Imagimob’s Edge AI solutions are now available for the AURIX product family

Autonomous and automated driving is a megatrend in the automotive industry, along with electrification. AI plays a critical role in this trend, enabling vehicles to detect pedestrians, analyse driver behaviour, recognise traffic signs, and control trajectories, among many other use cases. A key enabler of this is Edge AI, as autonomous and automated driving is highly dependent on the need for AI systems with machine learning capabilities and processors that can handle large amounts of data in parallel, safely, secured, and in real time. To address this challenge, Imagimob, an Infineon company, has enhanced its automotive machine learning portfolio by integrating machine learning capabilities into Infineon’s Automotive ASIL-D complaint MCUs like AURIX TC3x and AURIX TC4x.

“The integration of secured and dependable AI capabilities into microcontroller families is crucial for advancing autonomous driving applications in the automotive industry,” said Thomas Boehm, Senior Vice President Microcontroller at Infineon. “We are proud that our AURIX microcontrollers are now supported by Imagimob Studio, making them accessible to developers worldwide. This highlights our role as a leading innovator in the industry.”

“With the integration of AURIX into our Imagimob Studio, we are bringing full machine learning (ML) compatibility and capabilities to the automotive sector,” said Alexander Samuelsson, CTO of Imagimob. “This means that all the use cases we support with our platform are now also available for Infineon’s AURIX microcontrollers.”

With Imagimob Studio, developers can now create robust ML models for the Edge and deploy them onto Infineon’s proven AURIX MCUs. The process starts with creating machine learning models in Imagimob Studio. Once the AI model is complete, users can select to deploy on the MCUs directly within the platform. They are then guided through steps on how to deploy the code seamlessly, simplifying the implementation of machine learning on MCUs and enabling the creation of sophisticated ML models. In addition, Imagimob Studio offers a sample project for siren detection, demonstrating model creation and deployment. By using the code example, users can also learn how to create acoustic models with AURIX MCUs and a microphone shield. Furthermore, Imagimob has developed new regression models that can be used to calculate remaining battery power, health status, and usage time.

The AURIX TC4x scalable MCU family offers a seamless upgrade path from the AURIX TC3x family of ASIL-D compliant automotive MCUs. This enhanced performance is powered by the next-generation TriCore 1.8. In addition, the AURIX TC4x features a scalable accelerator suite that includes a parallel processing unit (PPU) and multiple intelligent accelerators to support cost-effective AI integration. For the AURIX TC4x family, these advancements translate into enhanced machine learning capabilities, enabling developers to deploy multiple models simultaneously or more complex ones. For instance, while the AURIX TC3x can handle basic siren detection, the AURIX TC4x enables both siren detection and voice interaction simultaneously.

https://www.imagimob.com/studio

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u-blox extends reach of PointPerfect GNSS correction service via RTCM RTK data format

u-blox extends the reach of its PointPerfect GNSS correction service by adding the Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) data format standard, opening the service to use with all GNSS and real- time kinematics (RTK) receiver hardware.

PointPerfect has until now exclusively delivered the correction data using the SPARTN data format. Designed for increased flexibility, the addition of RTCM now lowers barriers to adoption and expands the addressable market of scaled-up high-precision positioning solutions. The high-precision service works seamlessly with any GNSS RTK receiver module, u-blox or non u-blox, and even with mixed device fleets without a need for integration expertise.

This expansion introduces RTCM users to PointPerfect’s uniquely flexible usage-based pricing plans as an affordable alternative to the rigid high annual service fees of conventional RTK suppliers. The pay-as-you-go plans allow users to pay only for the hours that they use. Pooled plans make it simple to optimise costs by sharing service hours across the whole device fleet.

This expansion of the PointPerfect GNSS correction service will address a broader range of devices in segments that utilise the RTCM data standard, such as robotic lawnmowers, service delivery robots, UAVs and precision agriculture.

The PointPerfect RTCM service expansion provides centimetre-level accuracy in seconds, is simple to use, cost effective, offers seamless coverage over entire continents, countries, and regions, and with 99.9% uptime availability for reliable performance.

https://www.u-blox.com

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Taoglas introduces “AntJack”—an Industry-first Wi-Fi Antenna for an RJ45 Jack

Taoglas has unveiled AntJack, a high-efficiency Wi-Fi antenna that is mounted on a standard RJ45 ethernet connector. The new FXM100* Wi-Fi antenna can be mounted on Taoglas’ TMJG4926HENL or any standard 1×1 RJ45 connector to create a 2-in-1 solution, providing designers space-saving options and layout flexibility to improve wireless coverage across 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and 7.1 GHz bands.

