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R-Car V4H SoC achieves deep learning for automated driving

Wed, Mar 09, 2022

For central processing in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems, the R-Car V4H SoC achieves deep learning up to to 34 tera operations per second (TOPS). This equips it for high speed image recognition and processing surrounding objects using automotive cameras, radar and lidar, said Renesas Electronics.

The R-Car V4H allows customers to develop cost-competitive, single-chip, ADAS electric control units (ECUs), said Renesas. It combines IP and hardware optimisation, to support driving systems appropriate for automated driving levels 2+ and 3, which are responsible for managing the highest volume of processing, including full NCAP 2025 support. The R-Car V4H also supports surround view and automatic parking functions with 3D visualisation effects such as realistic rendering.

The SoC development process targets ASIL D systematic capability for all safety relevant IP for ISO 26262 functional safety. The signal processing portion of the R-Car V4H is expected to achieve ASIL B and D metrics for the real time domain.

Renesas provides a dedicated power management for the R-Car V4H based around the RAA271041 pre-regulator and the RAA271005 power management IC (PMIC). This enables a power supply for the R-Car V4H and peripheral memories from the 12V supply of the vehicle battery at low power operation while targeting ASIL D compliance for systematic and random hardware faults with a low bill of materials cost, confirmed Renesas.

An R-Car V4H software development kit (SDK) is available for initial device evaluation, and software development including deep learning. The SDK offers full functionality for machine learning development, and optimisation of embedded systems for performance, power efficiency, and functional safety. Complete simulation models are available. The software is operating system-agnostic, pointed out Renesas. When developing from scratch, Fixstars’ Genesis platform enables engineers to evaluate R-Car from anywhere via their cloud solution and can provide CNN benchmark results.

The SoC has four Arm Cortex-A76 cores operating at 1.8Ghz for a total of 49kDMIPS of general compute, three lockstep Arm Cortex-R52 cores at 1.4Ghz, for a total of 9kDMIPS to support ASIL D real time operation and eliminate the need for external microcontrollers. There is also dedicated deep learning and computer vision IP, and image signal processor (ISP) with parallel processing for machine and human vision, image renderer (IMR) for fisheye distortion correction or other mathematical operation and an AXM-8-256 GPU operating at 600MHz, for a total of over 150 GFLOPS. There are also dedicated automotive interfaces (CAN, Ethernet AVB, TSN and FlexRay) and two fourth generation PCIe interfaces.

Samples of the R-Car V4H SoC are available now, with mass production scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.

http://www.renesas.com

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AI software provides insight into productivity

Tue, Mar 08, 2022

Integrated manufacturing software has been released by MicroAI which extends edge native AI into the manufacturing environment. MicroAI Factory provides real time analysis and deep insight into machine and human productivity, says the company.

The software suite leverages edge-native AI to ingest manufacturing floor data from existing systems and sensors to improve overall equipment effectiveness, real time cycle time analysis and predictive maintenance, confirmed MicroAI.

For local deployment within an industrial computing appliance at a manufacturing or industrial site, MicroAI Factory ingests data from programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sensors associated with machinery or humans within the production site. It uses an edge-native AI engine to auto-develop cycle time analysis and behavioural models that provide deep insight into the operations of machines and human behaviour. This modelling provides real time analysis of performance, productivity, and uptime, while detecting operating anomalies and enabling alarms, ticketing, and maintenance scheduling from pre-set thresholds.

“MicroAI Factory improves overall equipment effectiveness for manufacturers by providing a holistic, real-time cycle-time analysis of operations and providing advanced, early anomaly detection to predict potential failures and performance issues,” said Yasser Khan, CEO of MicroAI. “Ultimately, MicroAI Factory will transform equipment from human-managed to self-managed.”

MicroAI Factory is deployed at the edge within a small form factor computing appliance and is connected to PLCs and sensor systems within the factory or industrial facility. All processing, analysis, and storage of the data occurs in the facility premises, eliminating the data security and connection reliability challenges associated with cloud computing.

Operation management is provided as single point of command and control, while dashboards can be accessed in the facility via local area network (LAN), or offsite via the internet. Servers can be networked across multiple facilities to share insight without exposing data. MicroAI Factory can be deployed as a point solution within a single facility, or at multiple sites that operate independently for an overview while still maintaining data integrity at each individual site.

