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ClearCore: a new, $99 4-Axis Motion and I/O Controller

Posted on 20 March, 2021 by mixos

Teknic recently launched ClearCore, a low-cost, multi-axis, motion and industrial I/O controller offering OEMs a new way to save space, money and wiring in their automated machinery. ClearCore provides 4 axes of motion control, Ethernet, serial, USB, and wireless expandability along with 13 configurable digital & analog I/O points. By registering their application with Teknic, OEM machine builders can lock in the single-piece $99 pricing

Early customer reviews are positive:

“The ClearCore controller is an exceptionally beautiful piece and a joy to work with. Absolutely brilliant product. Well documented, well designed, easy to use and highly versatile.”
“Their IO controllers were also a great find and they have replaced the PLCs we were using.”
“The Clear Core Controller itself is an amazing design and everything we could have hoped for.”

Key specifications and benefits of ClearCore include:

Hardware includes a powerful 32-bit, floating point ARM Cortex-M4 processor, 192k local RAM, 512k Flash, interrupt handler, and an onboard SD Card interface for storage expansion.
ClearCore provides up to 4 axes of motion control for Teknic’s ClearPath integrated servos, 3^rd party stepper drives, or any brushless servo motor with a digital servo drive.
ClearCore includes 13 industrially hardened and electrically conditioned, 24V I/O points, including digital and analog inputs and outputs. Extend your I/O compliment with 8-point I/O expansion modules (CCIO-8) for a total I/O compliment of 73 I/O points.
Compatible with XBee modules for peer-to-peer wireless communications such as WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, DigiMesh, 802.15.4, and others.
A rich C++ library & software API including more than 40 extensively commented example projects ensures ease-of-use and accelerates your development cycle. Advanced debugging via the Atmel IDE and in-circuit emulator enables the serious programmer to step through code, set breakpoints, evaluate expressions, watch variables, and much more.
All source code is available for download, at no cost, under an open-source, copy-right, MIT license.
For rapid software prototyping, install the optional but free Arduino wrapper library to easily create programs within the simple and popular Arduino IDE.

ClearCore can be ordered online at https://www.teknic.com/products/io-motion-controller/clcr-4-13/. Each unit ships within 3 business days and comes with a 3-year warranty and a 90 day money-back guarantee.

PCBgogo: Manufacture Your PCBs Fast and with Ease

Posted on 20 March, 2021 by Tope Oluyemi

For hobbyists and professionals, getting a reliable company to build your PCB is very important. One of these companies for building your PCB is PCBgogo. PCBgogo is one of the largest and most popular PCB manufacturers. Located in Shenzhen, China, the facility is built in over 2400 sqm of land, and they specialize in manufacturing high-quality PCB’s (Printed Circuit Boards) for very low prices. They fabricate your boards according to your designs and needs. PCBgogo offers various product categories. These categories include data: communication, optical networking, medical treatment, industrial control, aerospace/military, etc.

PCBgogo offers Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly capabilities. SMT is a way to mount the components or parts onto the boards. So instead of using through-hole assembly to install components, SMT has replaced the former assembly method with welding technology. Due to the better outcome and higher efficiency, SMT has become the primary approach used in the process of PCB assembly.

Why should you go for PCBgogo’s SMT?

When you use SMT technology to assemble components onto a board directly, it helps to reduce the entire size and the weight of the PCBs. This method enables PCBgogo to place more components in a small space, thereby achieving compact designs and better performance.
PCBgogo’s entire SMT assembly process is almost automated with precise machines. This makes it minimizes the errors that may be caused by manual involvement. This automated process of SMT technology ensures the reliability and consistency of the PCBs.
Because of its automated SMT assemble capabilities, manual involvement during SMT processes is reduced, which significantly improves production efficiency and lowers labor costs in the long-run. Also, there are fewer materials used than through-hole assemble, making costs to be decreased.

Rigid-flex printed circuit board

One PCB available for fabrication by PCBgogo is the rigid-flex printed circuit board. What are rigid-flex printed circuit boards? They are the composite boards of rigid boards and flexible boards. When you examine most rigid-flex circuits, you realize that they are multi-layered, so a rigid-flex PCB can house one or several flex boards and rigid boards, which are then connected through internally/externally plated-through holes. They eliminate problems associated with traditional hardboard technologies. PCBgogo sticks to a strict quality control system to ensure the rigid-flex boards manufactured and assembled correctly with high-quality standards.

