Qualcomm Dragonwing™ is a brand portfolio launched by Qualcomm to showcase its range of industrial and embedded IoT, enterprise and networking solutions. This portfolio integrates advanced AI, high-performance computing and connectivity technologies to provide customized hardware, software and services.

The IQ9 has a more powerful and advanced (6nm) SoC from Qualcomm than other SBCs and also includes an integrated AI accelerator (NPU) directly on the SoC. Both DDR and UFS are already included in the board (8GB and 128GB by default). It is based on a SoC and SOM that are commercially available for customized designs, making it a perfect platform for development and prototyping.

At the time of release, IQ9 comes with Qualcomm Linux based on Yocto Kirkstone / Scarthgap, which has been developed using a developer-first approach. It aims to simplify development, increase productivity, accelerate time to market and improve collaboration through optimized development processes. Upstream conformity will be maintained. Further operating systems are confirmed (Android, Debian ) and planned (Ubuntu, Windows on ARM) in the course of 2025.

By default, the IQ9 comes with 8GB LPDDR4x and 128GB UFS2.2. The processor (QCS6490) is an 8-core CPU with integrated GPU and NPU, providing a total of 12 TOPS AI performance.

Power consumption depends on the connected peripherals. Without peripherals, the approximate power consumption can be around 8W (with 100% load on CPU, GPU and DSP). In CPU-only use cases (100% load), power consumption can be as low as 4W. In sleep mode, it can go down to around 5mA@4.2V.

The IQ9 was developed for industrial IoT applications and is characterized by a balance between high performance and energy efficiency. As the SoC is manufactured in a 6nm process, it offers robust computing capabilities suitable for demanding edge computing tasks while maintaining low power consumption. Specific power consumption figures are not publicly disclosed. However, the design includes advanced features to optimize power consumption, making it well-suited for IoT and edge computing applications where energy efficiency is critical.

The IQ9 is a versatile hardware platform suitable for a variety of different projects, especially in the areas of IoT, edge computing and embedded systems. Listed below is a selection of project types you can use the IQ9 for:
- Edge Computing
- IoT Applications
- Industrial applications
- Robotics Projects
- Wearable, portable, or handheld devices
- Communication and Networking Systems
- Learning and Educational Projects
- Media and Entertainment
- Security Systems and connected cameras
- Digital Signage
- Retail and payment
- Smart Home

Yes, as a Qualcomm Dragonwing™-based computer, the IQ9 is suitable for industrial and commercial applications, but its applicability is dependent on the specific use case and environment. The IQ9 is very versatile and can be used for a variety of applications such as automation, IoT (Internet of Things), data acquisition, and monitoring systems. It is also suitable for machine control, sensor management and even running simple industrial control software. It is not designed for real-time operation per se, which can pose a limitation in certain industrial applications requiring accurate timing (e.g. motion control). However, the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ series and some developments for IQ9 could solve this problem. In addition, there are real-time extensions in corresponding software available to provide another potential solution.

The Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoC is often equipped with specialized AI/ML hardware, such as the Hexagon DSP (Digital Signal Processor), which accelerates machine learning tasks such as object recognition, speech recognition, and image processing. Thanks to this hardware acceleration, the IQ9 can handle more advanced AI workloads, such as running neural networks or performing inference tasks, significantly faster than, for example, other Pi-based computers. Thanks to the powerful architecture of the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoC, IQ9 can execute major machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow Lite, Caffe, PyTorch and ONNX, which are supported and can benefit from the hardware acceleration provided by the SoC. Qualcomm also provides software tools such as the Qualcomm AI Engine that can help optimize AI workloads and accelerate the execution of deep learning models on devices like the IQ9.

The IQ9 supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additional 5G is available with an additional HAT, offered by Atlantik Elektronik.

Yes, the IQ9 is well suited for expansion. Since it uses the famous Raspberry Pi pin header, it can be used with almost all Raspberry Pi Hats (SW transfer may be required). In addition, it is an easy and quick option to create your own expansion board and connect it via the pin header.

The IQ9 will have a shared support forum where users can ask questions. For commercial projects, professional support is available from our/distributor FAE team.

Qualcomm Linux is a comprehensive package of software, tools and documentation designed specifically for Qualcomm IoT platforms. It provides a unified Linux distribution suitable for multiple System-on-Chips (SoCs) and includes essential components such as the UEFI boot loader, the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) kernel, Yocto and selected drivers. This guarantees a consistent and seamless developer experience for all target systems.
Qualcomm's Linux software stack provides support for all processors, subsystems and components within the platform, including CPU, GPU, VPU, DPU, NPU, PMICs and more. It makes extensive use of upstream open source software (OSS) and integrates patched upstream and downstream drivers as needed to ensure compatibility and optimal functionality.

Professional support for commercial projects is available via IQ9 Community. Contact us here.

As the Qualcomm QCS6490 is designed to be a long-lasting product with an availability until at least 2036, IQ9 is a highly future-proof design option.

The IQ9 has been specifically designed for a long future. Although not yet confirmed, there are already plans to run various Qualcomm Dragonwing™ SoCs on the Pi. A simple migration to the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ QCS5430 or QCS8550 is possible on request. There are also plans for further industrial variants with the Qualcomm Dragonwing™ IQ series.

As it is a long-life product, software updates will be available for a long time and security updates will be provided until at least 2036.

Yes, absolutely. The IQ9 has been designed as a development platform for your own applications.

There are several ways to cool the IQ9. The compatible Raspberry Pi fan can be used as an accessory for heavy duty applications on request.