ICs & Semiconductors

Based on the Arm Cortex-A7 processor, the SAMA7G54 is Microchip’s latest microprocessor. It runs at up to 1GHz and includes both a MIPI CSI-2 camera interface and traditional parallel camera interface. This enables developers to design low-power stereo vision applications with more accurate depth perception, said Microchip. 

It is expected to find a role in low power artificial intelligence (AI) installations which require advanced imaging and audio capabilities. According to Microchip these are typically found only on higher performing multi-core microprocessors that consume much more power. The Arm Cortex-A7-based SAMA7G54 brings low power operation into the 1GHz performance class of Linux-capable microprocessors by providing flexible low-power modes, as well as voltage and frequency scaling. When coupled with Microchip’s new MCP16502 power management IC (PMIC), the SAMA7G54 enables embedded designers to fine-tune the end application for the overall best power consumption vs. performance, while also optimizing for the lowest overall system cost, said the company. The MCP16502 is supported by Microchip’s mainline Linux distribution for the SAMA7G54, allowing for easy entry and exit from available low-power modes, as well as support for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling.  

For audio applications, the microprocessor integrates enhanced audio features such as four I2S digital audio ports, an eight-microphone array interface, an S/PDIF transmitter and receiver, as well as a four stereo channel audio sample rate converter. It is also equipped with multiple microphone inputs for improved source localization to enhance smart speaker or video conferencing system performance.  

It also integrates Arm TrustZone technology with secure boot, secure key storage and cryptography with acceleration. Customers can work with Microchip’s security experts to evaluate their security needs and implement the level of protection that’s right for their design.

“The SAMA7G54 provides a low-risk path for designers to develop power and performance optimised AI solutions for deployment at the edge,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s 32-bit MPU business unit. “Designers can now create high-performing imaging and audio-centric AI applications without having to use multi-core MPUs with much higher power consumption.”

Microchip provides both hardware and software development support for the SAMA7G54. The SAMA7G54-EK evaluation kit features connectors and expansion headers for customisation. The device is supported by Microchip’s mainline Linux distribution. Bare-metal framework and RTOS support is provided within MPLAB Harmony v3.

Microchip provides a broad family of Ethernet PHYs, switches and hubs, wireless products, as well as CAN FD transceivers that are supported by the SAMA7G54. 

The SAMA7G54 is available now in a BGA343 package.

http://www.microchip.com

Common-mode filters from STMicroelectronics have a wide differential bandwidth of 10.7GHz to protect antennas in adjacent wireless circuitry. The two-channel  ECMF2-40A100N10 and four-channel ECMF4-40A100N10 are compatible with high-speed interface standards including USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB4, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort. 

The common mode filters have low serial resistance of just 3.0 Ohms, which minimises eye diagram distortion, to preserve signal integrity. The filters deliver deep common-mode attenuation (Scc21) from 2.4 to 7.0GHz, reaching -21dB at 5.0GHz, and effectively prevent interference with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth receivers, added ST.

In addition to tackling antenna de-sensitivity issues, the filters can be used to reduce general interface noise to ensure compliance with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations. Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection up to ±9kV (contact discharge) and ±20kV (air discharge) is also built-in. This level of protection exceeds IEC 61000-4-2 level 4, ST added.

Both filters are housed in compact micro quad flat no-lead (µQFN) packages which are just 0.5mm high. They are suitable for demanding industrial applications as well as consumer products and can be used in smart factory equipment, imaging systems, medical devices, laboratory equipment, home-automation systems, set-top boxes, smart televisions, game consoles, notebooks, tablets and docking stations.

Evaluation boards are available with a choice of SMA connector or USB-C connector. 

The ECMF2-40A100N6 is supplied in a 1.35 x 1.4mm six-lead µQFN-6L and the ECMF4-40A100N10 is in a 1.35 x 2.2mm 10-lead µQFN-10L. Both filters are in production now. 

http://www.st.com

In collaboration with NXP Semiconductors, Murata has developed the Type 1XL Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 module. It uses proprietary packaging and is the latest in the company’s low power, small form factor communication modules for the IoT.

The dual band module is based on the NXP 88W9098 combo chipset and supports IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / ax 2 x 2 multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) and Bluetooth 5.3 Low Energy (LE). 

The Wi-Fi section of the module supports connectivity up to 1.4 times faster than conventional Wi-Fi compatible devices, said Murata, offering data rates of up to 1200Mbits per second. It also supports the PCIe 3.0 interface with optional support for SDIO 3.0. The Bluetooth 5.3 LE portion of the module supports speeds of up to 2Mbits per second with a high speed four-wire UART interface, together with optional support for SDIO and PCM for audio data.

The Type 1XL module employs hardware mechanisms and algorithms to optimise Wi-Fi and Bluetooth co-existence. The module size is 19.1 x 16.5 x 2.1mm, small enough for integration in to size- and power-sensitive electronic devices for IoT, smart home, audio/video/voice, smart TV and gateway applications, said Murata. The module will have a reference antennae design for FCC/IC certifications and CE conducted test to provide a lower development cost and faster time to market.

“The wireless communication bandwidth is tightening within our homes and offices with more streaming content, such as 4K/8K video, and traffic increase by teleworking and remote video conference calls,” explained Akira Sasaki, manager of the IoT Module department at Murata. “The low cost, space-saving Type 1XL module enables high-speed communication, which significantly improves quality.”

The Type 1XL module is now in mass production. 

Murata manufactures electronic components, modules, and devices. Its product range includes ceramic capacitors, resistors / thermistors, inductors / chokes, timing devices, buzzers, sensors and EMI suppression filters. It also manufactures Bluetooth and WiFi modules, board-mount DC/DC converters as well as standard and custom AC/DC power supplies.

http://www.murata.com