Rigid-flex PCBs have a thin profile and feature variable shapes. This makes it suitable for ultra-thin and ultra-light packages. can solve many problems in traditional hardboard technologies. Rigid-flex PCBs make it easier to install more components in a smaller space because they can change the shapes according to specific outlines. This helps reduce the size and weight of the final products and overall system costs. Also, the compact profile of rigid-flex PCB makes it the ideal choice for fine line and high-density circuits in HDI technologies.

Rigid-flex PCBs also offer freedom in packaging geometry. This makes is it suitable for applications in various industries like aerospace, military, medical equipment, and consumer electrics. The rigid-flex PCBs can be customized to any size or shape to fit the housing designs and 3D designs, enabling designers to meet different requirements in specific applications.

Rigid-flex PCBs also offer better mechanical stability due to the stability of rigid boards and the flexibility of flexible boards. This forms a stable structure for the entire package while retaining the reliability of the electrical connection and flexibility needed for installation in small spaces.

Rigid-flex PCBs perform greatly under harsh environments. They have high-shock and high-vibration resistance so that they can work well in high-stress environments. They also feature fewer cables and connectors, thereby reducing safety risks and maintenance in future use.

One reason for you to consider PCBgogo’s rigid-flex PCBs is that they require fewer interconnectors and related components/parts. It helps to simplify the assembly operations, making the rigid-flex PCBs easier to be assembled and tested. Rigid-flex PCBs are suitable for PCB Prototypes.

Ordering Process

Let’s examine the process for ordering your PCB. When you open their website, you see how very easy it is to navigate the site. This makes it very simple to place your order in a step-by-step manner. You have to follow the following process to place an order.

You will find a section where you are required to fill in an “Online Quote”, and give basic information about the type of PCB you require i.e.

The Material type
The number of boards ( You can order a minimum of 5 boards )
Layers, dimensions (length and width),
Spacing, thickness, Finished Copper, and drill type.
… much more

At the right corner of the page, you will find a real-time change in Cost whenever you make some changes to the properties of your board like the Dimensions or Material. This feature helps you keep your PCB order under a suitable budget.

When you are through with the first step, you are required to upload a “Gerber file/Eagle File”. A Gerber file is an open 2D binary vector image file format that includes all the data needed for the manufacture of PCB’s (copper layers, solder mask, legend etc.). This file is used by CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or EDA (Electronic Design Automation) systems to enable the fabrication of the boards. Gerber files are easy to create. You can create them using the EAGLE CAM processor for example or any other processor for your favorite CAD tool.

When you are through with uploading the Gerber file, you review your order before sending it to the manufacturers to make sure that all the information you have entered is correct and you have not missed any details. Their engineers will contact you if they find any issue with your order before confirmation.

When it comes to payment, You are only charged for what you have ordered. You can make payments through PayPal, or through other bank transfers of your choice i.e. Aliexpress pay, Western union etc.) You have to carefully fill in your shipping address and choose the shipping method of your choice.

After payment, the fabrication process starts. Be rest assured that PCBgogo has qualified engineers working for the manufacturing of your product. The whole fabrication process is under surveillance to ensure the best quality. You can monitor the progress of your product online on the PCBgogo website. PCBgogo also offers 24 hours online customer service to answer all your queries regarding your order.

After your PCB has been manufactured, they are packaged for shipping within 24hours after fabrication. The order is packed in a vacuum bubble bag, and it is placed in a special carton bag. You can choose from the various shipping methods available. There’s DHL, HK Post, FedEx, EMS, and UPS, etc. Once you receive your order, confirm and send your feedback to the website.

PCBgogo offers a robust set of PCB available for fabrication. You can visit their knowledge center to find out the various PCBs available, and how to order for your PCBs. PCBgogo guarantees you the quality of service and upholds customer’s preferences and satisfaction above everything else. PCBgogo is RoHS and ISO certified, and with more than 3 factories and over 100 R&D members, they guarantee swift service and on-time delivery. They are one of the best professional PCB manufacturers in China.

ECS Releases Brand New Industrial-grade Mini PC – LIVA M300-W

Posted on 20 March, 2021 by mixos

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the global leading motherboard, Mini-PC, Notebooks, mobile device and smart city solutions provider, is proud to present the latest light and thin mini PC – LIVA M300-W . LIVA M300-W is designed by iron grey metal chassis with compact size measuring only 12.8 x 12.8 x 2.6 cm. LIVA M300-W is powered by Rockchip RK3399K SoC with quad and dual core CPU which can support dual operating system of Android 8.1* and Lubuntu 18.04. It is also equipped with HDMI 2.0 port which can support up to 4K resolution and CEC system. LIVA M300-W is crafted for industrial use by its wide temperature and dustproof design. It is an ideal mini PC to run under extreme environment such as construction site, factory and warehouse for many applications like surveillance, terminal, POS and thermal-sensing.

