AAEON Unveils Intel-Powered COM Express Modules to Corner the Advanced Robotics and Edge Gateway Markets

The COM-RAPC6 and COM-ADNC6 offer diverse processor lineups, exceptionally versatile interfaces, and wide-temperature operation for the needs of any industrial project.

AAEON, a leading provider of Computer-on-Modules, has today announced the launch of two new COM Express Type 6 Compact Size solutions, the COM-RAPC6 and COM-ADNC6.

Targeting the advanced robotics and edge gateway markets, the COM-RAPC6 is compatible with a variety of embedded CPUs from the 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor line on a compact 95mm x 95mm form factor. The module gives customers a range of SKUs from the 13th Generation series, from the efficient 15W Intel® Processor U300E to 13th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors, running at 45W. This grants users up to 14 (6P/8E) cores and 20 threads of processing power alongside technologies for the acceleration of deep learning inference workloads and I/O device virtualization.

With the COM-RAPC6 clearly favoring high performance, AAEON’s second addition to its COM Express Type 6 product line, the COM-ADNC6, focuses on efficiency. The COM-ADNC6 offers a selection of embedded CPUs from the Intel Atom® X Series, Intel® Processor N-series, and the Intel® Core™ i3-N305 alongside 16GB of SODIMM-based LPDDR5 system memory. Given its compatible CPUs are comparable to the Intel Atom® Processor E and Intel® Celeron® Processor J Series CPUs in power consumption, but with far greater performance, the COM-ADNC6 is positioned as a natural successor to the COM-BT.

Equipped with such high processing capacity, the COM-RAPC6 is able to host up to six PCIe modules. With four single-lane PCIe slots alongside another two equipped with eight and four lanes, the COM-RAPC6 is able to handle advanced graphics card installation for multi-LAN expansion. Such operation is boosted by up to 64GB of SODIMM-based DDR5 memory, which provides flexible, high-bandwidth system memory.

Much like the COM-RAPC6, the COM-ADNC6 also offers a range of PCIe expansion options, able to accommodate either four single-lane or two dual-lane PCIe expansion cards. Consequently, AAEON has earmarked the COM-ADNC6 as a good option for industrial control solutions, such as programmable logic controller applications, particularly given the additional functionality offered by its LPC and the security offered by onboard TPM 2.0.

The COM-RAPC6 offers a total of five display outputs, comprised of three DDI (4K @120Hz), VGA (1920 x 1080) and eDP (4K @60Hz) co-layed with single or dual-channel LVDS (1920 x 1080) to achieve four simultaneous displays.

Such a configuration is boosted by Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics or Intel® UHD Graphics for 13th Gen Intel® Processors, depending on the SKU. Meanwhile, the COM-ADNC6 provides eDP (4K @60Hz) co-layed with single or dual-channel LVDS (1920 x 1080) alongside two DP connectors for 4K display at 144Hz.

COM-RAPC6 Highlights:

  • 13th Gen Intel Core i7 support (45W)
  • Up to 6 PCIe ([x8] x 1, [x4] x 1, [x1] x 4)
  • 64GB of SODIMM-based DDR5

COM-ADNC6 Highlights:

  • Efficient 6W~15W CPU SKUs from across the Alder Lake N series
  • 2-wire UART, 8-bit GPIO, SMBus, and LPC expansion.
  • DP x 2, LVDS/eDP colay

Onboard communication protocols for both modules come in the form of a 2-wire UART, 8-bit GPIO, and SMBus. A variety of other functions are available via LPC connectors, with which multiple serial port functions can be accessed.

The two boards share a number of features that make them conducive to industrial environments, such as wide-temperature SKUs able to reliably operate in a -40°C to 85°C window, while for storage both support two SATA at 6Gb/s. This flexibility is further reflected in the modules’ remaining onboard interfaces, with LAN connectors for the Intel® Ethernet Controller I226 Series platform running at 2.5GbE speeds, a variety of USB connectors, and high-definition audio output.

