Page 19 – Electronics-Lab.com

ADT-Link UT3G USB4 to PCIe Adapter is Designed to Drive Modern Day GPUs

Posted on 9 June, 20249 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

ADT-Link UT3G is a USB4 to PCIe x16 eGPU adapter designed to run high-performance GPUs from a single Thunderbolt or USB4 port. The module features a PCIe Gen 4.0 x4 slot and supports transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps. Additionally, support for Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 standards makes this device work with devices like LattePanda Mu, Action Star USB4 Penta-4K120, and ASRock NUC Ultra 100 BOX

The module is built around an ASM2464PD USB4 /Thunderbolt to PCIe accessory controller and the board features a USB-C port for data a 24-pin ATX connector for power and some additional switches to set some configuration parameters like force boot, bus select, etc..

Now take a look at the USB4 standard its flexible, and allows for various features like 40 Gbit/s transfer speeds, tunneling of different protocols (USB 3.2, USB4, and PCIe), and varying levels of performance. However, not all features are mandatory for a device to be USB4 compliant. This means that some USB4 devices might not offer the full range of capabilities, but can still be labeled as USB4.

Although USB4 is derived from the Thunderbolt 3 specification and is theoretically compatible with Thunderbolt 3 devices (similar to Thunderbolt 4), the actual capabilities of a USB4 port can vary due to different implementations. Therefore, simply labeling a port as USB4 doesn’t guarantee full compliance with the USB4 standard or complete compatibility with all Thunderbolt 3 devices.

ADT-Link UT3G USB to PCIe Adapter Specifications

Chip: ASMedia ASM2464PD USB4/Thunderbolt to PCIe Accessory controller
Type-C interface specifications: Compatible with USB4, Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4
Bandwidth: 40Gbps
PCIe interface: Card slot – PCIe x16; Speed bandwidth – PCIe 4.0 x4
Supported GPU: NVIDIA series, AMD series
Power Supply: 75W via 24-pin ATX connector
Working Temperature: -20°C to 80°C
Dimensions: 220x65mm

To learn more about the UT3G USB to PCIe adapter, you can visit the DFrobot wiki or the ADT-Link website. ADT-Link also demonstrates how this adapter works with regular laptops and shares benchmarks and other information using an AMD Radeon RC 5900XT GPUs.

The module is available on DFrobot for $129.00. and its also available in Aliexpress for $108 and Amazon for $169.

STMicro 50W High-Power Wireless Transmitter and Receiver Boards are Designed for Medical, Industrial, and Home Applications

Posted on 9 June, 20249 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

STMicroelectronics has introduced the STEVAL-WBC2TX50 transmitter and STEVAL-WLC98RX receiver boards, a powerful wireless charging solution capable of transmitting up to 50W of power. Designed to simplify and accelerate the development of high-power wireless charging applications, these boards address common industry pain points.

The transmitter board supports up to 50W output power with STMicro’s proprietary Super Charge (STSC) protocol, Qi 1.3 BPP, and EPP. The receiver board handles 50W charging via STSC. It supports Qi BPP and EPP, featuring ARC for a 50% longer charging distance and precise Foreign Object Detection (FOD) with voltage and current measurement.

You can configure the STEVAL-WLC98RX receiver board with the STSW-WPSTUDIO program, and the STEVAL-WBC2TX50 transmitter board with the STSW-WBC2STUDIO program. These programs offer a user-friendly interface with real-time monitoring of important parameters through UART or USB connections. They also include helpful wizards to simplify tasks like foreign object detection and designing custom coils.

The 50W wireless charging kit opens up possibilities for developing high-power wireless charging applications, such as charging vacuum cleaners, cordless power tools, drones, mobile robots, medical devices for drug delivery, portable ultrasound systems, stage lighting and mobile lighting, printers, and scanners.

