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Pantera Pico PC Review : A Pocket Sized Mini PC with Full Desktop Performance

Posted on by Debashis Das

Introduction

In the age of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the remote work culture is increasing daily. With this shift, the demand for compact, powerful, and versatile computing solutions has never been higher. Addressing this need, SDO has introduced the Pantera Pico PC, a miniature marvel designed to bridge the gap between the portability of a laptop and the power of a desktop PC. Here’s a comprehensive review of the Pantera PicoPC, touted as the:

“World’s Smallest Mini PC for Gaming & Work”.

The device is powered by an Intel Celeron J4125 Quad Core 2.7Ghz CPU and features up to 8 GB LPDDR4 RAM. It also has Dual Band WiFi & Bluetooth, a built-in SSD, and many other features, but the most interesting feature of this device is its size measuring just 6.9cm x 6.9cm x 5.3cm, it’s super portable. This miniature design ensures that the PC is light and can fit in your pocket or bag.

Top Reasons to Choose Pantera Pico PC

  • Compact Size: Ultra-small desktop form factor; fits easily in most bags.
  • Lightweight: Much lighter than a standard desktop tower.
  • OS Compatibility: Supports both Windows and Linux.
  • Versatile Use: Ideal for office and remote work setups.
  • Entertainment Hub: Functions as a comprehensive home entertainment center.
  • Future Ready: Compatible with Windows 11.
  • Expandable Storage: Offers user-expandable storage options.
  • Ample Connectivity: Boasts more USB ports than many competitors.
  • Silent Operation: Features an ultra-silent cooling system.
  • Visual Indicator: Equipped with a large 360-degree LED power indicator.
  • High-Quality Video: Supports 4K UHD video output.
  • Gaming Capable: Can be used as a gaming center.

Device Description and Features

As for the specs, the build quality of PicoPC is impressive. The body is built with a single block of aluminum, which makes the device look robust and stylish. The top and bottom of the PC are also made with durable plastic which makes this tiny device sturdier and resistant to bends and cracks. This material choice doesn’t not only adds to the aesthetics of the device but also ensures that the mini PC can handle daily wear and tear.

The PicoPC features an Intel Celeron J4125 CPU and 8GB RAM, handling tasks like web browsing and light editing smoothly. It offers 64GB to 1TB M.2 SSD storage, expandable with a MicroSD card.

Supports Windows 11 & Linux

The compatibility with both Windows and Linux operating systems is a major advantage. Users can opt for the familiarity and broad software support of Windows 10 or the flexibility and customization options provided by various Linux distributions. The user experience remains smooth across both operating systems.

Booting Windows 11

Connectivity

The device also features multiple connectivity options including multiple USB ports (3x USB3.0 and 1x USB2.0), a 3.5mm Audio Jack, HDMI, and more. With these ports, you can connect multiple USB devices such as keyboards, mice, external storage, and many other devices. Additionally, there is an option for Dual Band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.1 which ensures seamless wireless connectivity, further enhancing its usability.

This mini PC offers an external MicroSD card on the front of the device, and with that, you can increase the storage space of the device if there is a requirement. you can also use that slot to dump media from your camera to the SSD of the device. Talking about the SSD, you can also replace the SSD with a larger one to get even more storage for your PC. The storage size of the device we received was 1TB, which is more than enough for more usage scenarios.

The Pantera Pico PC is designed to meet all the latest standards of Microsoft, meaning you can easily install and work with Windows 11 and later making this device future-proof for further updates.

The Pantera Pico PC has a small fan, that is always spinning at full RPM upon power on, so this may be annoying for some users while trying to work in a quiet environment. We didn’t notice any feature to make the fan less noisy, even though the miniPC doesn’t heat much in IDLE. In any case, you won’t hear much noise while watching movies or TV shows, so this may be suitable as a Media PC. The small heat sink effectively cools the processor, keeping the PC running smoothly during any usage, that’s for sure. Additionally, it includes a 360-degree LED power indicator, that shows when the PC is powered on.