Pricing can be found via the eShop: https://eshop.aaeon.com/embedded-single-board-computers.html?Form_Factor=41, with the COM-ADNC6 priced from US$216 to US$400 and the COM-RAPC6 ranging from US$354.00 to US$1,208.00, depending on the SKU chosen.

For more information about the COM-RAPC6 and COM-ADNC6, please visit the COM Express Modules lineup on the AAEON website, or contact an AAEON representative directly.

Pineberry Pi Launches New Range of Expansion Boards for Raspberry Pi 5 with Enhanced AI, Storage, and Networking Capabilities

Pineberry Pi has recently introduced five new HATs with PineBerry Pi HAT+ standard for the new Raspberry Pi 5 boars which are the HatDrive! AI, the HatDrive! Dual, the HatBRICK! Commander, the HatDrive! NET 1G, and HatNET! 2.5G. these boards offer various PCIe (NVMe/AI modules) and networking (2.5GbE, GbE) options, and include an FPC cable in the box.

Among many Pi HAT manufacturers, PineBerry Pi was the first to utilize the Raspberry Pi 5‘s HAT+ standard to build the PineBerry Pi HatDrive and after that, we have seen companies like 52PI and Geekworm come up with their own versions of Pi HAT.

This PineBerry Pi HAT+ module for Pi 5 includes HatDrive! AI, Dual, HatBRICK! Commander, NET 1G, & HatNET! 2.5G, with PCIe and networking.

In addition to its five new boards, PineBerry Pi has updated its original HatDrive! TM1 HAT+ to the new HatDrive! TM1S HAT+. This revised design includes an added opening for simpler access to the MIPI CSI/DSI connectors and a custom CNC-milled metal bracket, facilitating easier SSD installation.

PineBerry Pi HAT+ boards Specifications:

  • HatDrive! AI: Tailored for Raspberry Pi 5, combines NVMe drive support with a Google Coral Edge TPU slot, ideal for AI and high-speed storage, supports 2230 and 2242 size NVMe drives, and features an ASMedia PCIe Switch for efficient data transfer.
  • HatDrive! NET 1G: Enhances Raspberry Pi 5 with NVMe storage and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity; includes a PCIe Gen2 interface and Realtek RTL811H for high-speed network connections and unique hardware MAC address.
  • HatDrive! Dual: Designed for Raspberry Pi 5, offering dual NVMe storage slots, optimized for NAS with RAID-1 support, and includes ASMedia PCIe Switch and independent buck converters for stable performance.
  • HatBRICK! Commander: A versatile expansion board for Raspberry Pi 5, connecting two extra PCIe boards, with an ASMedia PCIe Switch, and includes mounting hardware and FPC ribbon cables for easy setup.
  • HatNET! 2.5G: Provides 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet capabilities for Raspberry Pi 5, features high-speed Realtek RTL8125BG, Trxcom Ethernet plug for reliable connections, and unique hardware MAC address, suitable for high-bandwidth applications.

All PineBerry Pi HAT+ boards will come with an FPC PCIe ribbon cable and necessary accessories inside the box and it’s available at the company’s online store prices ranging from €16.99 to €45.99. At the time of writing some of the models are open for pre-order, with shipping expected to start around March 20. While these HAT+ boards offer a more compact solution, they are priced higher, especially the HatNET! 2.5G at €45.99.

LuckFox Pico Pro and Pico Max – Tiny and Powerful IoT Development Boards with RV1106 SoC

LuckFox Pico Pro and Pico Max feature RV1106 SoC, Arm Cortex-A7, RISC-V core, and 0.5TOPS NPU, for smart homes, and AI projects.

Chinese manufacturer LuckFox has recently introduced two new development boards, the LuckFox Pico Pro and the Luckfox Pico Max. Both boards are built upon the Rockchip RV1106 SoC and offer a Linux-based development platform for IoT applications. 

