SoM by Variscite brings machine learning to compact, cost-optimised, rugged edge devices

Variscite has announced the newest member of the DART Pin2Pin family for machine learning on edge devices for markets like industrial, IoT, smart devices, and wearables.

At only 55 x 30 millimetres—about half the size of a credit card—the DART-MX93 enables machine learning, even in compact devices. Its energy-flex architecture provides efficient processing; built-in security ensures data and applications are protected.

Similar to the VAR-SOM-MX93 which was already launched by Variscite in 2023, the DART-MX93 is based on the same NXP iMX93 processor with up to 1.7GHz Dual Cortex-A55, and 250MHz Cortex-M33 real-time co-processor, equipped with the Arm neural processing unit Ethos-U65 microNPU. The new SoM includes robust features like 2x CAN bus, 2x GbE, and industrial temperature grade plus a wide range of features and connectivity options: camera inputs, audio in/out, ADC, 2x USB, certified Wi-Fi 6 dual-band 802.11 ax/ac/a/b/g/n with optional 802.15.4, BT/BLE 5.3, and LVDS display outputs.

Variscite offers a broad range of SoMs based on NXP’s i.MX 9 series. The upcoming VAR-SOM-MX91, to be released in parallel with NXP’s iMX91, is ideal for price-sensitive devices. The DART-MX95, powered by NXP i.MX95, was created for powerful edge platforms that demand high performance, high-end graphics, AI/ML capabilities, advanced security and safety functions, and a rich set of high-speed connectivity options.

The DART-MX93 is part of the DART Pin2Pin family that gives Variscite customers a future-proof way to scale their device capabilities with new generations of DART SoMs. This ensures extended longevity for customer products, as well as reduces development time, costs, and risks for future product iterations. From the i.MX8M Mini, through the i.MX8M and iMX8M Plus, to the i.MX 95.

https://www.variscite.com

> Read More

Advantech announces innovative solutions for edge computing and industrial applications

Advantech has introduced a new lineup of industrial servers and solutions, harnessing the power of the 14th Generation Intel Core processors. This lineup includes the ASMB-588, ASMB-788, ASMB-610V3, and the Edge Accelerator Server HPC-6120 +ASMB-610V3, all designed to improve industrial and edge computing applications.
Leveraging Intel Core processors, their products are built to handle demanding AI and graphics workloads. These processors merge the performance profile and power ranges of the 13th Gen Intel Core mobile processors with LGA socket flexibility, making them ideal for developers needing high AI and graphics performance.
Support up to DDR5 5600 module, the new range maximises performance and efficiency. The inclusion of PCIe 5.0 and Thunderbolt 4 ensures future-proof connectivity and fast data transfer rates, catering to diverse industrial requirements.

ASMB-588: This micro-ATX server board, ideal for Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems, integrates with HPC-5000 or HPC-7120 chassis. It features 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16 and 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4 slots, providing substantial bandwidth and flexibility for various industrial applications. The board’s construction and thermal design ensure reliable performance in demanding environments.

ASMB-788: Tailored for high-end industrial applications requiring exceptional computing power, this ATX server board offers a unique blend of performance and expandability. It includes 1 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 2 x PCIe 4.0 x4, 5 x SATA 3.0, and 1 x M.2 connector (PCIe), making it adaptable for complex tasks like machine learning and data analysis. Compatible with HPC-8208 and HPC-7484 chassis, the ASMB-788 stands out for its high connectivity and storage options, providing industrial systems with the scalability they need for future growth.

Edge Accelerator Server HPC-6120 + ASMB-610V3: This server solution is optimised for tackling the unique challenges of edge computing. Supporting up to 4 expansion cards, it is designed to complete data-intensive tasks efficiently. It’s an ideal fit for AI, industrial broadcasting, and complex computational workloads. This 1U edge accelerator server provides a combination of processing power and storage capacity, enabling rapid data processing and real-time analytics in edge deployments.

http://www.advantech.com

> Read More

Embedded security using Microchip’s PIC32CK 32-bit MCUs with hardware security module

New legislation takes effect in 2024, mandating stricter requirements on cybersecurity on everything from consumer IoT devices to critical infrastructure. Meeting these new security compliance requirements from a product and supply chain perspective can be complex, costly and time-consuming. To provide developers with an embedded security solution that allows them to design applications that comply with these requirements, Microchip has announced the new family of PIC32CK 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) with an integrated Hardware Security Module (HSM) subsystem and Arm Cortex-M33 core featuring TrustZone technology to help isolate and secure the device.