By mounting the antenna on the jack, the antenna is removed from the PCB freeing up valuable real estate and uses the jack as the antenna ground plane to deliver better wireless performance. The FXM100 omnidirectional dipole antenna supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 / 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 and can be used in industrial robotics, and test and measurement systems.

AntJack is also ideal for complex MIMO designs where antenna location and positioning are critical, especially when space is a premium in 4×4 or 8×8 MIMO configurations. In addition to layout constraints, designers are often forced to work around proximity to metal which causes interference and signal distortion.

Antenna Features and Benefits
· Wideband coverage – excellent antenna efficiency across 2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz and 7.1 GHz bands.
· Small form factor – 26.6 x 15.6 x 13.1 mm antenna with customisable cable and connector.
· Easy “peel and stick” mounting – manufactured from flexible PCB material with adhesive conductive foam.

The FXM100 is now available for purchase from Taoglas and its distributors. Though sold as a standalone Wi-Fi antenna, the FXM100 can be purchased alongside Taoglas magnetic connectors and high-end ethernet cables for optimised bill of materials (BOM) costs. Additionally, the antenna can be adapted for any size of RJ45 connector (1×2, 2×2, MxN).

https://www.taoglas.com

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Kontron announces its new 2.5” single board computer

Kontron has announced its new 2.5” Single Board Computer (Pico-ITX SBC) product line with the new 2.5”-SBC-AML/ADN. This board offers a compact and portable computing solution with enhanced processing and graphics performance, faster AI inference capabilities, low power consumption, and low latency. The new SBCs are ideal for critical real-time computing in industrial automation, smart cities, energy, retail, and healthcare applications. Samples will be available to customers in November 2024.

The 2.5”-SBC-ADN and 2.5”-SBC-AML support standard or project-based all variants of low-power Intel Atom x7000E Series, Intel Core i3 N-Series, Intel N-Series (codenamed Alder Lake N) and Intel Atom x7000RE Series (code name Amston Lake) processors. These boards feature integrated Intel UHD Graphics (Gen12), AI acceleration, and real-time computing capabilities. The new Pico-ITX Single Board Computers provide multiple embedded controller features and advanced technology components, delivering nearly double (compared to the previous generations) graphics performance with up to 32 execution units in the iGPU for concurrent AI inference workloads. Combined with the Intel® Deep Learning Boost, the new SBC offer faster AI inference performance.

Despite its compact size of just 100 mm x 72 mm – slightly larger than a credit card – 2.5”-SBC-ADN and 2.5”-SBC-AML deliver impressive graphics and media processing power. They support three 4K displays at 60 fps through an internal eDP interface and two external connectors: DisplayPort and DisplayPort over USB-C.

The 2.5”-SBC-ADN and 2.5”-SBC-AML feature advanced components, including in-band ECC-enabled LPDDR5 soldered SDRAM (4, 8, or 16 GB) with speeds up to 4800 MHz, two 2.5 GbE LAN Intel I226 controllers, and three USB 3.2 Gen 2 connectors (Type A and Type C) at up to 10 Gbps. These components enable ultra-low latency within the system and with peripheral devices. Additionally, some variants support Intel Time Coordinated Computing (TCC) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), providing real-time responsiveness with up to 1 microsecond accuracy over Ethernet.

The soldered eMMC storage (32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB), together with mounted LPDDR5, make 2.5”-SBC-ADN and 2.5”-SBC-AML resistant to shock and vibration. 2.5”-SBC-AML is specifically designed for continuous 24/7 operation in harsh environments and high system loads. Both Single Board Computers are available in commercial (0 °C to 60 °C) and industrial (-40 °C to 85 °C) temperature variants to suit different applications.

The 2.5”-SBC-ADN and 2.5”-SBC-AML support a wide input voltage range (DC 9 V to 20 V) for unstable power supplies. Additionally, a discrete TPM 2.0 security chip enhances user authentication, network access, and data protection compared to firmware TPM.

Despite its small footprint, the 2.5”-SBC-ADN and 2.5”-SBC-AML offer robust connectivity and expansion options, including two internal COM ports (two RS232 or two RS232/422/485) and eight digital I/O channels for industrial applications. The boards feature two M.2 expansion slots (Key B and Key E) for Wi-Fi, WWAN (3G, 4G, or 5G), and additional SSD storage, enhancing system reliability and versatility. All these features operate within a low power budget of 6 W to 15 W TDP.

2.5”-SBC-ADN and 2.5”-SBC-AML ensure an extended long-term availability of up to 10 years from the release date, due to embedded key components and is CE, FCC, ICES, UKCA & UR (UL Recognised)

https://www.kontron.com

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