The RV1106 SoC powers the board, featuring an Arm Cortex-A7 processor at 1.2GHz with a RISC-V CPU core. It includes a 0.5TOPS NPU, 10/100M Ethernet, a 4M @ 30fps ISP, and supports Buildroot and Ubuntu 22.04. These features make the board suitable for applications like smart homes, remote monitoring, and other AI-enhanced projects.

The main difference between the two boards is the memory; the Pico Pro has 128MB DDR2, while the Pico Max comes with 256MB DDR2. Both have 256MB of SPI NAND Flash for storage.

LuckFox Pico Pro and Pico Max Specifications:

  • Processor: ARM Cortex A7 @ 1.2GHz single-core.
  • NPU: 0.5 TOPS, supports int4, int8, and int16 quantization; up to 1.0 TOPS with int4 (Pico Max).
  • Memory: 128MB DDR2 (Pico Pro), 256MB DDR2 (Pico Max).
  • Storage: 256MB SPI NAND FLASH (Pico Pro), 256MB SLC NAND FLASH (Pico Max).
  • Camera Interface: MIPI CSI 2-lane.
  • Display: ISP support for 5M @ 30fps; advanced features like HDR, WDR, and noise reduction in Pico Max.
  • Network: 10/100M Ethernet controller with embedded PHY; integrated MAC PHY in Pico Max.
  • Connectivity: USB 2.0 Host/Device, USB Type-C connector, USB test pads.
  • GPIO: 26 GPIO pins.
  • Additional Features: TF card slot, ACT-LED, BOOT and RESET buttons, RTC battery header (Pico Max).
  • SoC Variants: RV1106G2 for Pico Pro, RV1106G3 for Pico Max.

The board offers multiple connection options like a camera interface (MIPI CSI), up to 26 GPIOs, UART, SPI, I2C, and USB. It includes a 10/100M Ethernet controller with MAC PHY, a MicroSD card slot, a USB Type-C port, and a 2-lane MIPI CSI for cameras, making it versatile for various tech projects.

LuckFox announced their Pico Pro and Pico Max modules are compatible with the SC3336 3MP Camera, featuring a SmartSens SC3336 sensor. This camera excels in low-light conditions with its high sensitivity and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The same camera is used in the Firefly CT36L AI Smart Camera.

Both the development boards are compatible with Buildroot and Ubuntu 22.04 (server version) for software needs. You can find step-by-step setup instructions on their Wiki page.

The LuckFox Pico Max and Pico Pro, both with pre-soldered headers, are priced at $15.99 and $13.99, respectively. Additionally, the SC3336 3MP Camera Module is available for $8.99. These products are sold not only on the LuckFox store but also on AliExpress and Amazon. On AliExpress, the Pico Max is $14.81, the Pico Pro is $13.11, and the camera module is $9.89. On Amazon, the prices are a bit higher, with the Pico Max at $24.90, the Pico Pro at $22.50, and the camera module at $12.89.

ePulse Feather C6 – An ESP32-C6 Based Dev Board with WiFi, BLE, Zigbee, Thread & Matter Capabilities

ThingPulse has recently released the ePulse Feather C6, an ESP32-C6-based development board with WiFi 6, BLE5, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter connectivity.

In my personal opinion, the “Feather” came from the Adafruit Feather as this board resembles the Adafruit form factor. Additionally, it features a battery connector with a TP4065 charging IC and MAX17048 fuel gauge IC.

This is the latest version of the ePulse Feather board that the company has released, as this board uses an ESP32-C6-MINI-1 module instead of an ESP32-WROVER-E-N8R8 module it can be directly programmed via the USB-C port and it doesn’t require a USB to UART converter.