Wide Temperature Design

LIVA M300-W features an outstanding fanless thermal design. It can effectively dissipate heat and operate in wide-temperature from -10°C to 60°C and humidity range from 10% to 95% when CPU running multi-tasks stably under critical environment such as construction site, casino, transportation center and shopping mall.

Multi-core Processor with High Performance

LIVA M300-W equipped with RK3399K Processor featuring Dual-core Cortex-A72 and Quad-core Cortex-A53. With the ARM-based processor, LIVA M300-W can adopted for many different applications and process your computing tasks more efficiently with less power consumption, which is ideal for terminal and POS solutions.

Comprehensive Connection Ports

The brand new LIVA M300-W offers varieties of connectivity to meet different requirements. For video output, it features Display Port 1.2 and HDMI 2.0, which supports dual display and up to 4K high quality resolution with 60Hz and CEC function. Besides, it provides one blazing fast USB 3.2 Gen 1×1, three USB 2.0 ports and one COM port (RS-232/RS-422/RS-485). LIVA M300-W can support one Micro SD card-reader* and one Micro SIM card slot* in order to connect 4G/5G mobile for public transportation and advertising van as digital signage solution.

Dual Operating System with More Flexibility

To provide a more flexible user interface, LIVA M300-W supports Android 8.1* and Lubuntu 18.04. Enterprises and companies can choose the most suitable system to operate for different requirements which is perfect for media use, server, and network surveillance.

Reality AI’s Automotive SWS features Sound-based Detection

Posted on 18 March, 202118 March, 2021 by Saumitra Jagdale

Detection through cameras and lidar could be efficient but it has some drawbacks. As it requires visibility of the object within its range, thus detection is difficult for invisible and hidden objects. Radar could be an ideal choice for overcoming these drawbacks but it struggles with distant objects as it is incapable of the corners and long-range detection. Hence Reality AI’s Automotive SWS comes with sound-based detection for addressing these issues.

Automotive SWS focuses on passenger protection in detecting all threats by monitoring sound waves. The sound waves detection occurs through an array of microphones that acts as peripheral for the processor. This enables the system to discover emergency vehicles, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and other objects. The system alerts the driver and identifies the direction from where the target is approaching.

Reality AI’s system architecture, sample hardware, and firmware for the Automotive SWS come with a customized development software for Automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 providers for creating their own versions of the system. It uses machine learning and AI algorithms on the data points collected by the external microphone arrays on the automotive.

Infineon Technologies MCU and Microphone in Automotive SWS

Although, the company has worked with Hagiwara Electronics Co Ltd. and DENSO Corporation to build functionalities and features for the system specifically for the automotive market. Now, it is partnering with Infineon Technologies to build a more efficient system. The system features Infineon AEC-Q103 XENSIV™ MEMS microphones (IM67D130A) for enhancing the signal quality for computations and processing in further steps. These microphones work as an interface to the Infineon AURIX™ microcontroller (MCU) to provide efficient safety ASIL D performance.

Discussing further, the MEMS Mic Array is integrated into components or placed on the roof supports flexible geometry and placement to detect sound waves. The earlier version of the system had 4 components placed on the top of the roof. Infineon AURIX™ MCU operates on inexpensive hardware for allowing AI detection and localization.

Key Features of AURIX™ TC3xx MCU:

2nd generation 1 core CPU to 6 core CPU working at the frequency range from 160 MHz to 300Mhz.
Scalable with respect to performance, memory, and peripherals.
HSM modules for inbuilt security.
Real-time performance for low latency as it is used in safety applications.
Allows efficient interrupt handling.
Certified for ISO6262 ASIL-D applications.

Key Features of XENSIV™ IME67D130A MEMS Microphone

Automotive qualified MEMS microphone.
AEC-Q103-003 compliant.
Greater than 130dB High Acoustic Overload Point for wide dynamic range and high wind-noise robustness.
Greater than 67dB SNR for enhanced audio quality.
Operating temperature ranging from -40°C to 105°C for exterior applications.