Games Capability

The developers of the devices indicate that this Tiny PC is capable of outputting 4K up to 60 frames per second for that buttery smooth video. so you can configure this PC as a media Streaming Device. the also indicates that this device can run Games like Minecraft, CS Go!, and Half-Life 2, which I am doubtful of, but it requires some testing.

The company offers an optional carrying case to protect your Pantera Pico PC during transport. You can choose from different EVA cases at checkout.

Technical Specifications of Pantera Pico PC:

  • Processor: Intel Celeron J4125 Quad Core 2.7Ghz CPU.
  • WiFi: Dual Band 2.4Ghz/5Ghz at 422Mbs.
  • Memory: Up to 8GB LPDDR4 in dual-channel mode (2x 4GB).
  • Storage: Options up to 1 Terabyte M.2 SSD.
  • Dimensions: Ultra-tiny, measuring 2.63 x 2.63 x 1.75 inches.
  • USB Ports: Includes 3x USB 3.0 and 1x USB 2.0.
  • Power: 12V USB-C power port.
  • SSD Storage: Dual SSD storage capability.
  • MicroSD Slot: Available for storage expansion.
  • OS Support: Compatible with 64-bit Windows 10 and various Linux distributions.
  • Audio: Combo speaker/microphone jack.
  • Cooling: Powerful fan with a robust heat sink for efficient heat management.

Available Accessories

The company provides various accessories for the Pantera Pico PC including accessories like the PicoProjector, foldable keyboards, and small mice. but there is another set of accessories that comes in with a PicoPc + PicoProjector + PowerStation. but the company said the combined weight of PicoPC, PicoProjector, and PowerStation is much lighter than typical laptops and desktops.

Conclusion

The Pantera Pico PC, with its compact design, is not only perfect for everyday computing tasks but it can also be used in day-to-day tasks. With its compact design, it can be used for point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital signage, CCTV systems, and many other tasks.

Pricing

The Pico PC is available on Indiegogo, where the base model of the Pantera Pico PC starts at $175 USD with 4GB RAM/64GB ROM and the top model with 8GB RAM/1TB SSD costs $258 USD. It is also available in multiple colors, catering to both basic and advanced computing needs.

Additional information about the device can be found on the Picopc’s website.

Dual Roundy and Dual Squary are SB-Component’s New Display Modules

Posted on by Debashis Das

SB-Component’s Dual Roundy and Dual Squary are two new display modules powered by ESP32 or RP2040 chips. These tiny modules feature a swappable display, IMU, and multiple storage options.

This series of modules offers the Dual Roundy with a 1.28″ round display and Dual Squary with a 1.54″ square display, both 240 x 240 resolution. Both models offer RP2040 or ESP32 S3 WROOM-1 microcontrollers.

Taking a look at the specifications of our microcontrollers the ESP32 S3 WROOM-1 has a dual-core LX7 processor (up to 240 MHz) with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5, while the RP2040 features a dual ARM Cortex-M0+ processor at 133MHz

In our previous posts, we covered many ESP-based display modules like MaTouch display with rotary encoder, LILYGO T-Display S3, LILYGO T-Display-S3-Long, LILYGO T4 S3 and many other display-based modules, you can check those out if interested in the topic.

Features and Specification of Dual Roundy and Dual Squary Displays:

  • SB-Components Duo Display Series:
    • Features RP2040 and ESP32 S3 WROOM-1 microcontrollers
    • Equipped with a 6-DoF IMU for advanced motion control
    • Interchangeable displays and versatile storage/connectivity options
  • Dual Roundy Model:
    • 1.28″ round display with 240 x 240 resolution
    • Choice of RP2040 or ESP32 S3 WROOM-1 microcontrollers
  • ESP32 S3 WROOM-1 Microcontroller:
    • Dual-core 32-bit LX7 microprocessor up to 240 MHz
    • Built-in 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) and Bluetooth® 5 (LE)
  • Raspberry Pi RP2040 Microcontroller:
    • 32-bit dual ARM Cortex-M0+ processor at 133MHz
  • Dual Squary Model:
    • 1.54″ square display (240 x 240 resolution)
    • Available with both microcontroller options
  • Connectivity Features:
    • MicroSD card slots
    • USB Type-C interfaces
    • Compatible with MicroPython, CircuitPython, and Arduino

The display module is very versatile and can work with MicroPython, CircuitPython, and Arduino for programming. Also, they can mimic a mouse and keyboard, making them more versatile.