STEVAL-WBC2TX50 Transmiter Specifications:

STWBC2-HP wireless power transmitter chip: Enables efficient power transfer and advanced features.
STM32G071 Arm Cortex-M0 microcontroller: Provides intelligent control and management of the charging process.
Versatile front end: Handles signal conditioning, frequency control, and PWM generation, with support for a wide DC voltage range.
USB Power Delivery compatibility: Ensures seamless integration with a wide range of power sources.
Optional Qi authentication with STSAFE-A110: Enhances security and compatibility with Qi-certified devices.
Integrated synchronous boost DC-DC converter: Optimizes power efficiency for the full-bridge inverter.
Receiver presence detection: Detects the presence of a compatible receiver for efficient power delivery.
Foreign object detection (FOD): Enhances safety by detecting the presence of foreign objects on the charging surface.
On-chip thermal management and protections: Ensures reliable operation and protects against over-temperature, over-current, and other faults.
SWD + UART combined connector: Provides easy access for programming and debugging.

STEVAL-WLC98RX Receiver Specifications:

Arm Cortex-M3 core: Enables intelligent control and management of the receiving process.
Integrated high-efficiency synchronous rectifier: Optimizes power conversion and minimizes losses.
Programmable output voltage: Supports a wide range of devices and applications.
Qi 1.3 compliance: Ensures compatibility with the latest Qi wireless charging standard.
Extended power profile (EPP): Delivers up to 15W for faster charging of Qi-certified devices.
ST Super Charge (STSC) protocol: Supports up to 50W for proprietary fast charging.
Low voltage drop regulator with protection: Ensures stable output voltage and protects against over-current and under-voltage conditions.
Adaptive rectifier configuration (ARC): Enhances coil placement flexibility and simplifies design.
Foreign object detection (FOD): Improves safety by detecting the presence of foreign objects on the charging surface.
On-chip thermal management and protection: Protects against over-temperature and other faults for reliable operation.

The STEVAL-WLC98RX receiver board is available for $113.93, while the STEVAL-WBC2TX50 transmitter board is priced at $109.03. For further information, please refer to the product pages on the STMicroelectronics website or the official press release.

MYIR Introduces New SOM Featuring AMD/Xilinx Artix-7 XC7A100T FPGA

Posted on 5 June, 20248 June, 2024 by mixos

MYIR has launched a new embedded System-On-Module (SoM), the MYC-J7A100T, powered by the AMD/Xilinx Artix-7 XC7A100T FPGA chip and boasting a high-density andspeedy circuit board design. The innovative module, equipped with the XC7A100T-2FGG484I chip, 512MB DDR3 memory, 32MB QSPI FLASH,32KB EEPROM, DC-DC power management, and other integral circuits, measures a compact 69.6mm × 40mm. Its 260-pin expansion interface, using an MXM Gold-finger-edge-card interface, offers numerous connectivity options. This interface provides a total of 178 FPGA IOs, four pairs of GTP high-speed transceiver interfaces, and a JTAG interface, ensuring seamless integration and flexibility. Of the 178 FPGA IOs, 80 operates at 3.3V, while the remaining 98 are user-configurable to various voltage levels (1.2/1.35/1.5/1.8/2.5/3.3V), catering to diverse application requirements. It is suitable for various fields, including industrial control, automation, communication, computing, and more.

MYIR offers the MYD-J7A100T development board, which serves as an excellent platform for evaluating the MYC-J7A100 SOM. Centered around the MYC-J7A100T, the board provides an extensive range of communication interfaces on its base board, including a USB-UART, two Gigabit Ethernet ports, two SFP+ interfaces, a PCIe 2.0 slot, a Micro SD card slot, a FAN interface, HDMI input and output, a DVP camera interface, and an IO expansion interface. The MYD-J7A100T development board comes with a Quick Start Guide, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, and a 12V/2A power adapter. MYIR offers optional add-ons like the MY-CAM011B Camera Module and the MY-WIREDCOM RPI Module to enhance functionality. MYIR provides a range of Vivado sample codes for testing purposes, enabling users to quickly get started with developing their solutions. It a robust and reliable reference design for development with Xilinx Artix-7 XC7A100T solutions.