System Block Diagram for Reality AI’s Automotive SWS

The hardware for sound detection includes Infineon’s MEMS microphones controlled by AURIX™ MCU. The hardware operates on the analog sound for converting it to digital form using its Sigma-Delta ADC. It uses the high-frequency delta-sigma modulation and then passes it through a digital filter to form a higher-resolution. However, this process results in a low sample-frequency digital output. The application software performs sound detection, classification, and localization on the signals which pass through the microphone interface.

The environment of Reality AI uses these processed signals for extracting and mapping features from the sound. These features constitute the data for major classification purposes between the vehicles. The major classification is between the emergency sirens and other nearby vehicles. The features collected are also used for further analysis in terms of every channel for better detection and localization. These features undergo simultaneous analysis as there more than one microphone for detecting sound. Hence, the calculation for the arrival angle and direction of the target depends on the signal features from different microphones.

The AI detection models in Automotive SWS to classify threats as follows:

1.5km distance for sirens
35m+ for cars, trucks, and motorcycles
10m for bicycles and joggers

AI models compute the angle of arrival, approximate distance, and detect approaching and receding threats for accurate localization. The AI Firmware comes with specific machine learning algorithms for detection and allows complex signal processing for the sound waves.

Ritesh Tyagi, Head of Automotive Innovation Center at Infineon says “Reality AI’s sophisticated software algorithms combined with Infineon’s automotive components can provide a complementary and cost-effective sensing modality to the existing sensors being deployed in vehicles. Moreover, this sound-based sensing technology could also enable other applications outside ADAS. These include predictive maintenance and intrusion detection, to make it attractive for automotive manufacturers to innovate.”

Hence, Automotive SWS could be a better option for detecting invisible and hidden objects approaching or receding the automotive. Thus the innovative automotive applications will make driving safer, more dependable, and smarter for automotive users.

Additionally, the earlier version of the system won the 2020 Future Mobility Award in the category of “AI for Safety”. For more information visit the press release by Reality AI.

ADLINK Launches SMARC AI-on-Module to Drive Industrial AI at the Edge

Posted on 18 March, 2021 by mixos

A future-proof, open standard formfactor of rugged industrial grade design with up to 15 years longevity and software portability through NXP^® Semiconductors eIQ^™AI SDK

ADLINK Technology Inc., a global leader in edge computing, has launched the LEC-IMX8MP SMARC module, the first SMARC rev. 2.1 AI-on-Module (AIoM) that uses NXP’s next-generation i.MX 8M Plus SoC for edge AI applications. The LEC-IMX8MP integrates NXP NPU, VPU, ISP and GPU computing in a compact size for future-proof AI-based applications across industrial AIoT/ IoT, smart homes, smart cities and beyond.

The powerful quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 processor runs up to 1.8 GHz with an integrated neural processing unit (NPU), delivering up to 2.3 Terra Operations Per Second (TOPS) for machine learning inference at the edge, suited for applications that require machine learning and vision systems paired with smart sensors to enable industrial decision-making.

“The i.MX 8M Plus AI-on-module in the SMARC form factor from ADLINK is great for industrial edge applications,” says Robert Thompson, Director of MPU Ecosystem, NXP. “We are trying to provide competitive solutions, such as this embedded module with AI capabilities, and the long-standing partnership and collaboration with ADLINK will enable us to continue driving more future market innovations.”

“As long-standing partners in an industry where our customers rely on us for top-of-the-line solutions, SMARC AI-on-Modules (AIOM) are the future of AI, with ADLINK at the forefront of this technology so critical to industrial edge applications,” says Henri Parmentier, Senior Product Manager, ADLINK. “Our LEC-IMX8MP SMARC 2.1 module will allow developers of AI-based smart embedded systems to implement cost-effective and future-proof designs built specifically for rugged environments that require higher-performance machine learning inference.”

The LEC-IMX8MP SMARC module features:

LVDS/DSI/HDMI graphic output, dual CAN bus/USB 2.0/USB 3.0, dual GbE ports (one with TSN), and I2S audio interface – in a low power envelope that is typically below 6W
Rugged design can sustain operating temperatures of -40°C to +85°C, and high shock and vibration environments for reliability in harsh industrial applications
Standard BSP support for Debian, Yocto and Android, including MRAA hardware abstraction layer (HAL), allows engineers to substitute modules, sensor HATs and port code written in Raspberry Pi or Arduino environments to the I-Pi
NXP eIQ machine learning software with consecutive inference on CPU cores, GPU cores and NPU. Support for Caffe, TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch and ONNX models. Enablement for models such as MobileNet SSD, DeepSpeech v1, and segmentation networks. Arm NN fully integrated into Yocto BSP, supporting i.MX 8

Delivering edge intelligence, machine learning and vision for a smart world, the LEC-IMX8MP SMARC 2.1 module is an excellent platform for AI-based applications, removing cloud dependency and preserving individual privacy. Targeted uses include smart homes and home automation, smart cities, logistics, healthcare diagnostics, smart buildings, smart retail, and industrial IoT including machine vision, robotics, and factory automation.

