Android APP Contact Us
login / register Upload
TRENDING:

PolarBerry POE: Unleashing Unmatched Performance and Security for Smart, Connected Systems

Posted on by mixos

We are excited to introduce the PolarBerry POE, a revolutionary System on Module (SOM) that redefines the boundaries of edge computing performance and security. Powered by Microchip’s PolarFire® SoC FPGAs, the PolarBerry POE flawlessly combines the unmatched flexibility of an FPGA with the robust processing power of a 64-bit, Linux-capable RISC-V multicore processor. This powerful combination delivers an unparalleled solution for demanding applications across diverse industries.

“Our goal with the PolarBerry POE was to create a product that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our customers in terms of performance, security, and versatility,” said Ryan Carpenter, VP of Product at SundanceDSP. “We believe that the PolarBerry POE is a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.”

Uncompromising Security

Engineered for defense and military-aerospace applications, the PolarBerry POE boasts hardware-based security elements and advanced encryption capabilities. These features ensure the highest level of data protection, making it a trusted choice for applications where security cannot be compromised.

Low Power, High Performance

Featuring Microchip’s low-power PolarFire® technology, the PolarBerry POE delivers exceptional performance while consuming minimal power. This makes it ideal for thermally constrained environments, offering a solution that balances power efficiency with computational prowess.

Versatility at its Core

Whether you’re developing high-performance AI/ML platforms, secure communications infrastructure, or cutting-edge industrial automation solutions, the PolarBerry POE provides the perfect blend of power, security, and flexibility. It empowers developers to create next-generation projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Stand-Alone and Power Over Ethernet

The PolarBerry POE can be used standalone and powered over Ethernet, making it an ideal solution for developing state-of-the-art IoT devices. With minimal cabling requirements, it can work easily up to 100 meters from the router. This feature significantly simplifies the deployment process and reduces the complexity of your IoT infrastructure.

PolarBerry POE front
PolarBerry POE back

Key Features

The PolarBerry POE comes packed with features designed to enhance its performance and versatility:

  • Microchip PolarFire® SoC FPGA (MPFS250T-FCVG484)
  • 4GB of DDR4 memory
  • 128MB SPI Serial NOR FLASH
  • 4 High-speed low-power Transceivers (250Mbps – 12.7Gbps)
  • Raspberry Pi interface with 26 I/O lines
  • 4GB eMMC storage
  • 2x CAN 2.0 PHY
  • JTAG, SPI, and 100/1000BASE-T Ethernet interfaces
  • Compact 55 x 85mm form factor
  • Power consumption: 16W (module), 12W (MPSoC)

Empowering Developers

The PolarBerry POE empowers developers to:

  • Design secure and efficient systems for defense, aerospace, and mission-critical applications
  • Build and deploy powerful AI/ML platforms at the edge
  • Develop cutting-edge industrial automation and robotics solutions
  • Create secure and reliable communications infrastructure
  • Innovate in the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT) landscape

We invite you to contact us today to learn more about the PolarBerry POE and how it can unlock the full potential of your next smart, connected system.

STMicroelectronics expands into 3D depth sensing with latest time-of-flight sensors

Posted on by mixos

Highlights:

  • Building on a leading position in direct Time-of-Flight sensors, with two billion FlightSense™ devices sold, ST reveals new direct and indirect Time-of-Flight sensors for key applications like camera assist, virtual reality, 3D webcam, robotics and smart buildings
  • Market-first true all-in-one dToF LiDAR module with up to 2.3k zones, targets smartphone camera-assist and AR/VR applications
  • The world’s smallest iToF sensor with 672×804-pixel resolution, is now in volume production with a first design win at Lanxin Technology

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announced an all-in-one, direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) module with market-leading 2.3k resolution, and revealed an early design win for the world’s smallest 500k-pixel indirect Time-of-Flight (iToF) sensor.