MYD-J7A100T Development Board Bottom-view

MYIR offers the standard part MYC-J7A100T-32Q512D-I for the MYC-J7A100T. This part is equipped with 512MB of DDR3 memory and 32MB of QSPI storage, priced attractively at just $125. Bulk discounts are also available for more cost-effective purchasing options.

MYIR Video

Features of MYC-J7A100T SOM:

Dimensions: 69.6mm(L)× 40mm(W)
PCB Layers: 12-layer design
Power supply: 5V/ 3A
Working temperature: -40~85 Celsius (industrial grade)
AMD/Xilinx Artix-7 XC7A100TFPGA (XC7A100T-2FGG484I)
– Logic Cells 101,440
– Block RAM 4,860kb
– DSP Slices 240- 8 GTP transceivers capable of reaching speeds up to 6.6Gb/s
– x4 Gen2 PCIe interface
512MB DDR3
32MB QSPI FLASH
32KBEEPROM
DC-DC power management
260-pin MXMgold-finger-edge-card expansion interface

More detailed information about the MYC-J7A100T can be found at: https://www.myirtech.com/list.asp?id=764

AAEON’s MXM-ACMA Pairs Intel Arc Graphics with a Quadruple-Display Interface for Multiscreen Digital Signage Solutions

Posted on 5 June, 20245 June, 2024 by mixos

Combining Intel® Arc™ graphics with a quad display interface, AAEON’s new MXM-ACMA is tailor-made for augmenting digital signage, edge AI, and healthcare imaging solutions.

AAEON, a leading provider of industrial and embedded computing solutions, has released the MXM-ACMA, a new embedded graphics module featuring Intel® Arc™ A-Series graphics.

The MXM-ACMA is AAEON’s first product to be built on the MXM 3.1 Type A form factor, designed to deliver enhanced performance and computational capabilities for applications including digital signage, gaming, edge AI, and healthcare imaging.

Highlights:

Intel® Arc™ A370M or Intel® Arc™ A350M GPUs
28 Intel® Xe Matrix Extension (Intel® XMX) engines
Up to eight Xe-cores
DP++ 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 interfaces x 4
OpenCL™, OpenGL®, OpenVINO™, and DirectX 12 Ultimate

Equipped with 4GB of GDDR6 memory, ray tracing, and Intel® Deep Link Technologies, the MXM-ACMA can expedite data handling and optimize rendering capabilities. With a choice of Intel® Arc™ A370M or Intel® Arc™ A350M GPUs, the MXM-ACMA provides up to 128 Intel® Xe Matrix Extension (Intel® XMX) engines across up to eight Xe-cores to substantially boost compute power for AI workloads. Meanwhile, its ray tracing technology provides users with a platform to accelerate training and inference processes for machine learning models.

The MXM-ACMA supports four display outputs through DP++ 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 interfaces, providing a wide range of visual setup options. This capability ensures reliable connectivity and high-quality visuals, making it suitable for applications such as multi-screen digital signage installations and interactive gaming environments.

Features

Intel® Arc™ A370M/A350M Embedded GPU, up to 8 Xe-cores
4GB GDDR6 Memory
PCIe 4.0 [x8] Interface
DP++ 1.4/HDMI 2.1 x 4
Standard MXM 3.1 Type A form factor
OpenCL™/OpenGL®/oneAPI/Direct X12/Ray Tracing Support

As with most of AAEON’s solutions, the MXM-ACMA boasts an industrial temperature range of 32°F ~ 140°F (0°C ~ 60°C), while also supporting both Windows and Ubuntu for flexible development potential. The module also leverages a variety of open-source, cross-platform development tools including OpenCL™, OpenGL®, OpenVINO™, and DirectX 12 Ultimate, courtesy of its Intel® Arc™ A-Series graphics base.