A ready-to-run I-Pi SMARC prototyping platform based on the LEC-IMX8MP module can be ordered online at ADLINK’s I-Pi SMARC theme and support site.

Find more information about the LEC-IMX8MP module here.

Watch the video.

MAX33012E Robust CAN Transceiver with ±65 V Fault Protection, Detection, and Reporting

Posted on 17 March, 2021 by mixos

Maxim’s MAX33012E offers +5 V, 5 Mbps, diagnostics, and ±40 kV ESD protection

Maxim’s MAX33012E is part of a family of +5 V CAN (control area network) transceivers with integrated protection for industrial applications. It is equipped with extended ±65 V fault protection on the CAN bus for applications where overvoltage protection is necessary. The CAN family also incorporates high ±45 kV ESD HBM (human body model) protection and an input CMR (common-mode range) of ±25 V, exceeding ISO11898 specification of -2 V to +7 V. It is suited for applications where ground planes from different systems are shifting relative to each other.

Features

±45 kV ESD HBM
Input CMR of ±25 V
Operating temperature range -40°C to +125°C

more information: https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/interface/transceivers/MAX33012E.html

LM74500-Q1 Reverse Polarity Protection Controller

Posted on 17 March, 2021 by mixos

Texas Instruments’ controller is suitable for applications such as body electronics and lighting

Texas Instruments’ LM74500-Q1 is an automotive AEC-Q100 qualified controller which operates in conjunction with an external N-channel MOSFET as a low-loss reverse polarity protection solution. The wide supply input range of 3.2 V to 65 V allows control of DC bus voltages such as 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V automotive battery systems. The 3.2 V input voltage support is particularly well-suited for severe cold crank requirements in automotive systems. The device can withstand and protect the loads from negative supply voltages down to -65 V.

The LM74500-Q1 does not have reverse current blocking and is suitable for input reverse polarity protection of loads that can potentially deliver energy back to the input supply such as automotive body control module motor loads. The LM74500-Q1 controller provides a charge pump gate drive for an external N-channel MOSFET. The high voltage rating simplifies the system designs for automotive ISO7637 protection. With the enable pin low, the controller is off and draws approximately 1 µA of current, offering low system current when put into sleep mode.

AEC-Q100 qualified:
- Ambient temperature range Grade 1: -40°C to +125°C
- Device HBM ESD Classification Level 2
- Device CDM ESD Classification Level C4B
Input range: 3.2 V to 65 V (3.9 V start-up)
Input reverse voltage: -65 V
Charge pump for an external N-Channel MOSFET
Enable pin feature
Shutdown current: 1 µA (EN=low)
Typical operating quiescent current: 80 µA (EN=high)
Meets automotive ISO7637 pulse 1 transient requirements with an additional TVS diode
Package: 8-pin SOT-23 (2.90 mm x 1.60 mm)

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/LM74500-Q1

Digi-Key Introduces Part Tracing for Cut Tape Products to Identify SMD Components Even Outside Labeled Bags

Posted on 17 March, 2021 by mixos

Digi-Key Electronics is introducing Part Tracing on select cut tape products to further enhance traceability and product customization offerings, and make it easier for customers to visually verify cut tape products. This new Part Tracing feature will enable engineers to better organize their components and also improve traceability.

Across the electronic component industry, the traceability of cut tape products is a frustration. Once the product is out of the labeled bag from the distributor, it can be difficult to identify. As the leader in SMD cut-tape distribution, Digi-Key wants to solve this challenge. Now, with the Digi-Key cut tape showing this information, not only does it help customers visually verify their cut tape, but they can also access the Digi-Key Traceability portal and look up further information as they need it.

Digi-Key is the first distributor in the industry to offer this level of customization and enhancement and expects the offering to be available on 36,000 parts by June 2021. The following information is available to be printed on 8 mm-wide paper carrier tape products: sales order, invoice, line item (detail ID), date code, lot code, Digi-Key part number, manufacturer part number, manufacturer name, quantity, country of origin, the catalog description, customer reference, and PO number. Orders must be a minimum length of 200 mm (about 8 inches), which equates to about 50 parts for 4 mm pitch tape, or 100 parts for 2 mm pitch tape. The part tracing information will be printed in English.