The PIC32CK SG is the first 32-bit device on the market that combines the strong security of an HSM with TrustZone technology, a hardware-based secure privilege environment. Microchip’s latest innovation for mid-range MCUs provides designers with a cost-effective embedded security solution for their products that meets the latest cybersecurity mandates. The inclusion of an HSM provides a high level of security for authentication, secure debug, secure boot and secure updates, while TrustZone technology provides an additional level of protection for key software functions. The HSM can accelerate a wide range of symmetric and asymmetric cryptography standards, true random number generation and secure key management.

The PIC32CK MCUs from Microchip are designed to support ISO 26262 functional safety and ISO/SAE 21434 cybersecurity standards. For increased flexibility and cost efficiency, the PIC32CK MCU family offers a wide range of options to tune the level of security, memory and connectivity bandwidth based on the end application’s requirements. Options include up to 2 MB dual-panel Flash and 512 KB SRAM, with various connectivity options like 10/100 Ethernet, CAN FD and USB.

For product supply chains that require additional security and safety protection such as in industrial designs, medical devices, home appliances and consumer IoT devices, the PIC32CK will be supported with Microchip’s Trust Platform Design Suite for provisioning as a service. This platform enables the secure factory provisioning of keys, certificates and IP without the need to reveal these secrets within the supply chain.

The 32-bit PIC32CK MCU family is supported by Microchip’s software platforms including MPLAB® Harmony v3 and Trust Platform Design Suite. The PIC32CK family is also supported by the PIC32CK SG and PIC32CK GC Curiosity Ultra Development Boards including the EV33A17A and EV44P93A.

https://www.microchip.com.

> Read More

Innodisk unveils MIPI over Type-C solution for enhanced AI vision applications

Innodisk, has announced the launch of its industry’s first MIPI over Type-C solution. This exclusive technology overcomes traditional MIPI cable lengths limitations, allowing embedded camera modules to be positioned farther from the system.

This expands the possibilities for visual AI applications, particularly in smart manufacturing and smart cities, enabling the seamless integration of high-quality vision systems into these evolving environments.

The increasing popularity of vision-based applications across industries highlights the critical need for high- quality, reliable camera solutions. As computer vision becomes a cornerstone of AI development, the demand for industrial-grade cameras continues to surge. Innodisk recognises this need and has developed the MIPI over Type-C Solution to address the challenges faced by vision system integrators and developers.

Innodisk’s MIPI over Type-C technology extends the connection distance to 2 meters or more, surpassing the previous 30 cm cable length limitation while maintaining high performance. It enables seamless conversion to a custom USB Type-C interface through a tailor-made adapter board and offers cost- effectiveness compared to SerDes solutions. Additionally, this solution boasts successful deployments on NVIDIA Jetson, Intel x86, and ARM platforms, with Innodisk actively investing in R&D to ensure ongoing compatibility across various platforms, accelerating the deployment of edge AI applications for clients.

Innodisk’s MIPI over Type-C camera module solutions are extensively used in various smart applications. They are revolutionising industries like smart manufacturing, where AMRs and forklifts benefit from high- quality imaging and extended reach. Similarly, shared mobility applications such as shared bikes leverage these modules for enhanced safety and efficiency. By offering a combination of high bandwidth and longer range, Innodisk’s solution removes cable length limitations, unlocking a wave of new possibilities for smart applications.

Innodisk’s MIPI over Type-C solution marks a significant leap forward, building upon its diverse MIPI camera module portfolio and seamless platform integration. This includes compatibility with NVIDIA Jetson, Intel 12th to 13th Gen, Core Ultra processor, AMD Xilinx, and NXP. As the sole Intel-certified MIPI Camera partner in Taiwan, Innodisk collaborates closely with IPC manufacturers, possessing professional integration capabilities to offer comprehensive support and services to customers. The MIPI over Type-C Solution is poised to redefine the future of vision technology, offering performance, flexibility, and affordability.

http://www.innodisk.com

> Read More

About Smart Cities

This news story is brought to you by smartcitieselectronics.com, the specialist site dedicated to delivering information about what’s new in the Smart City Electronics industry, with daily news updates, new products and industry news. To stay up-to-date, register to receive our weekly newsletters and keep yourself informed on the latest technology news and new products from around the globe. Simply click this link to register here: Smart Cities Registration