Arm introduces CPU and GPU for 5G mobiles

At Computex in Taiwan this week, Arm has unveiled the latest Cortex CPU, a new Mali GPU. Based on a new architecture and a processor for machine learning.

The latest Cortex CPU, the Cortex-A77 improves instruction per cycle (IPC) performance by 20 per cent, compared with the Cortex-A76 for machine learning, augmented reality and virtual reality (ML, AR and VR).

The Arm Mali-G77 GPU is based on Valhall architecture and is intended for use in mobile devices to deliver graphics at increased efficiency, according to Arm. Microarchitecture enhancements including engine, texture pipes, and load store caches, which achieve 30 per cent better energy efficiency and 30 per cent more performance density. The Valhall architecture is claimed to deliver close to 40 per cent performance improvement compared with the Mali-G76 in devices today.

Arm also says that it boosts inference and neural net (NN) performance for ML and to deliver more immersive games for mobile apps.

A dedicated ML processor delivers up to five tera operations per second (TOPS) per W as part of Project Trillium. The ML processor and open-source Arm NN software framework was announced in 2018 and enhancements to the ML processor include more than double energy efficiency to 5TOPS/W, memory compression improved by up to a factor or three and scaling to peak next-generation performance up to eight cores for up to 32TOPS.

http://www.arm.com

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Rutronik UK supports STM32MP1 processor

System memory for the recently introduced STM32MP1 multi-core microprocessor series includes compute and graphics support combined with power-efficient real-time control. The aim is to aid the development of high-performance solutions for industrial, consumer, smart home, health and wellness applications.

Rutronik UK has combined STM32MP1 technology with approved technology partners Nanya in the form of a 4Gbit DDR3L SDRAM 16-bit and also Toshiba Memory’s 4GByte eMMC. The multi-core microprocessors and the memories, recommended by ST, are available from the distributor.

Engineers can used the STM32MP1 microprocessor series to develop a range of applications using the new heterogeneous architecture that combines up to two Arm Cortex-A7 and a Cortex-M4 core. This flexible architecture performs fast processing and real-time tasks on a single chip, always achieving the greatest power efficiency, reports Rutronik UK. The STM32MP1 embeds a 3D graphics processor unit (GPU) to support human machine interface (HMI) displays.

Rutronik also offers an evaluation board, the STM32MP157C-EV1 and two Discovery kits, the STM32MP157A-DK1 and STM32MP157C-DK2.

A firmware package, STM32CubeMX, is designed for software and hardware configuration of both the Cortex-A7 and Cortex-M4 cores. It handles C-code generation for the M4 core, DDR SDRAM interface configuration, and tuning tool. It can also generate Linux device trees.

Rutronik UK operates as an independent company in the UK. Its parent company, Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente, is a broadline distributor for semiconductors, passive and electromechanical components in addition to storage technologies, displays and boards and wireless products. The markets that the company primarily targets include automotive, medical, industrial, home appliance, energy and lighting. It also offers support in the areas of product development and design, individual logistics and supply chain management.

http://www.rutronik.com

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Murata and Cypress develop battery saving Wi-Fi-Bluetooth module

A collaboration between Murata and Cypress Semiconductor has led to the development of small form factor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module. The Type 1LV (CYW43012) module is claimed to be the lowest power, small form factor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module and to improve battery life in wearables, smart home products, and portable audio applications.

It is based on the Cypress CYW43012 combo chipset, the small dual-band Wi-Fi 11a/b/g/n/ (11ac Friendly) +Bluetooth 5.0 module which provides data transference rates up to 78Mbits per second on Wi-Fi and 3Mbits per second on Bluetooth.

The Type 1LV supports a range of popular processors including PSoC6, i.MX RT, STM32, i.MX, and IP camera platforms, as well as Linux and RTOS-based applications.

The Type 1LV uses enhanced hardware mechanisms and algorithms to ensure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth co-existence is optimised. An embedded Ipv6 network stack can be used to keep the host processor in sleep mode while maintaining network connections.

The module also supports BLE 2Mbits per second, LE Secure Connections, LE Privacy 1.2, and LE Data Packet Length Extension. The device operates seamlessly in dual-band networks with increased energy efficiency and enhanced security providing optimal performance in Wi-Fi 5 networks, says Murata.

The module measures 10.0 x 7.2 x 1.4mm. It 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 Type 1LV module is now in mass production.

http://www.murata.com

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