“ToF sensors, which can accurately measure the distance to objects in a scene, are driving exciting new capabilities in smart devices, home appliances, and industrial automation. We have already delivered two billion sensors into the market and continue to extend our unique portfolio, which covers all types from the simplest single-zone devices up to our latest high-resolution 3D indirect and direct ToF sensors,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, General Manager, Imaging Sub-Group at STMicroelectronics. “Our vertically integrated supply chain, covering everything from pixel and metasurface lens technology and design to fabrication, with geographically diversified in-house high-volume module assembly plants, lets us deliver extremely innovative, highly integrated, and high-performing sensors.”

The VL53L9, announced today, is a new direct ToF 3D LiDAR device with a resolution of up to 2.3k zones. Integrating a dual scan flood illumination, unique in the market, the LiDAR can detect small objects and edges and captures both 2D infrared (IR) images and 3D depth map information. It comes as a ready-to-use low power module with its on-chip dToF processing, requiring no extra external components or calibration. Additionally, the device delivers state-of-the-art ranging performance from 5cm to 10 meters.

VL53L9’s suite of features elevates camera-assist performance, supporting macro up to telephoto photography. It enables features such as laser autofocus, bokeh, and cinematic effects for still and video at 60fps (frame per second). Virtual reality (VR) systems can leverage accurate depth and 2D images to enhance spatial mapping for more immersive gaming and other VR experiences like virtual visits or 3D avatars. In addition, the sensor’s ability to detect the edges of small objects at short and ultra-long ranges makes it suitable for applications such as virtual reality or SLAM (simultaneous localisation and mapping).

ST is also announcing news of its VD55H1 ToF sensor, including the start of volume production and an early design win with Lanxin Technology, a China-based company focusing on mobile-robot deep-vision systems. MRDVS, a subsidiary company, has chosen the VD55H1 to add high-accuracy depth-sensing to its 3D cameras. The high-performance, ultra-compact cameras with ST’s sensor inside combine the power of 3D vision and edge AI, delivering intelligent obstacle avoidance and high-precision docking in mobile robots.

In addition to machine vision, the VD55H1 is ideal for 3D webcams and PC applications, 3D reconstruction for VR headsets, people counting and activity detection in smart homes and buildings. It packs 672 x 804 sensing pixels in a tiny chip size and can accurately map a three-dimensional surface by measuring distance to over half a million points. ST’s stacked-wafer manufacturing process with backside illumination enables unparalleled resolution with smaller die size and lower power consumption than alternative iToF sensors in the market. These characteristics give the sensors their excellent credentials in 3D content creation for webcams and VR applications including virtual avatars, hand modeling and gaming.

First samples of the VL53L9 are already available for lead customers and mass production is scheduled for early 2025. The VD55H1 is in full production now.

Pricing information and sample requests are available at local ST sales offices.

ST will showcase a range of ToF sensors including the VL53L9 and explain more about its technologies at Mobile World Congress 2024, in Barcelona, February 26-29, at booth 7A61.

ASUS Mini PC PL64 – Ultra-Slim, Fanless Design with 12th Gen CPU, WiFi 6E, and Support for Triple 4K Displays

Posted on by Debashis Das

ASUS Mini PC PL64: Fanless with 12th Gen Intel, supports 64GB DDR4, dual PCIe 4.0 SSDs, dual COM & LAN, triple 4K HDMI, Wi-Fi 6E.

The ASUS Mini PC PL64 is a 12th Gen Intel Core processor-based fanless mini PC with up to 64GB DDR4 memory and dual PCIe 4.0 SSDs. Key features include dual COM and LAN ports, triple 4K HDMI display support, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity.

The device is available in three versions: I3-1215U, I5-1235U, and I7-1255U. You can choose up to 32GB of RAM and up to 4TB of SSD storage. It also offers up to a 5-year warranty and a monitor option.

Featuring up to 64GB DDR4 dual-channel memory and dual M.2 PCIe Gen 4 SSD support, the Mini PC offers ample storage and high-speed data performance. It also boasts comprehensive connectivity options with dual COM ports, dual LAN (including a 2.5G port), and up to five USB ports, making it versatile for different use cases.

The device is designed to operate reliably in temperatures up to 50°C and has been extensively tested for 24/7 dependability. It also comes with the flexibility of choosing between Windows 11, Windows 10, or Ubuntu LTS operating systems, catering to a wide range of user preferences.

