CES is a showcase for Gigabyte’s embedded design support

Edge servers, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as well as motherboards for embedded systems available from Gigabyte, will be highlighted at this week’s CES in Las Vegas.

Its high-density edge servers are based on Arm architecture and Ampere’s 80 / 128- core CPU. They provide the performance, storage, network, and above all, the flexibility to be deployed at more challenging locations and limited spaces, says Gigabyte, which is increasing commonplace as processing work needs to be done on-site.

The speed of the 5G network will allow smart cities to use AI applications, for example transportation systems where edge computers can enhance the communications between devices to ensure traffic flows smoother. Gigabyte says its expertise for embedded computers allow it to have a clear vision of how to implement devices that can work in outdoor environments with stable functionality. These embedded computers come with GPU expandability to meet the needs of edge computing, and rich I/O interface designs to allow system developers to integrate multiple systems on a single platform, therefore developing applications such as licence plate recognition, real-time analytics, smart utility poles and smart traffic management.

Gigabyte also specialises in developing decision-making control units for different types of autonomous vehicles, as well as customised products such as ADAS engine control units (ECUs). The Gigabyte Pilot product series supports GPU and VPU acceleration modules, which combine various algorithms to provide precise object detection, decision-making and vehicle control capabilities. Products in the series are also equipped with high speed transmission interfaces which can be connected to a range of sensing devices to collect and transmit data in real time. 

Gigabyte and MyelinTek have developed a deep learning system called MLSteam, which includes optimised AI software stacking and comprehensive management tools such as resource, container and model management. MLSteam makes it easier for scientists to train and develop AI integration for autonomous vehicles and can make traffic management systems smarter, safer, and more collaborative, says Gigabyte.

The company’s latest embedded computing products feature a series of industrial motherboards and systems powered by Intel’s 11th generation processors. They are intended for factory automation, industry 4.0, smart retail, IoT and edge computing and are characterised by low power consumption. Examples of use are automated guided vehicles, which can be programmed to manoeuvre along designated routes, detect and avoid obstacles through navigation, and also industrial automation security systems. 

AI has also been integrated for visual recognition to upgrade digital signage to detect users’ gender, age to improve retail experiences. Restaurants and delivery services can use electronic control units for smart delivery services, using autonomous vehicles. AI and IoT can also be used to automate the operation and management of public spaces rentals for office, conference, dining and parties.

The Z690 and Aero motherboards will also be highlighted at CES. 

https://www.gigabyte.com

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10GbE XMC module features dual 10GBASE-KX4 ports 

A rear I/O version of Acromag’s 10GbE network interface card (NIC) mezzanine module is now available. The XMC633 module offers KX4 backplane connections to Intel’s XL710 Ethernet controller.

The XMC633 offers two independent 10Gbit Ethernet (GbE) interface ports with 10GBASE-KX4 protocol. The XMC mezzanine card mounts on VME, VPX, PCIe and other embedded computing carrier boards. An Intel XL710 Ethernet controller provides network connectivity with off-load and virtualisation capabilities. The rear I/O model XMC633 routes two KX4 interfaces to the P16 connector and is compatible with conduction-cooling frames. 

The XMC633 joins two other models available from Acromag. The XMC631 model has four SFP+ front panel connectors for fibre optic or copper media transceivers, and the rear I/O model XMC632 routes two XAUI interfaces to P16. Optional VITA 61 connectors enable PCIe Gen3 data rates across eight high speed serial lanes on the XMC P15 connector. 

The XMC modules are designed for commercial off the shelf (COTS) applications, particularly in defence, aerospace, industrial, and scientific research computing systems. They operate in the extended temperature range of -40 to +85 degrees C.

The XMC modules optimise network performance with intelligent off-loading, virtualisation and advanced traffic direction. The XL710 Ethernet controller, when paired with a Xeon-D processor provide a balanced hybrid modules for compute and off-load capabilities to optimise performance and reduce bottlenecks, added Acromag. For example, with TCP stateless off-loads, the XL710 demonstrates leading performance compared with TOE solutions without restricting feature usage, claimed the company. 

Other features include precision timing, energy efficient Ethernet (EEE) and dynamic load balancing. Advanced traffic steering capabilities increase transaction rates and reduce latency, added Acromag.

