
  • Direct-breakout carrier-board architecture

Aquila IQ8 Prototype to Production Workflow and Roadmap

As for software, Toradex supports Linux, Yocto and their Torizon platform. Torizon is an embedded Linux environment that enables application development, remote software updates, device monitoring, fleet management and remote access. The module also participates in the Collaboration with Arduino program. The Arduino Ventuno Q, based on the same Dragonwing IQ-8275 processor, allows developers to start developing the application and then move the application to the Aquila IQ8 for production-grade hardware support. Full Aquila IQ8 specs and module standard configurations will be disclosed in the coming months, according to Toradex.

Samples are expected in the first half of 2027 with a long-term product available through at least 2038. Pricing has not been announced yet. Refer to the product page and news section for additional information. 

Images used courtesy of Toradex.