The ePulse Feather C6 Specification:

  • Wireless Module: Uses ESP32-C6-MINI-1.
  • Processor: ESP32-C6H4 32-bit RISC-V, up to 160 MHz, equipped with 320KB ROM, 512KB HP SRAM, 16KB LP SRAM, 4MB flash.
  • Connectivity:
    • WiFi: 2.4 GHz WiFi 6 with TWT support.
    • Bluetooth: Version 5.3 LE and Mesh.
    • Radio: 802.15.4 with Zigbee, Thread, and Matter support.
  • Antenna: Integrated PCB Antenna.
  • USB Interface: Single USB Type-C port for power, charging, and programming.
  • Expansion Options: Includes 12-pin and 16-pin headers, offering up to 17x GPIOs, 2x USB pins, and 1x fuel gauge pin.
  • Power Management:
    • Supply Voltage: 5V through USB-C port, 3.3 to 6V via Vin pin.
    • Power Regulation: XC6220B33 LDO.
    • Battery Support: LiPo compatibility via 2-pin JST connector.
    • Charging and Monitoring: TP4065 charging IC and MAX17048 fuel gauge.
  • Power Consumption: Deep sleep mode consumes about 18uA above 3.3V and roughly 33uA below 3.3V.
  • Physical Dimensions: PCB is 50.8 x 24.4mm; with ESP32-C6-MINI-1 and USB-C port, it measures 57.4 x 24.4mm. Compatible with Adafruit Feather and breadboard.
  • Weight: Approximately 12 grams.
  • Certifications: FCC and CE approved.

The board doesn’t provide specific software; the board is programmable as a standard ESP32 C6 Dev Module using ESP-IDF or Arduino IDE. Its unique features are mainly hardware-based. Schematics, STEP files, and pinout diagrams are available on GitHub.

ThingPulse offers the ePulse Feather C6 board for $14.95 through their online store. But there is a special offer for our readers, with 15% discount on ePulse Feather C6 with this coupon: epulse-c6-electronics-lab brings the price down to $12.70 before shipping.

Blues and Skylo Technologies Unveil Starnote – A Satellite IIoT module that costs only $49

Blues & Skylo's Starnote Satellite IIoT module offers backup for $49, with two versions, a PCB antenna or u.FL connectors, and 18KB free data.

Blues and Skylo Technologies have partnered to create the Starnote Satellite IIoT module, a backup module that costs only $49. It’s a backup module meaning it will connect to a satellite connection when cellular or Wi-Fi isn’t available.

The module is built in an M.2 E-Key edge connector from Factor and features a six-pin JST connector (on the backside of the PCB) for easy setup, the module has two versions one has a PCB antenna and another one has a u.FL connectors.

That’s not all Skylo is also providing 18KB of free satellite data without any monthly charges, and according to Blues, this 18KB will last a year if the module is sending a max of 50-byte of data every day.

The Starnote module comes in two variants: one with built-in satellite and GPS antennas for immediate use, and a smaller version for external antennas using u.FL connectors. It uses Skylo Satellite Coverage and supports 3GPP Rel-17. Detailed technical information, including processor specifications and comprehensive software/hardware support details, is not readily available, although a general API reference is provided by the company.

Starnote Satellite IIoT module Specification:

  • Satellite and GPS Integration:
    • Integrated satellite and GPS antennas for direct connectivity.
    • External antenna compatibility facilitated through u.FL connectors.
  • Connectivity Options:
    • JSON API support for integration with Notecard.
    • M.2 Key E and six-pin JST connectors offer versatile connection possibilities.
  • NTN Modem Features:
    • Equipped with an NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) modem.
    • Features zero-touch setup for ease of use.
  • Data Inclusion:
    • Comes with 18KB of Skylo satellite data.
    • No additional fees or subscriptions are required for the included data.
  • Antenna Variations:
    • Two variants are available: one with onboard satellite and GPS ceramic antennas, and another with external antenna capabilities via u.FL connectors.
  • Coverage and Support:
    • Utilizes Skylo Satellite Coverage.
    • Supports 3GPP Rel-17 connectivity.
  • API and Software Support:
    • Availability of API reference for software integration.
    • Lacks specific module information in the existing API reference.
  • Notecarrier Compatibility:
    • Compatible with Notecarrier A, B, F, and Pi Hat Boards.
    • Supports various Notecard modules including Cellular, Cell+Wifi, LoRa, and Starnote models with M.2 E-Key.