In rugged systems, the dual KX4 or XAUI interface offers low-cost, low-power 10GbE chip-to-chip communication over the backplane. The four front I/O SFP+ ports support 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-T and 10GSFP+Cu connections. 

Software support is available for Linux and Windows systems.

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NanoCOM-TGU combines 11th Gen Intel Core processor with UHD Graphics

A COM Express Type 10 module, powered by the 11th Generation Intel Core processor (Tiger Lake UP3), has been released by Aaeon. The NanoCOM-TGU optimises embedded and mobile applications for today’s IoT requirements, says Aaeon.

The NanoCOM-TGU’s computing capability is combined with the graphical processing power enabled by Intel UHD Graphics in a compact COM Express Type 10 mini form factor, measuring 84 x 55mm.

Power by the 11th Generation Intel Core SoC, the module is designed for applications with intensive data and graphic processing needs. The SoC integrates both CPU and GPU, as well as AI and deep learning acceleration engines, to accelerate processing capability in embedded mobile applications, such as telematics, public sectors, and industrial automation.

According to Aaeon, the mini form factor of COM Express Type 10 of NanoCOM-TGU shortens the design and deployment processes for system designers or integrators in embedded mobile projects. In addition, by leveraging the Type 10 form factor, NanoCOM-TGU offers the high-speed I/O interfaces to shorten the system design, including one 2.5Gigabit Ethernet, two display outputs (eDP and DDI), one high-definition audio output, two SATA 3.0 interfaces, one onboard PCIe NVMe SSD (up to 256Gbyte), 10 USBs (allocated as eight USB 2.0 and two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports), two UARTs and one PCI-Express 4. 

For memory bandwidth and storage, NanoCOM-TGU supports LPDDR4x memory with in-band ECC up to 16Gbyte for IoT and big data related applications. The onboard PCIe NVMe SSD interface supports up to 256Gbyte and accelerates read / write speeds multiple times than conventional storage interfaces. 

Aaeon adds that system designers or integrators can use the Intel UHD Graphics’ graphical processing power for enhanced visual performance. 

Established in 1992, Aaeon designs and manufactures professional intelligent IoT products. It provides reliable and high quality computing platforms, including industrial motherboards and systems, industrial displays, rugged tablets, embedded controllers, network appliances and related accessories and integrated solutions. The company 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 services from initial product conceptualisation and board product development to mass manufacturing and after-sales service programs.

 

https://www.aaeon.com

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Real time clock modules cut current consumption by 30 per cent

Compact real time clock (RTC) modules from Seiko Epson have current consumption that is reduced by 30 per cent compared to earlier modules from the company. They also have an increased number of events – 32 – that can be recorded by the time stamp function.

The RX8901CE and RX4901CE RTC modules for industrial applications feature a built-in digital temperature compensated crystal oscillator (DTCXO). Package dimensions are 3.2 x 2.5 x 1.0mm (max) which makes them the smallest RTC modules from the company.

The RX8901CE supports an I2C-bus interface and the RX4901CE supports an SPI-bus interface. They are designed for timekeeping in electronic systems which need a small form factor and low current consumption, for example, IoT devices, click-charge systems, security equipment, industrial systems.

Accurate tracking of time and date information is also needed in equipment that is installed in vehicles, outdoors, and other environments where systems are exposed to ambient temperature extremes. In addition, there is greater need for security to prevent information leaks caused by unauthorised product modification and tampering. Intrusions must be detected at all times despite the device’s low current consumption, advises Seiko Epson, which has increased demand for devices that consume less current and remain frequency-stable over a wider operating temperature range.

The RX8901CE and RX4901CE consume 0.24 microA (typical), which is 30 per cent less than the 0.35 microA (typical) consumed by the RX8804CE (an earlier equivalent Epson RTC module). 

The number of time stamp records that can be kept has expanded from one to a maximum of 32. Epson also added an SPI-Bus interface, offered alongside the original I2C-Bus interface.

Epson individually adjusts and guarantees the timekeeping accuracy of modules at the factory. This renders adjustment of timekeeping accuracy unnecessary and helps to increase design efficiency and quality.

The RX8901CE and RX4901CE RTC modules are sampling now and are intended for use in smart meters and security equipment, as well as in factory automation equipment and other small electronic products.

https://www5.epsondevice.com/en 

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