ADLINK pairs ABOS with modules to meet IoT security rules
ADLINK has added support for Atmark Techno's Linux-based Armadillo Base OS on selected ADLINK system-on-modules, positioning the pairing as a packaged option for device makers addressing emerging IoT security rules.
The companies said Armadillo Base OS, known as ABOS, now runs on ADLINK modules in a configuration that includes an ABOS IoT security licence. ADLINK said the initial hardware target is its LEC-IMX8MP module, which uses NXP's i.MX 8M Plus system-on-chip.
Design complexity
ADLINK framed the announcement around changes in chip design and rising complexity in board development. The company said advances in semiconductor technology have raised system-on-chip performance, while increasing the difficulty of designing boards around those chips.
ADLINK's system-on-modules package key elements such as processors, memory and peripheral interfaces into a module. The company said this approach simplifies the design of a separate carrier board, which connects the module to other components and external connectors.
The company cited support for LPDDR4X and LPDDR5 memory in its module portfolio. It also highlighted I/O options on its modules, without giving a full interface list for the newly supported model.
Regulatory pressure
The statement placed particular emphasis on the security and maintenance obligations facing IoT manufacturers. It pointed to Japan's JC-STAR scheme and the European Union's Cyber Resilience Act as examples of regulation that expects long-term security practices.
ADLINK said typical Linux distributions often push manufacturers towards building their own secure over-the-air update systems and additional security features. The company said this increases engineering work and ongoing maintenance costs.
In response, ADLINK said it will bundle its modules with an ABOS IoT security licence in a ready-to-use setup. The companies positioned the combination as a way to reduce hardware development work and provide a defined set of security functions. They said the package leaves device makers to develop their own applications on top.
ABOS features
Atmark Techno's ABOS includes security functions aimed at long-life IoT deployments, according to the release. The companies said the operating system includes standard update mechanisms.
The release said ABOS provides support for JC-STAR compliance. It also stated that each update includes a software bill of materials, or SBOM.
ADLINK and Atmark Techno also pointed to licensing and component selection in the default configuration. They said, "no GPLv3 components are included in the default configuration."
ABOS also supports a cloud service called Armadillo Twin, according to the release. The companies described the service as providing remote monitoring, control and over-the-air updates.
First module
The first supported product named in the announcement is the LEC-IMX8MP. ADLINK described it as being powered by NXP's i.MX 8M Plus system-on-chip.
The companies did not provide pricing for the bundled configuration. They also did not give a schedule for additional modules beyond stating that the supported line-up will expand.
The release also did not specify the range of device classes the companies expect to target with the initial offering, beyond referencing IoT manufacturers and applications that require long-term maintenance. ADLINK's broader portfolio includes computer-on-modules and industrial motherboards.
Next steps
ADLINK and Atmark Techno said they plan to extend ABOS compatibility across more ADLINK system-on-modules. They also said they will enhance ABOS for future JC-STAR and Cyber Resilience Act requirements.
"ADLINK and Atmark Techno will continue expanding the lineup of ABOS-compatible SoMs and enhancing ABOS to meet upcoming JC-STAR★2 and CRA requirements."