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ETSI lets edge app developers play in the Sandbox

Thu, Jan 07, 2021

To help application developers to experience and interact with an implementation of ETSI MEC APIs and test out their applications, ETSI offers the MEC Sandbox.

The interactive environment enables users to learn and experiment with ETSI MEC Service application programming interfaces (APIs). Standardised RESTful APIs are targeted at multi-access edge computing (MEC) application developers to consume the value-added services offered by MEC, including real-time access to network and context information (either fixed or mobile), as well as location information on infrastructure and user equipment.

The design principles for developing the APIs have also been specified in ETSI GS MEC 009, along with http methods, templates, conventions and patterns. The MEC service APIs are available in YAML and JSON format, presented via OpenAPI-compliant descriptions.

“With the Sandbox, developers with existing applications can configure them to access and use the live MEC APIs running in their own test environment which is essential for them,” explained Walter Featherstone, chair of the ETSI MEC Deployment and ECOsystem Development (DECODE) working group.

MEC Sandbox provides the user with a choice of scenarios combining different network technologies (4G, 5G, Wi-Fi) and terminal equipment, such as vehicles, pedestrians or connected objects. Combining these simulated assets in a geo-located environment, a user can gain hands-on experience of the behaviour and capabilities of the location (MEC013), radio network information (MEC012) and WLAN information (MEC028) service APIs.

Developers will be able to browse the Wiki Ecosystem page, which provides information mainly related to the work of the ETSI ISG MEC Deployment and ECOsystem DEvelopment (DECODE) Working Group, whose aim is to accelerate the development of the MEC ecosystem.

ETSI provides members with an open and inclusive environment to support the development, ratification and testing of globally applicable standards for ICT systems and services across all sectors of industry and society. It is a not-for-profit body with more than 900 member organisations worldwide, drawn from 65 countries and five continents. Its membership is made up of large and small private companies, research entities, academia, government and public organisations.

ETSI is officially recognised by the EU as a European Standards Organization (ESO).

https://www.etsi.org/

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STM32 wireless microcontroller module reduces IoT development time

Wed, Jan 06, 2021

To accelerate the introduction of new Bluetooth LE and 802.15.4-based IoT devices with a miniature, ready-to-use STM32 wireless microcontroller module.

The 7.0 x 11.3mm STM32WB5MMG module lets product teams build connected devices without needing wireless design skills. For low cost PCB technology requiring a minimal number of layers, it integrates everything up to the antenna. Users can also leverage the tools, design wizards, radio stacks, and turnkey software libraries of ST’s STM32Cube MCU development ecosystem, available free of charge, to complete the project quickly and efficiently, says STMicroelectronics.

The company’s first STM32-based wireless module simplifies technical challenges. It “extends exciting opportunities for smart connected devices,” said Ricardo de Sa Earp, group vice president, Microcontroller Division general manager, STMicroelectronics.

He describes it as a “complete ready-to-use subsystem in a single package, the STM32WB5MMG assures excellent radio performance out of the box and comes as a certified solution according to Bluetooth, Zigbee, and OpenThread specifications.”

The module supports ST’s concurrent dual protocol mode that lets any protocol based on IEEE 802.15.4 radio technology, including Zigbee 3.0 and OpenThread, connect the user directly to any Bluetooth Low Energy device.

The module addresses opportunities for smart home, smart building, and smart factory equipment. Users can leverage the microcontroller’s dual core architecture that separates radio and application-level processing for unimpeded performance, large memories for radio and application code and data storage, and cybersecurity.

The STM32WB5MMG can create a simplified, low-cost PCB leveraging the module’s optimized pin-out and take advantage of existing STM32WB55 microcontroller firmware libraries and tool chain. ST has created a dedicated application note as extra guidance for module users.

The module integrates a miniature antenna properly matched to the receiver circuitry, built-in switched mode power supply (SMPS) circuitry, and frequency-control components. With support for crystal-less USB Full-Speed connectivity, the module lets users minimise bill of materials costs as well as simplifying the hardware design.

Cyber protection includes secured software updates including over the air (OTA) for brand protection and device integrity, customer key storage and proprietary code readout protection (PCROP) to protect developers’ IP and public key authentication (PKA) support for cryptographic protection of code and connections.

By combining high RF performance with low power consumption, the module ensures reliable connectivity with extended battery life, adds STMicroelectronics.