“We’re thrilled to begin offering this enhanced service to our customers,” said Jim Ricciardelli, executive vice president of digital business for Digi-Key. “We know having this information available on cut tape will be significantly helpful to the designers, makers, and builders of tomorrow’s innovations. An engineer will quickly be able to scan any cut tape part to determine exactly what product it is, where it came from, and so much more information, that leads to enhanced traceability and decreased confusion.”

Part tracing is now available on 8 mm paper tape products, and the offering will expand over time. Digi-Key will closely monitor customer demand as they consider adding additional SKUs and sizes to the offering. This service is provided at no additional cost as long as required order minimums are met.

[via circuitdigest.com]

100MHz Frequency Meter using ATtiny414

Posted on 17 March, 2021 by mixos

David Johnson-Davies published a new project on his blog. This project is a simple frequency meter capable of measuring frequencies up to 100MHz with an accuracy of 0.002%. Based on an ATtiny414, it demonstrates the use of Timer/Counter TCD0 and the Event System:

I recently wanted to design a frequency meter that would measure up to 100MHz, so you can use it to test processor clocks and crystals. There are many designs for microcontroller-based frequency meters on the web; after all, it’s one of the applications that the timer/counters in most microcontrollers are designed for. However, most of them don’t go as high as 100MHz because the microcontroller’s own clock usually imposes an upper limit of half the clock frequency.

100MHz Frequency Meter using ATtiny414 – [Link]

Take AI Edge to the Pro Level with UP Squared Pro

Posted on 16 March, 2021 by mixos

AAEON, an industry leader in AI Edge hardware solutions, announces the latest entry in their UP Bridge the Gap brand, the UP Squared Pro. The UP Squared Pro offers developers an updated platform based on the popular UP Squared platform, offering greater expandability and I/O features. With support for 5G modules and AI accelerators, the UP Squared Pro takes AI Edge computing to the Pro level.

The UP Squared Pro (UPN-APL) is an updated rebuild based on the popular UP Squared board. Powered by Intel® Celeron® N3350, Pentium® N4200 and Atom™ E3950 processors (formerly known as Apollo Lake), the UP Squared Pro maintains the same familiar ecosystem allowing developers to easily migrate any projects built on the UP Squared platform. UP Squared Pro also features on-board physical TPM 2.0, to enhance data security. Altogether, the board offers the performance and efficiency to power a range of edge applications, including drones and autonomous robots.

The UP Squared Pro provides greater expandability thanks to three M.2 slots, including M.2 2230 E-Key, M.2 2280 M-Key, and M.2 3042/3052 B-Key. This lets developers and users to quickly add on functionality such as Wi-Fi and AI accelerators such as the AI Core XM2280 module featuring two Intel® Movidius® Myriad™ X VPUs. The UP Squared Pro also supports 5G cellular cards, allowing developers to take advantage of lower latency and higher speeds for wireless network deployment. The UP Squared Pro features a 40-pin HAT expansion as well, and offers expandable storage with SATA III connectors.

The UP Squared Pro also offers an upgrade in I/O features. Developers can now take advantage of faster internet speeds with two Intel® i210 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and wide voltage input (12V~24V) allows the UP Squared Pro to be deployed to industrial environments. Also featured on the board is an Audio Jack allowing both input and output, as well as three USB3.2 Gen 1 ports, two USB2.0 headers and two COM port headers. The UP Squared Pro also features HDMI, eDP and DP video outputs, and is capable of supporting up to three independent displays, perfect for Smart Surveillance and Retail applications.

UP Squared Pro is compatible with the Intel® Distribution of OpenVINO® Toolkit, providing powerful software to help developers get their projects up and running quickly. AAEON and UP Bridge the Gap also work closely technology partners to create an ecosystem designed to provide end-to-end solutions to meet the needs of different vertical markets. For clients with more specific needs, AAEON also offers OEM/ODM services and customization. Already, the UP Squared Pro has seen success in powering real-world applications, including facial mask detection and an application which can enforce proper social distancing in enclosed spaces.

UP Squared Pro is available for pre-order on the UP Shop, and will be shipping in March 2021. The UPN-EDGE Pro, a compact system solution based on the UP Squared Pro, will also be available later this year. From industrial automation to powering AI Edge Computing, the UP Squared Pro helps take embedded computing to the Pro level.