For display outputs, the Mini PC supports 4K triple-display setups via HDMI, with EDID emulation and virtual display capabilities for easy management and optimal display settings. Its slim and compact dimensions, combined with a variety of mounting solutions, make it adaptable for any space.

ASUS Mini PC PL64 Specification:

  • OS:
    • Windows®11 Pro 64Bit
    • Windows®11 64Bit
    • Option without OS
  • CPU:
    • Intel® Alder Lake Core™ i7-1255U, i5-1235U, i3-1215U
    • Celeron® 7305 (cTDP 15W)
  • Graphics:
    • Integrated – Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics (i5/i7)
    • Integrated – Intel® UHD Graphics (i3)
  • Memory:
    • 2 x SO-DIMM, DDR4-3200 MHz (up to 64 GB)
  • Storage:
    • 2 x M.2 2280 Gen 4×4 (256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB)
  • Wireless Network:
    • Intel® WiFi 6E/6 and Bluetooth® 5, 2*2
  • LAN:
    • Intel® I225V LAN, 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps
    • Intel® I219V LAN, 10/100/1000 Mbps
  • Front I/O:
    • 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2
    • 2 x COM (RJ50; support RS232, 422, 485)
    • 1 x Audio jack (Line out/ Mic in/ Headphone out)
  • Side I/O:
    • 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1
    • 1 x Kensington lock
  • Back I/O:
    • 3 x HDMI® 2.0 port
    • 1 x Intel (RJ45) 2.5G LAN
    • 1 x Intel (RJ45) 1G LAN
    • 1 x EDID reset
    • 2 x Antenna Jack
    • 1 x DC-in
  • TPM:
    • fTPM 2.0 or TPM module onboard (Optional)
  • Power:
    • 65W adapter
  • Dimension:
    • 199.7 x 119.7 x 33.9 mm (0.81-liter chassis)
  • Weight:
    • 1.07 kg (Barebone)
  • Operating temperature:
    • 0-50° C (only for models that support 16 GB memory and below)
    • 0-35° C (for all other models)

The Asus Ultraslim Fanless Mini PC is now available for purchase from Inside-Tech, with free fast UK delivery options and the option to pay in four interest-free payments via Clearpay. The product starts at £599.00 (incl. VAT), offering a balance of performance and silent operation for its users.

Milk-V Duo 256M is an SG2002-Powered Multi-Architecture SBC Priced at $7.99

Posted on by Debashis Das

The Milk-V Duo 256M features SG2002 SoC, Arm, RISC-V, 8051, has 256MB RAM, 1 TOPS NPU, microSD slot, camera & USB-C ports, plus GPIO headers.

The Milk-V Duo 256M is a compact board powered by the SOPHGO SG2002 SoC, integrating multiple architectures including Arm, RISC-V, and 8051. It has 256MB of built-in RAM and a 1 TOPS neural processing unit (NPU) for advanced computations. For storage, it features a microSD card slot. The board includes a connector for camera modules, a USB-C port for both power supply and programming tasks, and two sets of headers to extend its GPIO capabilities.

Previously we have covered  Sipeed LicheeRV Nano which also features the SOPHGO SG2002 SoC with optional Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6. We’ll look at the Duo 256M designed by Milk-V Technology in more detail.

Hardware documentation, such as schematics, PCB designs, and datasheets, can be found on GitHub. The website also offers guides on using buildroot (Linux 5.10 + FreeRTOS), the TDL SDK for utilizing the NPU in computer vision tasks like face detection, tracking, license plate recognition, and gesture detection, alongside examples for GPIO and more.

