Smart Cities

SoM by Variscite brings machine learning to compact, cost-optimised, rugged edge devices

Wed, May 08, 2024

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

Wed, May 08, 2024

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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ST reveals automotive-grade inertial modules

Tue, May 07, 2024

ST has introduced the ASM330LHBG1 automotive 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope module with a safety-software library that enables a cost-effective solution for functional-safety applications.

The ASM330LHBG1 is AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualified for the ambient operating temperature range -40°C to 125°C, allowing use such as next to the engine compartment and in areas exposed to sunlight. The modules deliver high accuracy and reliability for systems such as vehicle navigation, body electronics, in driver support and highly automated driving systems. Typical uses include support for precise positioning in navigation systems, digitally stabilising cameras, lidars, and radars, and in active suspension, door modules, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications, adaptive lighting, and motion-activated functions.

Equipped with ST’s machine-learning core (MLC) and programmable finite state machine (FSM), the ASM330LHBG1 can run artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in the sensor to provide smart functionality at very low power. This IMU is pin-to-pin compatible and shares the same configuration of registers as ST’s automotive IMUs with a lower operating temperature range, permitting a seamless upgrade.

In addition, the modules contain embedded temperature compensation, which ensures stability over wide-ranging operating conditions, and provide a six-channel synchronised output to enhance the accuracy of dead-reckoning algorithms. There are also I²C, MIPI I3C, and SPI serial interfaces, smart programmable interrupts, and a 3KB FIFO that eases managing sensor data to minimise load on the host processor.

The independently tested and certified software adheres to ISO26262 and enables safety-compliant redundancy with two ASM330LHBG1 modules. Fulfilling safety element out of context (SEooC), this combination based on general-purpose hardware supports system certification up to automotive safety integrity level B (ASIL B) . This library provides software for configuring the sensing module, checking for correct operation before starting to acquire data, and handling the acquisition of the data coming from the sensing module. Each of these steps is associated with an error code that provides confirmation if a fault is detected. This solution comprising two identical sensors provides redundancy, checking the data coming from two different sensing sources are consistent.

https://www.st.com/safer-driving-smarter-life

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Omnivision unveils two new global shutter sensors for machine vision applications

Wed, May 01, 2024

Omnivision has created a new Machine Vision Unit, which will focus on creating innovative solutions for industrial automation, robotics, logistics barcode scanners and intelligent transportation systems (ITS).

Omnivision’s new GS sensors feature the industry’s smallest 2.2-micron (µm) backside-illuminated (BSI) pixel for high resolution in a compact design. The high-resolution, small-format GS sensors provide the highest shutter efficiency available on the market with the ability to capture high-speed moving objects clearly and accurately at high frame rates. They also feature high sensitivity, low noise and enhanced NIR quantum efficiency (QE) for industry-leading low-light performance.

Compared to the previous-generation 2.5µm frontside-illuminated (FSI) GS sensors, the 2.2µm BSI GS sensors can achieve 1.08x sensitivity with an F2.0 lens and 2.16x sensitivity with an F1.4 lens. The new OG05B1B is a 5-megapixel (MP) resolution CMOS monochrome GS sensor in a 1/2.53-inch optical format (OF). The new OG01H1B is a 1.5MP resolution CMOS monochrome GS sensor in a 1/4.51-inch OF.

Both image sensors feature Omnivision’s Nyxel near-infrared (NIR) technology, which boosts QE to 700-1050nm, enabling the capture of brighter images from farther away; PureCel Plus-S stacked-die architecture for best-in-class image sensor performance; and CSP package technology for the smallest possible dimensions.

Key features of the OG05B1B GS image sensor:
● 2592 x 1944 resolution (5MP)
● Fast frame rate of 60fps
● High shutter efficiency of 106 dB
● Interface: 4-lane MIPI & DVP
● External trigger snapshot mode enabling back-end exposure control for improved accuracy
● Nyxel boosting QE from 700 to 1050nm, 58% QE @850nm

Key features of the OG01H1B GS image sensor:
● 1440 x 1080 resolution (1.5MP)
● Fast frame rate of 120fps
● High shutter efficiency of 106 dB
● Interface: 4-lane MIPI & DVP
● External trigger snapshot mode enabling back-end exposure control for improved accuracy
● Nyxel boosting QE from 700 to 1050nm, 58% QE @850nm

The GS sensors are available for sampling now and will be in mass production this quarter.

https://www.ovt.com

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