Aaeon uses Jetson TX2 for AI edge computing

Embedded computer specialisr, Aaeon, has introduced the Boxer-8170AI, for artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge networks.

The embedded computer is based on Nvidia’s Jetson TX2 and has four PoE LAN ports and four USB 3.0 ports.

At the heart of the computer is the Nvidia Jetson TX2 6-core processor, created by pairing the dual Denver 2 and quad Arm 57 processors into a single system on chip (SoC). The design has up to 256 CUDA cores which provide speed and performance to power AI at the edge, says Aaeon. The Boxer-8170AI comes with 8Gbyte LPDDR4 memory and 32Gbyte eMMC storage on-board. It supports AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and Caffe, as well as AI inference software from developers and customers.

The Boxer-8170AI’s four PoE LAN ports each have their own dedicated chip. This allows for higher bandwidth and stability for each port, allowing PoE cameras to operate individually on dedicated connections, explains Aaeon. The Boxer-8170AI supports a maximum output of 60W for up to four PoE cameras. It can be used for a range of AI solutions incorporating PoE cameras such as smart retail, virtual fences, and access control.

I/O features include four USB 3.0 ports, allowing for additional cameras or devices to be connected to the system. The Boxer-8170AI also features two COM ports for easy integration into industrial systems, two HDMI ports, and remote on/off. The Boxer-8170AI connects to networks with a Gigabit LAN port and two antenna ports to connect to wireless networks or act as an artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) gateway. The BOXER-8170AI also features an SD Card slot and USB on-the-go (OTG) for easy maintenance.

For operation in harsh environments, the Boxer-8170AI has a fanless design and all- aluminium chassis to protect the system from dust, vibration and other hazards. The Boxer-8170AI operates in temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees C and has an input voltage range of 12 to 24V DC.

The company module is only 48 mm thick, to fit into almost the constrained space needed to power AI edge applications.

Established in 1992, Aaeon designs and manufactures professional IoT solutions. It is committed to innovative engineering and provides reliable computing platforms, including industrial motherboards and systems, industrial displays, rugged tablets, embedded controllers, network appliances and related accessories, as well as integrated solutions.

The company is an Associate Member of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance.

http://www.aaeon.com

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Secure flash memory enhances secure data storage in self-driving cars

Macronix’s secure flash memory has been integrated in Nvidia’s next-generation autonomous driving platforms.

The automotive-grade ArmorFlash memory is being used on the Nvidia Drive AGX Xavier and Drive AGX Pegasus autonomous vehicle computing platforms.

The ArmorFlash memory is secure for data storage in the artificial intelligence (AI)-based Level 2+ advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) through to Level 5 autonomous driving.   

“Our efforts in conjunction with NVIDIA are singularly focused on elevating the security of data in AI-based autonomous driving applications and ultimately, to enhance the safety of drivers,” said Anthony Le, vice president of marketing, Macronix America.

The ArmorFlash memory on the Drive AGX Xavier and Pegasus platforms can provide trusted identification, authentication and encryption features for autonomous driving security requirements.

ArmorFlash offers a combination of mature security technologies, including unique ID, authentication and encryption features. This blend of features enables superior levels of security in a high-density memory device to prevent data from being compromised, claims Macronix.

The ArmorFlash device provides trusted NVM storage of encrypted and integrity-protected assets. The ArmorFlash supports secure communication channel and protocol with the Nvidia Xavier system on a chip (SoC) via cryptographic operations, integrity checks and additional measures against certain security protocol attacks.

The global ADAS market is expected to exceed $67 billion by 2025, fuelled by a compounded annual growth rate of 19 per cent, according to Grand View Research. The research company attributes the growth to increasing government initiatives mandating driver assistance system to lower road accidents and cites expanding adoption of ADAS in small cars as a factor boosting market demand.

http://www.macronix.com

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CommAgility supports scalable 5G network tester for Viavi

The TM500 is a scalable test system for validating the performance of cellular networks, including 3GPP 4G, 4.5G, and 5G. CommAgility is supporting Viavi Solution in the 5G TM500 network tester. The system tests network performance as experienced by end users, across multiple cells and different radio access technologies.

Virtually all 4G and 5G base stations have been validated using the Viavi TM500, said Evan Gray, vice president product management at Viavi. CommAgility has supported TM500 with the development of 4G solutions since 2007.

He continued that the latest module has enabled the company to streamline the development process to upgrade the TM500 to 5G.

“We’re delighted to extend our long relationship with Viavi by providing signal processing cards for their 5G base station test systems,” said Edward Young, vice president and general manager at CommAgility. “By incorporating our standards-based processing boards they have been able to streamline development, and to focus efforts on customer requirements,” he added.

CommAgility’s hardware provides signal processing and flexible I/O options enabling OEMs to bring 5G products to market quickly. Baseband processing and RF cards include Texas Instruments SoCs from four to 16 DSP cores and Xilinx high-density Virtex-7 and Kintex-7 FPGAs, in a variety of form factors including AMC and VPX. The modules also provide fast, flexible I/O including Gen2 RapidIO, Gigabit Ethernet and PCI Express.

Viavi provides network test and monitoring equipment to communications service providers, enterprises, network equipment manufacturers, civil, government, military and avionics customers, supported by a worldwide channel community including Viavi Velocity Partners.

CommAgility designs and manufactures RF and microwave components, modules, systems and instruments for the wireless, telecommunication, satellite, military, aerospace, semiconductor and medical industries.

http://www.commagility.com

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Advantech launches SMARC module for industrial automation

The first Smart Mobility Architecture (SMARC) module from Advantech is the SOM-2569. The SMARC small form factor computer module targets applications that require low power consumption and upgrades to computing performance. It is bundled with the WISE-PaaS/DeviceOn software to help customers with operations management and ease of maintenance, says Advantech.

The SOM-2569 SMARC module features Intel Atom E3900, Pentium and Celeron N series processors. It measures 82 x 50mm and supports up to three displays simultaneously. It also supports SATA, USB3.0/2.0, COM port, SMBus, and I2C I/O.

There are two LAN controllers that support two RJ45 ports and an on-board wi-fi module and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and secure boot for enhanced security.

The SOM-2569 is suitable for automation applications, says Advantech, with integrated wi-fi and Bluetooth on-board, and dual 1000base-T interfaces to meet both wireless and cable connectivity requirements. For example, when the wireless LAN connects to an outside network and the wired LAN can connect to two different local area networks simultaneously.

The TPM2.0 and UEFI secure boot protects against cyber intrusions. The UEFI security boot offers a process to ensure that a computer boots up using only software that is trusted by the manufacturer. When the computer starts, firmware checks the signature of each piece of boot software, including firmware drivers and the operating system. If the signatures are good, the PC boots and the firmware gives control to the operating system.

The SOM-2569 complies with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac PCIe wi-fi and Bluetooth 4.2 and RF certification.

Advantech’s design and testing processes allows it to offer wireless signal integrity and compatibility and also saves time for system integration. Tests include vibration at 0.028G²/ Hz, 3.5 Grms, bumping at one corner, three edges, six faces and thermal shock resistance, ranging from -40 to +85 degrees C at slope 10 degrees C per minute. Advantech rigorous validation proves SOM-2569 is suitable for use in a harsh environment.

http://www.advantech.com

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