Milk-V Duo 256M specifications:

  • SoC – SOPHGO SG2002
    • Main core – 1GHz 64-bit RISC-V C906 or Arm Cortex-A53 core (selectable)
    • Minor core – 700MHz 64-bit RISC-V C906 core
    • Low-power core – 25 to 300MHz 8051 MCU core
    • NPU – 1 TOPS INT8, supports BF16
    • Integrated 256MB DDR3 (SiP)
  • Storage
    • MicroSD card slot
    • 32Gbit NAND flash (CSNP32GCR01)
  • Camera Interface – 4-lane MIPI CSI input connector
  • Audio – Built-in microphone
  • Networking – Support for 100Mbps Ethernet via adapter connected to 5x I/O pins
  • USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power and programming
  • Expansion – 2x 20-pin 2.54 pitch headers with access to GPIO, PWM, I2C, SPI, UART, JTAG, ADC, Audio, Arm/RISC-V switch signal
  • Misc – Power LED
  • Power Supply – 5V via USB-C port
  • Dimensions – TBD

The Duo 256M board can be purchased for $7.99 plus shipping on Arace Tech, and it’s also available on AliExpress for $10.53.

Laird Connectivity Wireless Modules Featuring Bluetooth LE 5.4, 802.15.4, NFC, and Multi-Core MCU Architecture

Posted on by Debashis Das

Laird Connectivity introduces BL54L15 & BL54H20 modules based on Nordic's nRF54, supporting Bluetooth LE 5.4, 802.15.4, NFC.

Laird Connectivity has launched new BL54L15 and BL54H20 Bluetooth LE modules. These are based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF54 and support Bluetooth LE 5.4, 802.15.4, and NFC. 

The BL54L15 series, using Nordic’s nRF54L15 SoC, improves on the nRF52 series with more power and memory. The module features a 128MHz ARM Cortex M33 and RISC-V coprocessor, 1.5 MB memory, and 256 KB RAM, doubling the power of the previous BL654 series. It supports Bluetooth LE, 802.15.4, and NFC A-Tag, and focuses on security with Secure Boot and Firmware Update, aiming for PSA Certified level 3.

The BL54H20 series features the Nordic nRF54H20 SoC with a multi-core MCU, including 2x ARM Cortex-M33 and 2x RISC-V coprocessors, 2MB non-volatile memory, and 1MB RAM. It supports Bluetooth LE 5.4, LE Audio, Bluetooth Mesh, 802.15.4, Thread, and Matter. The compact BL54L15 measures 14 mm x 10 mm x 1.6 mm. Designed for security with PSA Certified level 3, it includes tamper sensors, Secure Boot, and Firmware Update, and works in temperatures from -40 to 105°C.

The BL54L15 and BL54H20 series support development with the Canvas Software Suite, Nordic SDK, or Zephyr RTOS. They allow for easy firmware updates over the air using MCUboot and Zephyr. Thanks to their multi-core MCU setup, these modules can work without a host, cutting down costs. Both series are in the process of getting international certifications for worldwide use.

Laird Connectivity Wireless Modules BL54L15 and BL54H20 Specification

  • Leverages Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF54 silicon: Enhances wireless capabilities with support for Bluetooth LE 5.4, 802.15.4, and NFC.
  • Compatibility with Zephyr RTOS and Nordic nRF Connect SDK: Broadens the application scope in advanced wireless solutions.
  • BL54L15 Series:
    • Powered by Nordic’s nRF54L15 SoC for superior processing power and expanded memory.
    • Equipped with a 128MHz ARM Cortex M33 and a 128MHz RISC-V coprocessor.
    • 1.5 MB non-volatile memory and 256 KB RAM, offering double the processing power of the previous nRF52840-based BL654 series.
    • Supports robust Bluetooth LE, 802.15.4 with NFC A-Tag implementation.
    • Emphasizes security with features like Secure Boot and Secure Firmware Update, aiming for PSA Certified level 3.
  • BL54H20 Series:
    • Features Nordic nRF54H20 SoC with a multi-core MCU architecture.
    • Integrates 2x ARM Cortex-M33 and 2x RISC-V coprocessors for workload optimization.
    • Boasts 2MB of non-volatile memory and 1MB of RAM.
    • Supports Bluetooth LE 5.4, LE Audio, Bluetooth Mesh, and 802.15.4 protocols including Thread and Matter.
    • Designed for PSA Certified level 3 with integrated tamper sensors.
    • Operates within a wide temperature range (-40 to 105°C).
  • Development Versatility: Supports Canvas Software Suite, Nordic SDK, or Zephyr RTOS with FOTA updates via MCUboot and Zephyr.
  • Multi-Core MCU Design: Enables hostless operation, reducing costs.
  • Pending International Certifications: Ensures global compliance.
  • Early Sample Availability: Invites customers to reach out for early samples for both BL54H20 and BL54L15 series.