The MXM-ACMA is now available for order via both the eShop and the contact form on the AAEON website.

For more information about the MXM-ACMA, please visit our product page.

xMEMS Labs Debuts Cutting-Edge Reference Designs for True Wireless Stereo Earbuds and In-Ear-Monitors

Posted on 5 June, 2024 by mixos

Designs are available to purchase directly from the company store, setting brands or manufacturers on a clear and accelerated path to market based on xMEMS’ designs.

Accelerating the adoption of solid-state micro speakers in consumer audio products, MEMS audio and semiconductor pioneer xMEMS Labs today announced the availability of two innovative reference designs for purchase at the xMEMS web store.

The first unit, known as Harding, serves as xMEMS’ reference design for 2-way True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, while the other is for audiophile-level full-range in-ear-monitors (IEMs). Both are available for a limited time and in extremely limited quantities, with the goal of providing interested audio brands and manufacturers with accelerated time-to-market leveraging xMEMS’ patented designs.

According to xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development Mike Housholder, by making these reference designs available for purchase, the company is giving brands the best possible starting point so they and their customers can immediately begin reaping the benefits of the world’s first all-silicon, monolithic MEMS micro speakers.

“As we continue to build momentum and awareness around our MEMS-based technologies that deliver a better sounding speaker with greater production efficiency and uniformity, we’re doing everything we can to support every customer who understands the value of making MEMS speakers part of their future product story,” Housholder said. “That’s why we’re making available for purchase a limited number of our TWS earbud and IEM designs to any forward-looking brand or manufacturer seeking a roadmap for the fastest possible adoption of xMEMS technology.”

In addition to the design itself, those who make a purchase will be able to request the complete xMEMS design files for each solution, including their acoustic, mechanical and electrical components.

The Harding 2-way TWS earbud design delivers superior high-frequency response and clarity featuring Cowell, the world’s smallest solid-state micro speaker. Cowell serves as the tweeter for highly realistic mids and highs and is paired with a custom-designed 9-mm dynamic driver woofer that delivers thumping bass. This ANC-ready (Active Noise Canceling) design embeds a Qualcomm Bluetooth Audio SoC and three microphones per earbud for noise canceling.

All told, Harding is a turn-key ODM design that’s fully integrated with all the needed components and expertly tuned acoustics to enable a seamless transition from legacy coil speakers to all-silicon micro speakers in TWS earbuds.

Montara Plus, the world’s highest output MEMS micro speaker, is the ideal full-bandwidth transducer for an IEM reference design that delivers sound pressure levels up to 120 dB @ 200 Hz. This USB-C IEM design embeds a hi-res audio DAC from Synaptics and a voice microphone for phone call and web support.

Furthermore, Montara Plus’ lightning-fast transient response and wide bandwidth (20Hz to >40kHz) achieve the highest fidelity and clarity in a simplified, single-speaker IEM, creating a path to smaller, lighter, simpler IEM designs without the phase alignment and design complexities of multi-driver IEM implementations.

“We’re seeing demand for xMEMS speakers grow exponentially as brands all over the globe try to stand out in the market and streamline their production efforts. By selling these reference designs, we’re doing our part to ensure the switch to MEMS speakers is as smooth and efficient as possible so more brands, manufacturers and their customers can soon benefit from xMEMS’ industry-changing innovations,” Housholder concluded.\

The reference designs are available to purchase here for $988 per unit.

For more information on xMEMS, click here.

