Karu VMU

Name: Karu VMU
Brand: Bear Metal OÜ
Availability: InStock

Beast Mode engaged: High-Performance, High-Security

Karu VMU is a Pixhawk 6X-RT based vehicle management unit. It utilizes the NXP i.MX RT1176 crossover processor for 1GHz processing power, industrial-grade hardware security, and triple-redundant sensing.

Run multiple Kalman Filters, Higher-rate control loops, More detailed logging without dropouts

The Karu VMU manual covers mounting, wiring, ports and firmware setup.

Key Performance Highlights

Unrivaled Processing Power: The NXP i.MX RT1176 Crossover MCU offers dual cores (1GHz ARM Cortex-M7 + 400MHz ARM Cortex-M4) for application-processor throughput with real-time reliability.
Mission-Critical Security: Integrated NXP EdgeLock SE052 secure element (CC EAL 6+ certified, FIPS 140-3) securely stores critical data and ensures authentic firmware execution against cyber threats.
Built-in 100BASE-T1 (100Mbps) Ethernet enables high-bandwidth communication with onboard mission computers (AI, CV, Edge Computing).
Integrated heater for harsh environments.

Pixhawk v6X-RT enhancements

Karu VMU replaces the standard's SE051C secure element with the NXP EdgeLock SE052F, which is FIPS 140-3 certified and has a PX4 driver module.

Technical Specifications

Full sensor set revision 3 compatibility (FMU, VMU)

Component	Specification
Main Processor	NXP i.MX RT1176 (M7 @ 1GHz, M4 @ 400MHz)
Memory	2MB RAM, 64MB External Flash
Secure Element	NXP EdgeLock SE052F (CC EAL 6+ / IEC62443-4-2, FIPS 140-3)
IMU	Triple: IMU 2x ICM-45686 + 1x BMI088
Barometer	Dual BMP390
Magnetometer	BMM350

Mechanical Data

Feature	VMU Module	Full assembly: VMU + baseboard
Dimensions	38.8mm x 31.8mm x 14.6mm	51.6mm x 96.26mm x 22.33mm
Weight	23.7g	70g

Safety & Reliability

Three completely isolated sensor domains with separate buses and power control provide triple redundancy, eliminating single points of failure.
New internal mechanical isolation filters high-frequency noise for precise attitude estimation in high-vibration airframes.
Industrial Operating Range: designed for -40°C to 85°C.

Interfaces & Connectivity

12 PWM outputs (8 with DShot), 4 serial ports, 2 GPS ports, 3 CAN buses, 100BASE-T1 Ethernet, SPI, I2C and RC input, on the Pixhawk Autopilot Bus 100-pin and 50-pin connectors of the Pixhawk 6X-RT Standard.

Pinouts and connector details are in the Karu VMU manual.