The company offers early samples of the BL54H20 and BL54L15 Series. For more details, visit the product pages.

DFRobot Gravity – An Offline Voice Recognition Module for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32

Posted on by Debashis Das

DFRobot Gravity is an offline voice module for Arduino, Pi, and ESP32 with 121 fixed, 17 custom commands, I2C, and UART, for smart homes.

The DFRobot Gravity is an offline voice recognition module, that can process up to 121 fixed and 17 customizable command words without internet connectivity. Designed for integration with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32 platforms, it supports I2C and UART communication for diverse applications in smart home systems and interactive projects.

The module includes unique and user-friendly features including a self-learning function, supports 17 custom commands like whistles or meows, and has noise resistance for audio projects. For example, it can auto-feed pets on hearing a cat’s meow. It also has a user-friendly design with 121 pre-set commands for easy interaction, such as automatically closing windows during rain without manual input.

The voice recognition module features a dual mic for clear recognition of noise, built-in and external speaker support for instant feedback, and compatibility with I2C and UART, making it versatile for various 3.3V or 5V devices like Arduino and Raspberry Pi, ideal for smart homes and robotics.

Offline voice recognition offers quick responses without needing an internet connection while safeguarding privacy with fixed commands. But the only limitation is its fix choice of words. Online voice recognition, on the other hand, is more adaptable and developer-friendly but requires a stable internet connection and incurs higher costs, with response times tied to network speed.

DFRobot Gravity Module Specification:

  • The self-learning function enables voice command customization
  • Supports I2C and UART communication with Gravity interface
  • Compatible with both 3.3V and 5V logic levels
  • Comes with 121 pre-set command words for ease of use
  • Built-in speaker and external speaker interface for real-time feedback
  • Features power (red) and recognition status (blue) indicators
  • The dual microphone setup enhances noise resistance and recognition range
  • Compatible with popular platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32
  • Operating Voltage: 3.3 – 5V, with a max current of ≤370 mA (5V)
  • I2C Address: 0x64 for easy integration
  • Allows for 17 custom command additions
  • Includes a dedicated learning activation command
  • Onboard microphone sensitivity set at -28db
  • Compact module size: 49×32 mm/1.93×1.26 inches
  • Operates within a temperature range of 0-70℃

The company showcases projects such as Smart Waiter, a voice assistant for restaurants, and Home Automation on its store page. if you are thinking about purchasing one for yourself the module costs $16.90 on DFRobot’s products page. More details are available on the wiki page.

Vivid Unit – An RK3399-Based SBC with a Built-In Touchscreen Display

Posted on by Debashis Das

Vivid Unit is an RK3399 SBC with a 5.5" touchscreen, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, USB 3.1, HDMI, and GPIO for robotics, and industrial apps.

The Vivid Unit is an RK3399-based Single Board Computer (SBC) featuring a 5.5-inch touchscreen display, 4GB LPDDR4 RAM, and 32GB eMMC storage along with Ethernet, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), and Bluetooth 4.1, USB 3.1 Gen1, HDMI, and a 40-pin GPIO harder. They were designed for smart home automation, robotics, and industrial control systems applications.

Inside the Vivid Unit Box, you will get a touchscreen, braces, M3 screws, and standoffs. Despite the market shift towards Rockchip RK3568 or RK3588, it uses the RK3399 for its mature software stack. UUGear offers Debian 11 OS images, with or without RetroPie, rather than the newer Debian 12. Its GitHub hosts Linux 5.10.110 and u-boot 2017.09, indicating older software versions. Additional resources include VGP GPIO CLI/GUI utility repositories and VSA screen assistant, with further documentation on the product page.