Palmshell SLiM X2L with 8GB RAM, 32GB eMMC and 256GB SSD Available for $125.00

Posted on 2 June, 20245 June, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

The Palmshell Slim X2L by RADXA is a compact and powerful mini-PC tailored for modern computing needs, available for $125.00. Its versatile design supports a range of applications, from home entertainment to office productivity, and includes optional VESA mount brackets for enhanced adaptability. At its core, the Slim X2L features an Intel J4125 processor, and a quad-core CPU capable of reaching speeds up to 2.7GHz. This processor, combined with Intel UHD Graphics 600, supports a maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 at 30Hz and offers dual HDMI 2.0 ports, making it suitable for dual-screen setups. The device is available in three storage variants: 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB NVMe SSD, each equipped with 8GB of LPDDR4X memory, ensuring smooth and efficient performance.

Connectivity options are robust, with the device offering a Gigabit Ethernet port and Wi-Fi 5/Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities, ensuring stable and fast network connections. The presence of both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports allows for versatile peripheral connections, catering to a variety of user needs. The Slim X2L also includes essential features such as a power button, a recovery button, a status LED, and a Kensington lock for added security. For users needing more storage, the M.2 M Key slot supports NVMe SSDs, providing high-speed data transfer and enhanced performance.

Despite its small size, the Slim X2L is equipped with an intelligent temperature-controlled variable speed fan that operates at 7000 RPM to balance effective cooling and quiet operation. Additionally, the Slim X2L supports multiple operating systems compatible with the X86 architecture, offering flexibility and adaptability to various software environments. This mini-PC is designed to meet modern computing demands with efficiency and versatility, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of users.

The Palmshell SLiM X2L with 8GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, and 128GB SSD is currently out of stock. However, the version with 8GB RAM, 32GB eMMC, and 256GB SSD is available for $125.00 on the Arace Tech website.

The official product page for the Palmshell SLiM X2L can be found here.

AAEON de next-TGU8-EZBOX Mini PC Claims to be the World’s Smallest

Posted on 2 June, 20242 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

AAEON de next-TGU8-EZBOX Mini PC is a Tiger Lake-powered mini PC that claims to be the world’s smallest Edge PC. The PC can be configured with up to an Intel Core i7-1185G7E Tiger Lake SoC 16GB LPDDR4, and M.2 NVMe storage and comes in a fanless version ( 95.5 x 69.5 x 42.5mm) and a version with an active cooler(95.5 x 69.5 x 42.5mm)

It also features a GbE Ethernet and 2.5GbE ports, an HDMI port USB 3.0. ports and many other ports making it suitable for various applications like edge computing, digital signage, and industrial use.

Other than that, the company provides some additional M.2 modules like PER-T642 for AI acceleration and Wi-Fi, the PER-T643 with AI acceleration and 4G LTE, and the PER-R41P for PCIe expansion and more.

AAEON de next-TGU8-EZBOX Mini PC Specifications

Processor Options:
- Intel Core i7-1185G7E (4C/8T, 1.80 GHz, 15W)
- Intel Core i5-1145G7E (4C/8T, 1.50 GHz, 15W)
- Intel Core i3-1115G4E (2C/4T, 2.20 GHz, 15W)
Chipset: Integrated with Intel® SoC
Memory:
- Onboard LPDDR4x 3733, up to 16GB
Networking:
- Intel® Ethernet Controller I225/I226, 2.5GbE RJ-45 x 1
- Intel® Ethernet Connection I219, 1GbE RJ-45 x 1
Graphics:
- Intel® UHD Graphics for 11th Gen Intel® Processors
- HDMI 1.4b x 1, up to 3840 x 2160 @30Hz
- Single Display Support
Expansion:
- M.2 2280 M-Key x 1 (PCIe 4.0 [x2] x 1)
External I/O:
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2
- HDMI 1.4b x 1
Power Requirements:
- +12V
- DC Jack Connector
Power Consumption:
- Typical: Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7E, LPDDR4x 16GB, 4.58A@12V, 55W
- Max: Intel® Core™ i7-1185G7E, LPDDR4x 16GB, 7A@12V, 84W
Other Features:
- Wake on LAN: Yes
- Watchdog Timer: 255 Levels
- Security: TPM
- RTC Battery: Lithium Battery 3V/240mAh
- BIOS: UEFI
Cooling:
- 4 Pin Smart Fan (with Cooler version only)
Environmental:
- Operating Temperature: 14°F ~122°F (-10°C~50°C) with 0.7m/sec airflow
- Storage Temperature: -40°F ~ 176°F (-40°C ~ 80°C)
- Operating Humidity: 0% ~ 90% relative humidity, non-condensing
Dimensions (L x W x H):
- 95.5mm x 69.5mm x 45.4mm (with Cooler Version)
- 95.5mm x 69.5mm x 42.5mm (with Heatsink Version)
EMC Certifications: CE/FCC Class A