The Notecarrier series includes four types of boards: Notecarrier A, B, F, and Pi Hat. Each is compatible with Notecard modules including Cellular, Cell+Wifi, LoRa, and Starnote, as they all support the M.2 E-Key interface.

The recently released Starnote Satellite IIoT module is currently out of stock. However, Blues has set up a waitlist on its website for potential buyers interested in the introductory price of $49. More information can be found in the press release on their website.

MINIX Z100-AERO – An Intel N100-Powered Mini PC with Triple 4K Display and Dual Ethernet Support

MINIX launches MINIX Z100-AERO Mini PC with Intel N100, active cooling, triple 4K display support, and dual Ethernet (1Gbps/2.5Gbps).

MINIX recently introduced the MINIX Z100-AERO Mini PC, featuring an Intel N100 processor and active cooling. This compact PC supports triple 4K displays and offers dual Ethernet connectivity with 1Gbps and 2.5Gbps speeds.

Last time we wrote about the MINIX Z100-0dB Mini PC which is a fanless downgraded version of this PC with Intel N100 CPU support 32GB RAM and more, feel free to check that out if you are interested in the topic.

The mini PC allows up to 32GB DDR4 memory in a single slot and has M.2 NVMe SSD storage. It has four standard USB 3.2 ports, a multi-use USB-C 3.2 port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

MINIX Z100-AERO Mini PC Specification

  • Processor:  Intel Processor N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor @ up to 3.4 GHz (Turbo) with 6MB cache, 24EU Intel HD graphics @ 750 MHz; TDP: 6W
  • Memory: 1 x 260-pin DDR4 3200MHz SO-DIMM slot, 4/8/16GB, upgradable to 32GB Max
  • Display Outputs:
    • 1 x HDMI 2.1, 3840×2160@60Hz
    • 1 x DisplayPort (DP) 4K@60Hz
    • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (4K@60Hz)
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
  • Storage: 128/256/512GB M.2 PCIe 3.0 x1 NVMe SSD, upgradable to 4TB Max
  • Ethernet:
    • 1 x Realtek® RTL8125BG-CG for 2.5G Ethernet
    • 1 x Realtek® RTL8111H for 1G Ethernet
  • LED Indicators: Power, LAN (Active, Status)
  • Wireless Connectivity: Intel® Wireless-AC 9560 Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1
  • LAN Ports: 2 x RJ45, 1G + 2.5G Dual Ethernet
  • USB Ports:
    • 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (up to 5Gbps)
    • 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (data transfer up to 5Gbps, Power Delivery, 4K@60Hz video output, Audio)
  • DP Port: 4K@60Hz
  • Audio: 3.5mm Mic-in and Headphone-out Combo Jack
  • Antennas: 2 x External Wi-Fi Antennas
  • Buttons:
    • 1 x Power Button
    • 1 x Clear CMOS Button (Reset BIOS)
  • Power Requirement: 12V/3A DC-IN
  • Power Consumption: 10-12W (Typical), 25-27W (Turbo)
  • Form Factor: Mini PC
  • Enclosure: Plastic Housing
  • BIOS: AMI EFI X64
  • Dimensions: 127x127x43mm (5″x5″x1.69″)
  • Weight: 0.8 kg
  • Certifications: CE, FCC, RCM, RoHS

The MINIX Z100-AERO is pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro and comes with a 12V/3A power adapter. It also includes accessories like an HDMI cable, antennas, a VESA mount for easy installation, and a user manual. An important thing to note is that the fanless MINIX Z100-0dB underperforms in tests due to its design. The actively cooled Z100-AERO is expected to deliver improved performance.