Vivid Unit Technical Specification:

  • Processor and Memory
    • ARM CPU: RK3399 (Cortex-A72 Dual-core + Cortex-A53 Quad-core)
    • GPU: Mali-T860MP4
    • RAM: 4GB LPDDR4
    • Storage: 32GB eMMC
  • Connectivity
    • Ethernet x1 (RJ45 connector)
    • Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n)
    • Bluetooth 4.1 (BLE)
  • Display and Touchscreen
    • Display: 5.5 inches, 1280×720 resolution
    • Touchscreen: Capacitive multi-touch
  • GPIO
    • 40-pin header with Raspberry Pi compatible pinout
    • SPI x 1
    • I2C x 2
    • UART x 1
    • SDIO x 1
  • USB Ports
    • USB 3.1 Gen1 x 2 (each has 5 Gbps bandwidth)
    • USB 2.0 x 2 (as pin headers)
    • USB type-C x1 (for power and flashing OS)
  • Audio
    • Microphone: Stereo microphone array
    • Speaker: Built-in speaker
    • Headphone jack: 3.5mm
  • Camera Interface
    • MIPI CSI x 1
  • Additional Interfaces
    • NVMe M.2 interface x 1
    • 10-bit ADC channels x 3 (via 4-pin header)
  • Power
    • DC 5V (via USB type-C cable)
    • POE (DC 48V via RJ45 connector)
  • Buttons
    • Power button x 1
    • Volume button x 2
  • Dimensions and Weight
    • Dimensions: 146mm x 78.2mm x 19mm
    • Weight: 175g

 

The video highlights the Vivid Unit as a versatile voice assistant, powered by Google’s Speech Recognition and Text-to-Speech services, along with ChatGPT-4 technology. It’s showcased for various applications including Smart Home automation, robotics, industrial controls, mobile computing, and classic gaming. Available for 99 Euros, it can be purchased directly from UUGear’s online store.

Radxa ZERO 3W – A Compact RK3566 SBC with Bluetooth 5.4 and Wi-Fi 6

Posted on by Debashis Das

Radxa ZERO 3W, with Rockchip RK3566, targets IoT developers and hobbyists, featuring Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and supports OpenGL, Vulkan 1.1

The Radxa ZERO 3W, powered by the Rockchip RK3566, is an ultra-small single-board computer designed for IoT developers and hobbyists, featuring Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and support for various graphics standards including OpenGL and Vulkan 1.1.

A few posts back we covered similar SBCs powered by the RK3566 SBC like Orange Pi 3B, Radxa’s ROCK 3C, and  Firefly ROC-RK3566 feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic.

The ZERO 3W is equipped with the Rockchip RK3566, featuring a quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A55 CPU running up to 1.8GHz, an Arm Mali G52 2EE GPU, and a 0.8 TOPS@INT8 NPU for efficient image processing. It supports graphics standards like OpenGL and Vulkan 1.1, making it capable of handling advanced multimedia and gaming tasks.

The board offers flexible RAM options (1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB LPDDR4) and eMMC storage capacities (8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB), plus a Micro SD Card Slot for additional storage, it also supports boot from eMMC or Micro SD. Additionally, it features Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 for high-speed connectivity and allows selection between external and onboard antennas.

The Radxa ZERO 3W features USB 2.0 OTG and USB 3.0 Type-C ports, a Micro HDMI output supporting 1080P@60fps, a 22-pin MIPI CSI camera connector, and a 40-pin GPIO for versatile connections. It excels in multimedia with 4K@60fps H.264/H.265 video decoding and 1080P@60fps encoding capabilities. Designed for optimal performance between 0℃ and 50°C, it throttles at temperatures above 80°C; The board supports Debian, Ubuntu, and other Linux distributions, complying with CE and FCC standards for quality and safety.