AAEON offers support for Windows 10 64-bit and Ubuntu 20.04.4 with Linux Kernel 5.13 for their mini PC. While these versions of the operating systems are not the latest, it is typical for industrial-grade hardware to utilize stable, well-tested software versions to ensure reliability and compatibility in various applications.

AAEON offers samples of the de next-TGU8-EZBOX mini PC, equipped with an Intel Core i7-1185G7E processor and 16GB of LPDDR4 memory, for $1,442. Other models are available for pre-order, starting at $942. For further details, including the datasheet, user manual, BIOS, and drivers, please refer to the product page and press release.

Making Devices NightUSB – A PIC18F14K50 Dev Board for USB Experimentations

Posted on 2 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

Making Devices NightUSB is a tiny PIC18F14K50 powered dev board designed mainly to experiment with the USB capabilities of the Microchip PIC18F family of controllers. The PIC18F14K50 is an 8-bit PIC with a single core running at up to 48MHz, it also includes 512B of static RAM (SRAM) plus 256B of dual-port RAM (DPRAM), 16kB of program flash, SPI, and I2C buses, and a nine-channel 10-bit analog to digital converter (ADC) with two comparators.

The main feature of this tiny chip is that it includes support for USB 2.0, which can act as an HID device like a keyboard mouse, or any other controller. Designed with a minimal footprint, this device slides into your USB port and giggles the mouse as an example. There are also some 0.1″ headers broken out, if you are playing the other GPIO features of the MCU.

Making Devices NightUSB Specifications

Microcontroller: PIC18F14k50 (USB 2.0 compliant)
Crystal: 12MHz
LED: 1x RGB LED
Connections:
- Header pins for all I/O
- Tag-Connect 6-pin cable for ICSP
PCB Design:
- No extra USB connector is needed (PCB acts as the connector)
- It is recommended to order a thicker PCB for a better fit
Functions:
- It simulates a small mouse movement every 15s
- LED blink to indicate activity
Dimensions – 24 x 12 mm

The project is completely open-sourced and all the schematic and board layouts along with 3D files can be found on Making Devices’ GitHub repository. In the same repository, you will also find a .hex file and source code for you to get started with the controller easily.

The device is open source but it is not available for purchase in any store. but more information on these tiny and coll little devices can be found on the Making Devices’ Instructables page.

NetBurner SOMRT1061 SoM Features Dual Ethernet in Tiny From Factor

Posted on 2 June, 2024 by Debashis Das

The NetBurner SOMRT1061 is a tiny SoM with a stamp-sized 25.4mm x 25.4mm footprint. Powered by a NXP’s i.MX RT1061 Arm Cortex M7 SoC the SoM ships with 67 usable GPIO pins 1MB of internal SRAM, 32MB of external RAM, and 8MB of flash storage.

Additionally, it offers 10/100M Ethernet with PTP, an on-die temperature sensor, three FlexIO modules, two USB OTG 2.0 controllers, I2C, SPI, ADC, SD Card, CAN, UART, and many more. The i.MX RT1061 Embedded IoT Development Kit SOMRT1061 features an array of functionalities, including two general programmable timers, four periodical interrupt timers, three quad timers (QTimer) providing a total of 11 I/O signals, four FlexPWMs, and four quadrature encoders/decoders.