The MINIX Z100-AERO Mini PC is available for purchase on the company’s official website and can also be found on Amazon.

Spacewalker LNA 434 MHz is Designed to Improved Satellite Signal Reception

The Spacewalker LNA 434 MHz is a specialized Low-Noise Amplifier designed to improve reception of 70 cm band CubeSat signals, particularly in urban areas with high RF interference. It features Qorvo QPL9547 LNA ICs for effective amplification, includes double amplification and triple-filtered design for clarity, and includes robust shielding for signal integrity.

Developed by Decent Labs based in Budapest, Hungary, the Spacewalker LNA 434 MHz addresses the common problem of receiving weak satellite signals, such as those from PocketSat and CubeSat, in areas saturated with RF interference from sources like DVB-T, TETRA, FM, and LTE signals.

The company said that this unique LNA was inspired by the challenges faced while trying to pick up signals from the MRC-100 pocket satellite. After extensive experimentation and research, the team devised a low-noise amplifier circuit that significantly improves signal reception amidst urban RF chatter.

Spacewalker LNA 434 MHz Specification:

  • Dual Qorvo QPL9547 LNA ICs: Features double amplification with advanced Qorvo QPL9547 ICs, offering a low noise figure of ~0.2 dB and a gain of 25 dB at 434 MHz.
  • Triple-Filtered Design: Utilizes 434 MHz SAW filters for triple filtering, ensuring low insertion loss and enhanced signal clarity.
  • VDD Bias Points: Equipped with resonant inductive filtering at VDD bias points for effective reduction of external noise.
  • Metal Cages for Isolation: Includes 3 metal cages, ensuring each LNA stage is well-isolated and protected from external interference.
  • 4-Layer PCB: The four-layer PCB design provides additional natural shielding, especially for sensitive VDD lines and other critical components.
  • Short Coax Pigtail: Comes with a short coax pigtail on the antenna input, designed to protect against static discharge events and extend the lifespan of the LNA.

The company also states that the design’s effectiveness has been proven through its use in several SatNOGS stations across Europe, including locations in Hungary and the Netherlands.

The Spacewalker LNA 434 MHz is currently in the ‘coming soon’ stage, with availability to be announced shortly. Further details can be found on the Decent Labs crowdsupply page.

MINIX Z100-0dB Mini PC – An Alder Lake-N N100 Powred Quad Core Fanless Mini PC with Wi-Fi6, BT5.4, and more

The MINIX NEO Z100-0dB, a silent mini PC, features the Intel Alder Lake-N N-100 quad-core CPU. It supports up to 32GB of RAM and 512GB M.2 storage. The PC comes with multiple USB ports, a MicroSD card slot, two HDMI 2.0 ports, 2.5GbE Ethernet, and other features.

The 0dB in the Z100-0dB comes from the fact that this device doesn’t have a fan and it’s designed to be a “ZERO Decibel Cooling System”.

In our previous posts, we have covered many similar mini PCs such as the ASUS Mini PC PL64, the Topton M4, and AAEON’s UP 7000 Edge, and we also wrote a review for the smallest of them all the Pantera Pico PC feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic.

MINIX Z100-0dB Mini PC Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N, up to 3.4 GHz Turbo, 6MB cache
  • Graphics: 24EU Intel HD at 750 MHz; 6W TDP
  • RAM: Options of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB DDR4-3200, expandable to 32GB
  • Storage: Choices of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB M.2 SSD (PCIe Gen3 x4), expandable to 4TB; MicroSD card slot
  • Video Output: Dual HDMI 2.0 ports supporting up to 4K at 60Hz; capability for 2 independent displays
  • Audio: 3.5mm headphone/mic jack; digital output over HDMI
  • Connectivity: 2.5GbE RJ45; WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 with dual high-gain antennas
  • USB Ports: 2x USB 3.2 (10 Gbps), 1x USB 3.2 Type-C (data only), 2x USB 2.0
  • Additional Features: Power button, CMOS reset, Kensington lock, BIOS with Wake on LAN, Auto Power on, RTC wake-up
  • Power: 12V to 19V DC jack (12V/3A adapter included)
  • Dimensions: 12.3 x 12 x 4.6 cm
  • Weight: 1.3 kg, aluminum, and galvanized steel build