Based in Dallas, Texas, USA, MicroAI specialises in edge-native AI and machine learning (ML). The company’s mission is to automate the management of machines, enable them to self-monitor and self-report, and provide the most accurate information on machine health. The company’s software is deployed within edge appliances aggregating data from multiple machines, as well as embedded on microcontrollers (MCUs) and microprocessors (MPUs) within an individual machine. MicroAI’s software is used by manufacturing and industrial processing companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and asset owners to predict failures, identify security issues, and improve life-cycle management and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

http://www.micro.ai

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Automotive 750V EDT2 IGBTs are in a TO247PLUS package

Tue, Mar 08, 2022

IGBTs optimised for automotive discrete traction inverters have been added to Infineon’s portfolio of discrete high voltage devices for automotive applications. The EDT2 IGBTs are supplied in a TO247Plus package.

The AIKQ120N75CP2 and the AIKQ200N75CP2 IGBTs meet and exceed the industry standard AECQ101 for automotive components. As a result, the devices can significantly increase the performance and reliability of inverter systems, said Infineon. They use the automotive micro-pattern trench field stop cell design technology that has already been used in other inverter modules from the company, such as the EasyPack 2B EDT2 and the HybridPack.

EDT2 technology has a breakdown voltage of 750V, supporting battery voltages up to 470V DC. The rated currents of the discrete EDT2 IGBTs are 120 and 200A at 100 degrees C, each with a very low forward voltage, reducing conduction losses by up to 13 per cent compared to the previous generation. With a rated current of 200A, the AIKQ200N75CP2 is claimed to be the best-in-class discrete IGBT in a TO247Plus package. Thus, for a defined target power class, fewer devices are needed in parallel.

The EDT2 IGBTs also feature an extremely narrow parameter distribution. The collector-emitter saturation voltage (V ce(sat)) difference between typical and maximum values is less than 200mV and the gate threshold voltage (V GEth) difference is less than 750mV. The thermal coefficient is positive. These characteristics combine to enable easy parallel operation and power scalability for final designs. Moreover, the IGBTs offer smooth switching performance, low gate charge (Q G) and a high junction temperature (T vjop) of 175 degrees C.

The AIKQ120N75CP2 and the AIKQ200N75CP2 are available now.

https://www.infineon.com

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Versatile shrouded panel sockets reduce strain

Tue, Mar 08, 2022

PCB mount 4mm shrouded sockets manufactured by Cliff Electronics can mate with both safety shrouded and unshrouded plugs. The right-angled design reduces strain between the PCB and the lead, increasing reliability and product lifetime.

The sockets are suitable for a range of applications including automotive diagnostic, industrial, medical, music industry, instrumentation, education, and bench and hand-held electrical testing equipment.

The 4mm test sockets are designed for mating with industry standard 4mm plugs and are available in black, red, green, blue, brown and yellow. Contacts are gold- plated and rated at 1000V, 24A, CAT III.

Cliff Electronics can supply jack sockets, DC power connectors, terminal binding posts, test connectors and leads, optical jacks and leads and waterproof connectors and the company also designs and manufactures standard and FeedThrough connectors which mount into an industry standard XLR, 23mm cutout.

Cliff Electronic Components was founded in 1977 to supply the music industry with connectors. The company has subsequently expanded its products and services to supply most professional and industrial markets. According to the company, as both a manufacturer and a distributor, the expansion of the product range has established it as a prime source for components, from audio into test leads and accessories, general industrial connectors, foot pedals, hand tools, production aids, lighting connectors, motors and fans. Cliff also manufactures and sources various types of leads including audio, instrument and power leads. The company also has extensive expertise in moulding and metalwork and can provide a design, engineering and manufacturing service for the production of customised components and assemblies. Plastics expertise includes injection-moulding, blow-moulding, extrusion, sonic-welding and printing. Metalwork includes stamping, machining, aluminium extrusion, finishing and printing. There is also the facility to enable assembly, inspection and testing.

Cliff’s UK and Far Eastern production plants are certified to ISO 9001 2000 and employ design, engineering, technical, marketing and sales personnel.

http://www.cliffuk.co.uk

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R-Car V4H SoC achieves deep learning for automated driving

AI software provides insight into productivity

Automotive 750V EDT2 IGBTs are in a TO247PLUS package

Versatile shrouded panel sockets reduce strain

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