For quick and easy development, the company provides a development kit that includes the SOMRT1061 module pre-soldered onto a carrier board. This setup makes all I/Os and peripherals accessible for experimentation and prototyping. Additionally, the kit includes a license for the NetBurner Network.

Previously, we have written about many other SoMs including the ArmSoM Sige7, iW-RainboW-G61M, and 8devices TobuFi feel free to check them out if you are interested in the topic.

NetBurner SOMRT1061 SoM Specifications

SoC: NXP i.MX RT1061 Arm Cortex-M7 @ 528MHz
Memory: 1MB internal SRAM, 32MB external RAM
Storage: 1MB boot flash, 8MB application flash, SDHC interface
Connectivity:
- Dual 10/100 Ethernet (1 PHY onboard)
- Dual USB OTG 2.0 controllers
- 7 UARTs (6 with RTS/CTS), 3 CAN (1 FD)
- 3 I2C, 3 SPI, up to 2 Quad SPI flash
Audio/Visual:
- S/PDIF input/output
- Three SAIs (I2S, TDM, etc.)
Interfaces/IOs:
- Up to 67 GPIOs
- Three FlexIO modules (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.)
- On-die temperature sensor
Other:
- 3.3V power, low power modes
- 25.4mm square, 1.14 grams
- -40°C to 85°C operating temperature
- RoHS compliant

The SOMRT1061 supports RTOS-based systems, network stacks (TLS/SSH/HTTPS), and peripheral drivers. Developers can use the GCC compiler, debugger, and development environments such as Eclipse, command line, and VSCode. Comprehensive documentation, including the Virtual COMM port driver and reference manual, is available in the “Documents and Downloads” section of the product page.

The NetBurner I. MX RT1061 SOM costs $49, and the Development Kit is $129. More details are on the product pages and the press release page.

Unveiling Nuvoton’s AI-ML Powered Microcontroller Units

Posted on 2 June, 20242 June, 2024 by Saumitra Jagdale

The demand for enhanced processing capabilities, power management, security features, and diverse interfaces continues to rise, and processors featuring AI-ML functionalities fulfill these requirements. Nuvoton has announced its AI products, which are not only efficient in AI functionalities but also building an entire ecosystem. The MCUs and MPUs are equipped with ARM Cortex processors and diversified interfaces to accommodate evolving requirements.

Nuvoton’s NuMaker-M55M1

The M55M1 series is known for its performance in digital signal processing and on-device ML interface. It offers a set of communication and peripheral interfaces to establish a connection between the I/O devices with the processor. It supports the Hyperbus and OctoSPI interface, which is crucial in the expansion of RAM. Hyperbus supports high Bandwidth and transfers data at DDR and OctoSPI uses 8 parallel data lines to achieve Octal Communication.

The NuMaker-M55M1 is proficient in managing a variety of tasks, including dealing with audio processing, facilitating communication, executing machine learning operations, sensor fusion, and controlling motors. In essence, it serves as a capable solution for applications that require handling audio, communication, computational learning, sensor integration, and motorized movements.

Nuvoton’s NuMaker-HMI-M467

The HMI-M467 integrates touch screen display, voice I/O, serial port service, and I/O interface, providing multiple external storage methods.

The HMI-M467 consists of two parts: a base board and a daughter board. The daughter board extends the NuMaker evaluation boards. The NuMaker-TFT-LCD43 requires the motherboard to create an HMI development platform. It is equipped with a 4.3” 480 x 272 px RGB TFT-LCD and capacitive touch panel.

The HMI-M467 supports multiple graphics libraries, such as RT-Thread LVGL and emWin. This versatility ensures that users have options when it comes to building GUI applications. By providing compatibility with different graphics libraries, the HMI-M467 allows developers to choose the one that best suits their preferences or project requirements.