Radxa ZERO 3W Specifications:

  • Processor: Rockchip RK3566 64-bit quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 @ 1.6GHz
  • GPU: Arm Mali-G52-2EE; supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0/3.2, Vulkan 1.1, OpenCL 2.0
  • Memory: LPDDR4 options of 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB
  • Power: USB Type-C port, requires adapter ≥5W
  • Wireless Connectivity:
    • WiFi 4 (802.11 a/b/g/n) + BT with onboard antenna and uFL connector
    • WiFi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) + BT 5.4 with onboard antenna and uFL connector
  • Storage:
    • Onboard eMMC 5.1: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
    • MicroSD slot supporting up to 128GB
  • Display: Micro HDMI output supporting 1080p@60fps
  • Multimedia:
    • H.264/H.265 decoder up to 4K@60fps
    • H.264/H.265 encoder up to 1080p@60fps
  • USB Ports:
    • 1x USB 3.0 Type-C HOST
    • 1x USB 2.0 Type-C OTG (for power and data)
  • Camera Interface: 1x MIPI CSI
  • Networking: Supports 802.11 BGN (WiFi 4), Bluetooth 5.0, 802.11 ac/ax (WiFi 6), Bluetooth 5.4
  • Expansion Header: 40-pin with UART, SPI, I2C, PCM/I2S, PWM, GPIO, 5V DC power in, 3.3V power pin
  • Software Support: Debian/Ubuntu Linux, ARMv8 Instruction Set, hardware access/control library for Linux
  • Other Features: Maskrom button
  • Dimensions: 65mm x 30mm

You can buy the Radxa ZERO 3W from various online retailers such as Arace Tech, AllNetChina, AliExpress, and RS Components. The starting price is $16.00 for the 1GB RAM version with pre-soldered headers at Arace Tech, while AllNetChina offers the same configuration for $19.00.

SparkFun ESP32-C6 Thing Plus an ESP32-C6 Based Dev Board with Qwiic Connector

Posted on by Debashis Das

ESP32-C6 Thing Plus: WiFi 6, BT 5.3, Zigbee, Thread, microSD, Qwiic, Feather-compatible for IoT/smart device projects.

The SparkFun ESP32-C6 Thing Plus features the ESP32-C6 WROOM-1-N16 module, supporting WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, Zigbee, and Thread for diverse wireless project applications. Equipped with a microSD slot, Qwiic connector, and Feather-compatible footprint, it’s designed for seamless integration in IoT and smart device development.

With the launch of the SparkFun ESP32-C6 Thing Plus, SparkFun has officially unveiled its take on the new ESP32-C6 module. Previously, we have covered similar boards like the Beetle ESP32-C6 Board, and FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 feel free to check those out if you are looking for something other than SparkFunmodule.

The SparkFun ESP32-C6 Thing Plus features the Espressif ESP32-C6 WROOM-1-N16 module with a RISC-V processor, ample flash memory, and multiple wireless options including WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3. It offers a microSD slot for expansion and a Qwiic connector for easy integration with SparkFun’s ecosystem.

The board also includes a LiPo charger, fuel gauge, and addressable LED, and is Feather-compatible with 23 GPIO pins. It supports USB-C, SPI, UART, I2C, and more, offering versatile connectivity for wireless projects.

SparkFun ESP32-C6 Thing Plus Dev Board Specifications:

  • ESP32-C6 WROOM-1-N16 Module:
    • 32-bit RISC-V single-core microprocessor
    • 23 multifunctional GPIO pins
    • Peripherals can be mapped to any GPIO pin
    • Up to 7 12-bit ADC channels
    • Up to 2 UART channels (with flow control)
    • USB Serial and one low-power UART channel
    • One I2C channel and one low-power I2C channel
    • LED PWM support
    • One I2S channel
    • 16 MB flash memory
    • 2.4 GHz WiFi 6 and Bluetooth® 5 LE
    • Zigbee & Thread (802.15.4) compatibility
    • PCB antenna and Matter-compatible
  • Power Management:
    • MCP73831 battery charger with a charge rate of [email protected]
    • MAX17048 fuel gauge with I2C address 0x36
  • LEDs:
    • PWR: Red power LED
    • CHG: Yellow battery charging indicator
    • STAT: Blue status LED
    • RGB: WS2812 RGB LED for user feedback
  • Buttons:
    • BOOT button for entering the bootloader mode
    • RESET button for hardware resets
  • Thing Plus Form-Factor:
    • Dimensions: 2.55″ x 0.9″
    • Two mounting holes
    • 28 PTH pins for easy project integration
    • USB-C connector for power and programming
    • 2-pin JST connector for LiPo battery (battery not included)
    • 4-pin Qwiic connector for easy attachment to the Qwiic ecosystem
    • µSD card slot for additional storage

