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AI edge box PC is based on Jetson Xavier NX to run neural networks

Wed, Jul 22, 2020

Powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Xavier NX, the Boxer-8251AI is the latest edge box PC from Aaeon. The compact PC has a six-core 64-bit Arm processor, 384 Cuda cores, 48 Tensor cores, and two NVDLA engines capable of running multiple neural networks in parallel. The Boxer-8251AI delivers accelerated computing performance up to 21TOPS.

It also boasts 8Gbyte of LPDDR4 memory and 16Gbyte of onboard eMMC memory which can be expanded through the Micro-SD card slot.

The Jetson Xavier NX allows users to select one of five performance modes to tailor the number of cores, processor speed, and power draw the system uses. Combined with the thermal design, the PC allows users to match processor performance with thermal performance for each operating mode.

The Boxer-8251AI has two COM ports and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, as well as Gigabit Ethernet port. The PC can integrate into existing applications as well as new ones, says Aaeon. The rugged, fanless design keeps dust and other contaminants out of the system, offering reliable and low-maintenance operation, adds the company.

Alex Hsueh, senior director of Aaeon’s System Platform Division, praised its AI at the edge capabilities in existing and emerging applications: “Thanks to this flexibility, the Boxer-8251AI is able to power a wide range of AI and edge computing applications from smart city environments to monitoring public transportation users for fever and compliance with face mask requirements,” he observed.

Aaeon was established in 1992, as a designer and manufacturer of professional intelligent IoT solutions. Committed to innovative engineering, the company provides reliable and high quality computing platforms, including industrial motherboards and systems, industrial displays, rugged tablets, embedded controllers, network appliances and related accessories, as well as integrated solutions.

Aaeon also has the hardware and services for premier OEM/ODMs and system integrators worldwide. As an Associate Member of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance, Aaeon offers customised end-to-end services from initial product conceptualisation and board product development, to mass manufacturing and after-sales service programs.

http://www.aaeon.com

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Murata partners with VitaNet for automated IoT pairing

Tue, Jul 21, 2020

Automatic identification and authentication of Bluetooth Low Energy, IoT devices is now possible, says Murata, following its collaboration with VitaNet Suite.

Murata’s MBN52832 embedded Bluetooth module is compatible with VitaNet Suite, the secure IoT platform from Californian company, VitaNet.

The addition of VitaNet’s middleware into the MBN52832 will give Bluetooth Low Energy IoT device manufacturers easy access to the conversion of industrial components into secure IoT devices. This will enable functionality such as remote status monitoring and automated data collection. Cloud-based, remote and secure control of industrial equipment has been highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as the industry seeks to reduce manual intervention to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

The MBN52832-VitaNet is based on the attachment of a QR code which contains device information on pumps, motors, and other industrial components. This eliminates the need for the LCD panel or operation buttons conventionally required for Bluetooth operation. A VitaNet authentication key request is required once, at the system initialisation stage and cached VitaNet authentication key information is used during subsequent operation. According to Murata, this is the first time that security and pairing have been automated and integrated with AES-128 packet encryption supported by the Bluetooth standard.

Incorporating the Murata Module allows encrypted two-way communication with IoT devices to be performed from a cloud server. This enables secure remote control and management of large numbers of IoT devices, including alive monitoring, automatic data collection, and other operational tasks, Murata explains.

The VitaNet Suite is a platform service consisting of middleware that runs on each gateway and IoT device, and cloud-based protocol conversion support. VitaNet’s patented technology converts protocols between IP networks and non-IP Bluetooth, to connect hundreds of IoT devices with secure two-way encrypted communication via a single gateway.

The MBN52832 Bluetooth Low Energy module enables low power connectivity for data communications. It integrates a Nordic Bluetooth Low Energy IC, RF front end, and crystal into a very small form factor. There is also an Arm Cortex M4 core with 64Kbyte RAM and 512KBbyte of flash and a choice of interface for IoT applications, including medical and healthcare and machine to machine (M2M) applications.

http://www.murata.com

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Distance awareness devices rely on ToF proximity sensors

Tue, Jul 21, 2020

Amsterdam-based start-up, Aura Aware, is using ST’s FlightSense time of flight (ToF) technology in a smart distance-awareness portable device for use at retail counters and check-in desks.