Inside the box, you will find a 12V/3A power adapter, an HDMI cable, a VESA mount for attaching it to a monitor or TV, and two WiFi antennas. The device will come with a preinstalled copy of Windows 11 Pro. MINIX is not a new brand and it has been operating for quite a few years now but its products often cost more than similar products from other brands.

The MINIX Z100-0dB Mini PC is on sale at GeekBuying and the MINIX official website, offering versions with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD, as well as 8GB RAM and a 256GB NVME SSD.

STMicroelectronics’ high-performance microcontrollers pave the way to new innovations

New STM32H7R/S microcontrollers raise embedded-application performance to new levels for next-generation smart devices in factories, buildings, infrastructure, eHealth

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has revealed a new high-performance device that punches above its weight by combining performance, scalability and security of microprocessor-based systems that are typically more complex with the simplicity and integration of microcontrollers (MCUs).

Using these new STM32H7 MCUs, producers of equipment like smart appliances, smart-building controllers, industrial automation, and personal medical devices can evolve their products more quickly and cost effectively as end-users’ demands continue to increase. Examples include adding richer, colorful user interfaces and performing multiple functions simultaneously, which is usually achieved with microprocessors (MPU).

Our STM32 is already the world’s most popular Arm Cortex-M microcontroller family, and the latest STM32H7 devices let designers address even more use cases within this powerful ecosystem,” said Patrick Aidoune, General Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Its MPU-like qualities deliver outstanding core performance with the peripheral integration and convenience of an MCU, at a cost-effective price point.

With a dedicated graphics processor and fast memory interfaces on-chip, these MCUs are perfectly aligned with our mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in embedded displays,” commented Kamil Kozlowski, CEO of Riverdi, a lead customer for the STM32H7R/S MCUs. Riverdi has chosen the devices to power its next generation of display modules. “The MCUs promise to enhance the visual performance and responsiveness of future displays, enabling more engaging and interactive user experiences. This represents a significant step forward in our journey to provide cutting-edge display solutions to our customers.”

ST’s new STM32H7R and STM32H7S microcontrollers come with robust security features, needed to address Internet of Things (IoT) applications. They include protection against physical attacks, memory protection, code isolation to protect the application at runtime, and platform authentication. The STM32H7S devices provide further security enhancement by integrating immutable root of trust, debug authentication, and hardware cryptographic accelerators that support the latest algorithms to prevent unauthorized access to code and data. With these security features, the devices are targeting up to SESIP3 and PSA Level 3 certifications, meeting the highest industry standards for cyber protection.

The STM32H7 MCUs combine the highest-performing Arm® Cortex®-M core ST has yet announced (Cortex-M7 running at up to 600MHz) with minimal on-chip memory and high-speed external interfaces. They let engineers build systems with extra performance and flexibility using simple, low-cost microcontroller development tools. The devices available are further divided into the STM32H7R3/S3 general-purpose MCUs and the STM32H7R7/S7 with enhanced graphics-handling capabilities. Developers can share software extensively between the two lines, enabling efficient use of project resources and faster time to market for new products.

Michela Menting, Senior Research Director from ABI Research, said:

“IoT hardware security is the holy grail for created trusted devices. The difficulty has been to offer a high-level of security for MCU-based embedded hardware, while achieving MPU-performance in a cost-effective manner; three criteria that are not often seen together in the market. The new STM32H7 MCUs appear to offer just that, with security front and center, built to perform the multi-application requirements of privacy-hungry markets in the consumer and industrial space.”

ST’s new STM32H7 MCUs are scheduled to enter volume production from April 2024. Sample requests and pricing information are available from local ST sales offices.