The STM32WB5MMG is available now.

http://www.st.com

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Automotive ASIC integrates AI to monitor the driver

Tue, Jan 05, 2021

Believed to be the world’s first dedicated driver monitoring ASIC, the OAX8000 has an integrated artificial intelligence (AI) neural processing unit, an image signal processor and a DDR3 memory.

The ASIC by OmniVision Technologies is optimised for entry level, standalone driver monitoring systems (DMS). The OAX8000 uses a stacked-die architecture, making it the industry’s only DMS processor with on-chip DDR3 SDRAM, claims the company. Memory capacity is 1Gbyte. It is also believed to be the only dedicated DMS processor to integrate a neural processing unit (NPU) and image signal processor (ISP), which provides dedicated processing speeds up to 1.1 trillion operations per second to allow for eye gaze and eye tracking algorithms. There is also 1k multiply-accumulator MAC (units) of convolutional neural network (CNN) acceleration, which, with the integrated SDRAM, enable the low power consumption. Combined with the OmniVision automotive image sensor, it consumes just 1W in typical conditions. The level of integration also reduces the board area for the engine control unit (ECU), adds OmniVision Technologies.

From 2022, all new cars in the EU will be required to have a DMS camera.

“Most DMS processors on the market today are not dedicated to this application, requiring added circuitry to perform other system functions that consumes more power, occupies more board space and doesn’t allow room for on-chip SDRAM,” said Brian Pluckebaum, automotive product marketing manager at OmniVision. industry’s most optimized solution.”

The OAX8000’s on-chip NPU is supported by the TensorFlow, Caffe, MXNet and ONNX tool chains. The ASIC embeds quad Arm Cortex A5 CPU cores with Neon technology for accelerated video encoding/decoding and on-chip video analytics algorithms, as well as hardware for image processing, video encoding and RGB/IR processing. The high dynamic range (HDR) processing capability allows the ASIC to accept input from RBG/IR image sensors and to support high quality output, for videos taken during the day or at night, in conditions with widely contrasting bright and dark images. The integrated video encoder accepts up to 5Mpixel captures from OmniVision’s automotive image sensors, and outputs up to 2k resolution video at 30 frames per second (fps).

Boot-up time for the OAX8000 is significantly faster than its nearest competitor, claims OmniVision. The rapid start up eliminates the delay between ignition and activation of the DMS camera and the ASIC also supports secure boot features for cybersecurity.

The ASIC can also be used in processing vehicle occupant detection algorithms, such as distinguishing a baby from a grocery bag, and providing alerts when objects are left behind in the vehicle. Other uses are in automotive video security systems to perform functions such as FaceID, as well as preset driver comfort settings (e.g. seat position) that are activated when the DMS scans the driver’s face.

Samples of the new OAX8000 ASIC are available now in a BGA196 package. It is AEC-Q100 Grade 2 certified for automotive applications.

http://www.ovt.com

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Windows 10 Pro SBC from Crowd Supply has optional 4G or 5G connectivity

Mon, Jan 04, 2021

A Windows-capable single board computer (SBC) can be used by professionals, hobbyists, teachers and students in the development of a wide variety of applications, including home automation, IoT appliances, sensor gateways and entertainment systems.

The Hackboard 2 is available from Crowd Supply with an Intel processor and optional 4G or 5G connectivity. The standard version of Hackboard 2 is supplied pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro, for application in IoT and entertainment systems, including media servers. The Python programming language is also pre-installed, for accessing the board’s general purpose I/O.

Hackboard 2 integrates a suite of powerful features, including an up to 2.8GHz, 64-bit dual core Intel Celeron N4020 processor, an Intel UHD graphics processor, 64Gbyte of onboard eMMC storage, and 4Gbyte of DDR4 RAM.

In addition to a 40-pin GPIO header, there are three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI 2.1 output, and two M.2 slots for up to 4 TB of storage. Hackboard 2 includes its own power supply and a range of optional accessories, from 4G and 5G modems to a portable IPS 1080p HD display.

Crowd Supply is a product development platform. It offers engineers and companies a full suite of services to launch products, including marketing, fulfilment, crowd funding, and ongoing sales through distributors. The creator-focused platform connects backers with projects that address a market need, allowing developers to quickly validate their ideas and capitalise on high levels of interest from early adopters, explains Crowd Supply.

http://www.crowdsupply.com

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ETSI lets edge app developers play in the Sandbox

STM32 wireless microcontroller module reduces IoT development time

Automotive ASIC integrates AI to monitor the driver

Windows 10 Pro SBC from Crowd Supply has optional 4G or 5G connectivity

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