Nuvoton’s NuMaker-HMI-MA35D1-S1

The NuMaker-HMI-MA35D1-S1 evaluation board features a System-on-Module (SoM) that streamlines system design by integrating essential components such as the microprocessor, power management, DDR memory, and flash storage. This setup enables developers to concentrate on application-specific features. The board supports multiple Ethernet ports, USB connectivity, CAN FD, and various serial communication options. CAN FD helps facilitate the broadcast of sensor data and control information between electronic instruments and control systems.

Nuvoton’s NuMaker-IoT-M467

The NuMaker-IoT-M467 IoT Platform is an IoT application platform developed by Nuvoton. It supports Arm Mbed OS v6 as well as Arduino and mikroBUS interfaces and is ideal for arrays of IoT application development for prototype designs with sensors and wireless modules.

The M467 target board is designed for industrial IoT applications, featuring a Wi-Fi module and a CAN FD transceiver. The Wi-Fi module enables wireless connectivity, allowing users to connect their industrial IoT applications to local networks or the internet. This connectivity facilitates data transmission, remote monitoring, and control of devices, enhancing the functionality and accessibility of the IoT applications being developed.

The IoT-M467 also provides Ethernet 10/100 MAC with RMII interface, USB 2.0 FS device/host/OTG, USB 2.0 HS device/host/OTG. It also includes a thermal sensor and a 6-axis sensor for rapid development. With Arduino UNO compatible headers and support for multiple power supplies, it offers flexibility for development. It features a Nuvoton-designed ammeter connector for instant power consumption measurement, crucial for prototype evaluation.

The IoT-M467 is equipped with plenty of peripherals, such as timers, watchdog timers, RTC, PDMA, UART, SD host, SPI, I²C, PWM, GPIO, CAN, ADC, temperature sensor and low voltage reset controller.

Technical Features	NuMaker M5511	NuMaker-HMI MA35D1-S1	NuMaker-IoT M467	NuMaker-HMI M467
MCU specifications	Arm Cortex-M55 and Arm Ethos-U55 NPU	Arm Cortex-A35 core processor	NuMicro M467 Ethernet/Crypto series MCU	Arm Cortex-M4F core
Clock Speed	up to 200 MHz	up to 800 MHz	up to 200 MHz	up to 80 MHz
Memory and Storage	1.5 MB of SRAM and 2 MB of flash memory	Internal 256MB DDR, Internal SRAM 128+256 KB	32 Mbs of SPI Flash SD card slot	up to 1024 KB of dual-bank programmable memory and 512 KB of SRAM
Security Features	It supports secure boot, TrustZone, TRNG, key storage, cryptographic accelerators, tamper detection, and PSA-level3 compliance	TrustZone technology	symmetric cryptographic accelerator and secure hash function accelerator	TrustZone technology and secure boot
Interfaces	OctoSPI and HyperBus	Gigabit Ethernet, RS-485, USB 2.0	mikroBUS and Arduino interface	External Bus Interface (display interface)
Usage	audio processing, communications, machine learning, sensor fusion, and motor control	HMI interfaces, industrial control systems, home appliances, medical devices, renewable energy solutions, and machine learning projects	IoT application development for prototype designs with sensors and wireless modules	Project evaluation, prototype development and validation with HMI function

The Nuvoton MCUs offer solutions across a broad range of applications. The M55M1 processor focuses on processing digital signals, audio processing, communications, machine learning, sensor fusion, and motor control. On the other hand, the HMI-M467 processor prioritizes human interaction aspects, supporting multiple graphics libraries for dynamic GUI applications. The HMI-MA35D1-S1 is tailored for Edge IoT Gateways, ensuring a reliable and user-friendly interface for HMI applications examining the development boards. The IoT-M467, designed for lightweight ML projects in IoT applications, showcases adaptability in the rapidly evolving IoT domain. These MCUs collectively address diverse industry needs, offering solutions for projects ranging from audio processing and motor control to GUI and IoT connectivity.