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

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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

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Panasonic introduces new Amorton indoor solar cell series

Panasonic’s hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells, known as Amorton, power indoor and outdoor applications like IoT devices, watches, sensor nodes, asset trackers, or remote controls. Amorton can harvest energy reliably and sustainably even in low light and artificial light environments.

Now Panasonic introduces its latest Amorton solar cell series: Named AMG-1401C and AMG-1701C, the new products benefit from a nearly perfect black-reflective surface and much higher efficiency (+20%). These breakthroughs have been made possible thanks to an optimised production process, which significantly increased the active area compared to the previous generation. The result is a 20% increase in efficiency, making the new AMG-series one of the most efficient indoor amorphous solar cells on the market today. The AMG-1401C and AMG-1701C, which are based on glass substrates, are 1.1mm thin, generate approx. 8uW/cm2 at 200lux per active area.

The external dimensions are only slightly larger than the active area, which means the space and material consumption in the final application can be optimized. The AMG-1401C with external dimensions of 41.4mm x 26.1mm generates a maximum of 77.8uW at 200 lux. The cell voltage is 2.2V, which means it can be combined with many power management ICs available in the market.

 https://industry.panasonic.eu/

 

 

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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.

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