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WinEC Affected Modules EOL - Migration Guide

Introduction​

This guide helps customers using end-of-life (EOL) WinEC products migrate to recommended hardware and software solutions.

Toradex provides extensive resources to support this migration, including:

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the migration process for different modules.

SoMs in Scope​

The following System on Modules (SoMs) are covered in this guide:

With WinEC EOL in 2028 and Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) enforcement starting in December 2027, Toradex is forced to discontinue the aforementioned products.

Since Microsoft has ended support for WinEC, all its BSPs are not compliant with the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Customers should note that starting December 2027, products running WinEC cannot be sold on the EU market unless the final product qualifies for an exemption under the CRA or are used for RMA purposes.

The CRA does not apply outside the EU, so sales of WinEC-based products to non-EU markets remain unaffected.

Software Stack Selection​

Before reviewing SoM options, note that these EOLs require a software migration. Toradex offers in-house supported alternatives for a smooth transition.

Torizon OS is our operating system that powers Torizon. It simplifies the development and maintenance of Embedded Linux software. Similarly to WinEC, you can focus on your application without having to create your own Operating System.

Torizon was designed with our Windows Embedded Compact (WEC) customers in mind. It allows you to move your embedded systems to Linux while keeping Windows as the development environment. At the same time, Torizon allows you to tap into the large Linux ecosystem. Learn more on our website.

Torizon comes with a wide range of securty features required for the CRA, such as secure over the air update system, CVE analtycs, SBOMs and Secure Boot integation.

Torizon will give a broader range of options for module replacement and scalability options over the long run: future-proof migration.

Toradex BSP​

Toradex provides embedded Linux BSPs (Board Support Packages) and reference images for all our current SoMs.

Those BSPs are provided by an in-house development team working side-by-side with the hardware team. They offer:

  • A fast and reliable starting point to create your own Linux distribution.
  • Production-grade quality.
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For more information on migrating from WinEC to a new OS, read the following blog post: Torizon Ecosystem: A Great Alternative to Windows CE

Migration Path​

With the EOL of Toradex products that support WinEC, you will have to:

  1. Select a replacement module

  2. Upgrade your Operating System, in case you are using Linux

  3. Migrate Operating System, in case you are using WinEC

  4. Upgrade or migrate your application's software stack to work with the selected OS.

WinEC Migration Path

We recommend choosing replacement options within the same product family of the currently used SoM, or migrating to the Verdin Family. In either case, you will have modern and cost-effective options.

You can use the Toradex Product Comparison feature to compare your current SoM to other options and evaluate their features. See the following section for product details, comparison tables, and quick-access links.

Hardware Replacement Options​

To find the ideal replacement for the Colibri VF50, follow the order of the table below:

Replacement OptionProduct ComparisonOS / Software Stack to migrateRemarksMigration effort (HW+SW)
Colibri iMX6 DualLiteColibri iMX6 DualLite
  • Embedded Linux Torizon OS - Ready to use
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
Low
Colibri iMX6ULL (eMMC)Colibri iMX6ULL 1GB
  • Embedded Linux Torizon OS - Ready to use
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
Low
Colibri iMX7 (eMMC)Colibri iMX7 Dual
  • Embedded Linux Torizon OS - Ready to use
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
  • Performance Boost
Low
Colibri iMX8XColibri iMX8X Quad
Colibri iMX8X Dual
  • Embedded Linux Torizon OS - Ready to use
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
  • Performance Boost
  • Modern future-proof SW stack
Low
Verdin FamilyVerdin iMX8M Plus
Verdin iMX8M Mini
Verdin AM62
Verdin iMX95
  • Embedded Linux Torizon OS - Ready to use
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
  • Performance Boost
  • Modern future-proof SW stack
  • Comparable size
  • Carrier Board redesign is require
Medium
Colibri iMX6 SoloColibri iMX6 Solo
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
Medium
Colibri iMX6ULL (NAND)Colibri iMX6ULL 256MB
Colibri iMX6ULL 512MB
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
Medium
Colibri iMX7 (NAND)Colibri iMX7 Dual
  • Embedded Linux with Yocto (BSP reference image)
  • Other OSs (Android, QNX)
  • In most cases, no carrier board redesign is required
  • Performance Boost
Medium

Check for Hardware Compatibility​

To ensure hardware compatibility of our recommended SoMs with your custom needs, check the product pages and datasheets for detailed information.

Additionally, we offer a tool to help you check hardware compatibility between our recommended solutions and your product requirements. You can use the Toradex Pinout Design Tool to confirm whether the resources provided in the SoM recommendations meet your specific needs.

You can learn how to use it on our instruction page.

It helps you to:

Hardware Design Update​

Toradex provides resources to help with carrier board design:

EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)​

The European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is the European Commission's new law focused on products with digital elements. It is part of a larger cybersecurity framework that already includes similar requirements such as the EU Cybersecurity Act, the NIS Directive, and, in particular, the NIS2 Directive, which the CRA complements.

Check the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) page to find out more about the CRA's requirements and how Torizon simplifies compliance.

Need Help?​

If you need help updating your design, you can leverage the Toradex Community. We can also help you with custom product solutions.

We also have a partner network that can support you with carrier board design, production, and operating system configuration for your custom hardware needs.

Contact us so we can connect you with a suitable partner.

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