SparkFun provides comprehensive documentation for the ESP32-C6 Thing Plus, including a schematic, Eagle files, board dimensions, and a hookup guide. Additionally, detailed resources such as the datasheet for the ESP32-C6 WROOM-1 module, its technical reference manual, Thing Plus, and Qwiic system information pages, as well as the GitHub hardware repository.

The model is priced at $19.95 and can be found on the SparkFuns products page, more information about the product can also be found on the product page.

LILYGO’s T-FPGA – An M.2-Formated Dev Board with ESP32-S3 and Gowin GW1NSR FPGA

Posted on by Debashis Das

LILYGO's T-FPGA kit - An M.2 shaped ESP32-S3 module, with Gowin FPGA, USB-C, Pmod, STEMMA Qt, 18650 holder, 20-pin I/O. Great for projects.

The LILYGO T-FPGA development kit consists of two components: an M.2 module and a carrier board. The M.2 module features an ESP32-S3 SoC and Gowin GW1NSR-4C FPGA with 4,608 LUTs along with USB-C OTG for ESP32-S3, a USB-C port for FPGA, four Pmod interfaces, a STEMMA Qt/Qwiic connector, pins for 3.3V and GND, and a 20-pin I/O header for extensive connectivity and expansion options. The carrier board provides access to all the pins and features an 18650 battery holder. 

LILYGO's T-FPGA kit Specifications

Features and Specification of LILYGO’s T-FPGA:

  • Wireless MCU: Espressif ESP32-S3R8 with AI acceleration, 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM.
  • Storage: 16MB flash.
  • FPGA: Gowin GW1NSR-LV4C with 4,608 LUTs, 256Kb flash, 64Mb PSRAM, Hyperflash, NOR flash.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 4, BLE 5.0, ceramic and u.FL antenna support.
  • USB: 1x Type-C OTG, 1x Type-C FPGA.
  • Host Interface: M.2 Key-B connector.
  • Expansion: SPI, JTAG, 3.3V, GND connector.
  • Misc: Buttons for boot/reset/power (ESP32-S3), user (FPGA), power LED, 2x user LEDs.
  • Power: 5V via USB-C or M.2, AXP2101 PMIC.
  • Dimensions: 60 x 42 mm.
  • T-FPGA Shield Specifications:
    • Pmod Interfaces: 4x Pmod interfaces for modular expansions.
    • STEMMA Qt/Qwiic Connector: 4-pin connector for I2C modules.
    • 20-Pin Header: Includes I/Os, VBUS, VLDO, GND.
    • Power: 18650 battery holder for standalone power supply.
    • Voltage Pins: 6-pin header for 3.3V, 6-pin header for GND.
    • Dimensions: 120 x 32 x 22 mm for compact integration.

LILYGO offers sample codes for ESP32-S3 (Arduino) and Gowin FPGA (Verilog) for LED control via I2C/SPI and direct FPGA LED blinking. Available on GitHub, these include schematics and setup guides for Arduino IDE and Gowin EDA. The open-source Yosys toolchain could support the T-FPGA via the Apicula project.

LILYGO's T-FPGA kit Top and Buttom

LILYGO typically provides minimal documentation, so if you’re new to Gowin FPGAs, it’s probably to start with something like the Sipeed Tang Nano 20K, 9K, or 4K. If an FPGA board with a WiFi and Bluetooth MCU looks like something useful, the full T-FPGA development kit with the ESP32-S3+Gowin FPGA module, carrier board, and several headers can be purchased on Aliexpress for $28.98 including shipping.

LILYGO's T-FPGA kit What's inside the box

You can purchase the T-FPGA from LILYGO on AliExpress for $23.62. The carrier board is sold separately for $9.75. However, a bundled offer for both can be purchased for $28.12, including shipping.

TOP PCB Companies