The STM32H7S8-DK demonstration and development platform, and the affordable and extendable NUCLEO-H7S3L8 MCU board, are available to accelerate building applications using the new devices.

For more information, please go to www.st.com/stm32h7rs-product-overview

STMicroelectronics powers up the intelligent edge with second-generation STM32 microprocessors

Highlights:

  • New STM32MP2 MPUs with 64-bit processing and edge AI acceleration
  • Built for speed, security, and reliability
  • Leverage STM32 ecosystem for rapid development and secure provisioning

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is releasing new devices from the second generation of its industrial microprocessors (MPUs), the STM32MP2 series, to drive future progress in smart factories, smart healthcare, smart buildings, and smart infrastructure.

Digital transformation is happening everywhere, driving improvements including greater business productivity, better healthcare, and enhanced safety and energy management throughout buildings, utilities, and transport networks. Critical enabling technologies include cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). ST’s new STM32MP2 MPUs will power the next generations of equipment that create the fabric of this evolving digital world. These include industrial controllers and machine-vision systems, scanners, medical wearables, data aggregators, network gateways, smart appliances, and industrial and domestic robots.

“Our embedded MPUs address the trend that’s pushing more workloads and greater demands to smart devices, often deployed at the IoT edge, for faster response and increased efficiency,” said Stephane Henry, General Purpose MPU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “The new STM32MP2 devices we are announcing today extend the performance trajectory, introducing our most powerful processing engine, now adding edge AI, and supported by the STM32 ecosystem to accelerate product development.”

Architected for demanding and time-sensitive workloads, AI inferencing, and communication, and featuring state-of-the-art cyber security, the STM32MP2 MPUs are built to withstand up to 10-years’ continuous operation.

State-of-the-art security of the new STM32MP2 devices leverages ST’s proprietary secure hardware, anti-tamper controls, protected firmware, and secure provisioning, working with Arm®’s TrustZone® architecture, to keep sensitive data and keys secret. Certified to SESIP Level 3, the leading security test methodology for IoT devices and compliance, STM32MP2 MPUs can satisfy forthcoming tougher cyber-protection requirements in key territories worldwide. These include the US CyberTrust mark and stipulations in the EU’s Radio Equipment Directive that are due to become mandatory in 2025.

“Together with ST, we tackled the challenge of connecting our devices to the cloud. From opening locks remotely to granting new access rights, our products are shaping the future of access management,” said Marco Temporiti, R&D Software Manager, ISEO. “Thanks to the STM32MP2 microprocessor with its strong encryption capabilities, we are able to build an industrial-grade gateway with unmatched reliability and security. The seamless integration with Yocto Linux has streamlined our development process, allowing us to innovate with ease. And, ST’s 10-year longevity programme also ensures a long product lifecycle at reduced cost, setting a new standard in the industry.”

“We worked with ST to build a 2-channel network audio adapter, leveraging the STM32MP1 series microprocessors to handle tasks like converting network digital audio signals for transmission and reception. The robust processing power, Ethernet connectivity and adaptable audio output interfaces were key considerations in choosing the STM32MP1 series for integration into our products,” said Yue XIONG, CEO, S-TRACK. “Now, we’re enthusiastic about the possibilities presented by ST’s latest MPUs, particularly the STM32MP2 series, which deliver improved power efficiency, enabling us to minimise cooling requirements in our enclosed casings. Additionally, the integrated Cortex-M co-processor eliminates the need for a separate microcontroller, and support for Gigabit Ethernet with precision time protocol (PTP) enables accurate data transfer and synchronisation among devices. With this advanced technology, our goal is to broaden our product range to include 16-channel offerings.”

The first STM32MP2 MPUs are scheduled to enter volume production in June 2024. Sample requests and pricing information are available from local ST sales offices.

Register for ST’s upcoming virtual online event STM32 Summit on March 19: https://www.st.com/content/st_com/en/events/stm32-summit.html

TOP PCB Companies