The device displays a green OK signal that changes to red if a person crosses a safe, minimum distance threshold.

The VL53L1X compact ToF proximity and ranging sensor is used in the Aura Aware devices. It has an operating range of up to four metres and very low power consumption. Signal processing is built into the sensor, simplifying design. It also provides features such as crosstalk compensation that maintains measurement accuracy even if the sensor window becomes obscured by foreign material.

ToF sensors transmit photons and then calculate distance to the target based on the time it takes for the reflected photons to be received back by the sensor. Ranging accuracy is unaffected by surface characteristics of the target, such as clothing colour or skin reflectivity, which is a characteristic that makes it particularly suitable for devices designed to help people maintain social distancing.

The sensors can also help users avoid contact with surfaces, including self service touchscreens, smart water taps and pushbutton door openers, located in high-traffic areas. The speed and precision of ToF sensing enable FlightSense sensors to manage basic on/off control as well as to detect and interpret gestures like tapping and swiping for smart touchless human machine interaction.

Another advantage is the linear response when measuring short distances. It allows them to be used inside dispensing machines to detect the level of hand-sanitising liquid or the number of personal protective items such as face masks.

The FlightSense ToF sensors are in production now. Samples are available on request.

STMicroelectronics specialises in semiconductor technologies, including the semiconductor supply chain and manufacturing facilities. The independent device manufacturer works with customers and partners to design and build products, solutions and ecosystems and technologies that enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and 5G technology.

http://www.st.com

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QBix-Pro is first 5G-enabled embedded computing system, claims Gigapic

Mon, Jul 20, 2020

Believed to be the first 5G-enabled embedded computing system, the QBiX-Pro-KBLB7100HD-A1 has been announced by Gigapic.

The fanless embedded computer is based on an Intel Core i3-7100U processor and has two DDR4 SO-DIMM sockets and a maximum capacity of 32Gbytes. It also has a dual channel DDR, operating at 2133MHz.

For wireless communication support, the QBiX-Pro-KBLB7100HD-A1 has one M.2 slot for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and an M.2 slot for 3G, 4G and 5G networks.

It measures 160 x 118 x 62.6mm and is certified to IEC 60068-2-64, IEC 60068-2-6 and IEC 60068-2-27.

The industrial computer control system supports 5G communication modules and has been verified by Taiwan’s main mobile carrier, Chunghwa Telecom’s 5G field test.

The I/O interface will enable a selection of industrial applications, such as factory automation, smart transportation, smart retail, medical, and IoT edge computing. As well as operational efficiency and service quality required for 5G, Gigapic says it will provide customers the flexibility to arrange internal workspaces without the need for wired internet access.

A 5G embedded PC will aide industry 4.0 functions, such as machine vision, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and factory automation.

Benefits of 5G networks over existing 3G and 4G ones include low latency, more bandwidth with higher frequencies and faster connection times. The connectivity through a fast, reliable network which protects privacy and security issue, will enable smart cities and smart transportation, remote medical care and wirelessly connected industrial devices and high-quality video streaming, explains Gigapic.

The low latency and high-frequency bandwidth are especially helpful in industrial applications, requiring machine vision and automation, Giagapic envisages.

The ability to transmit large amounts of data quickly will allow cloud-enabled information centres to optimise the manufacturing process via data analysis of everyday processes, continues the company.

Gigapic is a subsidiary of Gigabyte. It was established in 2018 as an independent IPC-focused spin-off from Gigabyte. The company’s R&D department enables it to keep pace with today’s technology, providing standardised off the shelf products and customised products, service and support to system integrators, OEMs and ODMs.

http://www.gigaipc.com

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AI edge box PC is based on Jetson Xavier NX to run neural networks

Murata partners with VitaNet for automated IoT pairing

Distance awareness devices rely on ToF proximity sensors

QBix-Pro is first 5G-enabled embedded computing system, claims Gigapic

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