The Duo Display series has special deals on Kickstarter. The ‘Super Early Bird’ deal offers the Dual Roundy and Dual Squary models, each at about $58, with three different displays: RP2040, ESP32, and one with MicroSD. There’s also a ‘Super Saving Deal’ for around $115, which includes both Roundy and Squary models with the same three types of displays, plus an extra item called the Micro RP2040.

New Radxa ROCK 5A Pink Edition Features 16GB of RAM and Supports DietPi OS

Posted on by Debashis Das

Arch Tech has recently released the Radxa ROCK 5A Pink Edition with a price tag of around $109.50, this SBC not only features an eye-catching new color but also supports the lightweight operating system DietPi.

Arch Tech has recently released the Radxa ROCK 5A Pink Edition with a price tag of around $109.50, this SBC not only features an eye-catching new color but also supports the lightweight operating system DietPi.

The ROCK 5A is equipped with a powerful combination of processors: four Cortex-A76 cores that can reach speeds up to 2.4 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores with speeds up to 1.8 GHz. It also has an Arm Mali G610MC4 GPU for graphics, a 6 TOPS NPU for AI tasks, and a large 16GB RAM.

This SBC comes in with only one version with 16GB of LPDDR4x memory. For storing data, you can use a MicroSD card, an eMMC module, or an extra PCIe (M.2 E Key) slot for more space. It has a 3.5mm jack for audio, which works for both listening and recording. The device also includes a USB Type-C port for power, compatible with USB PD 2.0 and QC 2.0 standards.

Radxa ROCK 5A Pink Edition Features and Specification:

  • Model: Radxa Rock Model 5 A Pink Edition.
  • RAM: 16GB LPDDR4x memory.
  • Processor: Rockchip RK3588S, including Quad-core Cortex-A76 (up to 2.4 GHz) and Quad-core Cortex-A55 cores (up to 1.8 GHz).
  • GPU: Arm Mali G610MC4 GPU.
  • NPU: 6 TOPS NPU.
  • Storage Options:
    • MicroSD slot.
    • eMMC module slot.
    • PCIe (M.2 E Key) slot.
  • Audio: 3.5mm jack supporting both input and output.
  • USB Ports:
    • One USB Type-C port for power (supports USB PD 2.0 and QC 2.0).
    • Two USB2 Type-A Host ports.
    • One USB 3.0 Type A Host port.
    • One USB 3.0 Type A OTG/Host port.
  • GPIO: 40-pin GPIO including 5x UART, 3x SPI, 6x I2C, 7x PWM, 1x ADC, 27x GPIOs.
  • Operating System Support: Official support for DietPi.
  • Pricing: Originally priced at $159.00, currently available at a discounted price of $109.50.
  • Availability: Launched in January 2023 and available on platforms such as AllNetChina and ameriDroid.
  • Documentation: Available on Radxa Wiki pages.

You can find the documentation for the Rock 5 Model A on the Radxa Wiki website. Also, as of their November 2023 update, DietPi officially supports this specific board.

The Radxa ROCK 5A Pink Edition, with 16GB RAM, is normally sold for $159.00 at Arace Tech. However, it’s currently available for a lower price of $109.50.

Betavoter’s New 3V Atomic Battery Can Power Your Gadget for 50 Years

Posted on by Debashis Das

Beijing's Betavoter announced the BV100, Betavoter 3V Atomic Battery sized at 15 x 15 x 5mm, with a 100 µW output and a 50-year lifespan.

Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology Co.Ltd., also known as Betavolt, has announced the BV100, a 3V “nuclear battery” for everyday use. This 15 x 15 x 5mm battery has a max output capacity of 100 microwatts (µW) and can last for 50 years without the need for a recharge.

The company claims that this 3V atomic battery “can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, MEMS systems, advanced sensors, small drones, and micro-robots. This new energy innovation will help China gain a leading edge in the new round of AI technological revolution.”

The battery was first brought to our attention by Tom’s Hardware, this battery is in its pilot stage ahead of mass production, The company says multiple BV100 batteries can be used together in series or parallel depending on device requirements, and Betavolt has plans to launch a 1-watt version of its atomic battery in 2025.

In a press release, the company said that The Betavolt BV100 is different from old atomic batteries, the old batteries were big, unsafe, and used dangerous materials like Plutonium. The BV100 is safer and won’t leak radiation, even if it’s damaged. the company also claims that Betavolt is the only company with the technology to create large diamond semiconductors, used in their BV100 battery, which uses their 4th generation diamond material.

Betavoter 3V Atomic Battery Features:

  • Product Name: Betavolt BV100 Atomic Battery
  • Power Output: 100 microwatts at 3 volts
  • Technology: Uses China’s first diamond semiconductor material
  • Lifespan: 50 years
  • Battery Type: Atomic energy battery
  • Materials: Constructed using a nickel-63 isotope and diamond semiconductor material
  • Target Applications: Aerospace, AI devices, medical devices, MEMS systems, intelligent sensors, small drones, and robots
  • Configuration: Can be used in series or parallel for different device requirements
  • Future Development: A 1-watt version planned for 2025
  • Unique Features: Safe miniature atomic battery, maintenance-free, and uses a unique large-size diamond semiconductor material
  • Safety: Claimed to be safe for consumers, resistant to radiation leakage even under extreme conditions like gunshots or punctures
  • Operating Environment: Stable in temperatures ranging from -60 to 120 degrees Celsius
  • Manufacturing Process: Involves placing a 2-micron-thick nickel-63 sheet between two diamond semiconductor converters using a single-crystal diamond semiconductor that is just 10 microns thick
  • Future Research: Exploring higher power levels and longer service lives using isotopes like strontium-90, promethium-147, and deuterium, potentially up to 230 years
  • Comparison: Distinguished from older nuclear battery technologies that were larger, more dangerous, and used Plutonium.
  • Size: 15 x 15 x 5 mm

The BV100 battery is safer because it uses nickel-63, which turns into stable copper, and diamond materials. It works well in temperatures from -60 to 120°C. Betavolt says this technology is more advanced than what’s available in Europe and America. The company also said that they are working on bringing in a 1W version of its atomic battery by 2025.

The BV100 and its upcoming 1-watt version may have low power output, but Betavolt is exploring other isotopes like strontium-90, promethium-147, and deuterium for more powerful batteries with lifespans up to 230 years. More information on the technology is available, in Chinese, on the Betavolt website;

AON1120 is a Ultra-Low-Power RISC-V SoC Designed for Always-On Edge AI Applications

Posted on by Debashis Das

At CES2024, AONDevice unveiled its new on-device machine learning chip, the AON1120. It features a RISC-V core, two NPU coprocessors, and a DSP, and operates at a remarkably low power consumption of just 260μW for full-load audio classification tasks.

At CES2024, AONDevice unveiled its new on-device machine learning chip, the AON1120. It features a RISC-V core, two NPU coprocessors, and a DSP, and operates at a remarkably low power consumption of just 260μW for full-load audio classification tasks.

The AON1120 is a system-on-chip that includes a RISC-V core, a DSP, and two NPUs for machine learning. It features multiple modes, drawing only 80μW for audio classification in listening mode and less than 260μW during full AI processing.

In addition to voice commands, the AON1120 supports biometric, gesture, and motion recognition, along with sensor fusion. It has 16 GPIU pins and offers 40 adaptable output classifications. This versatility makes it ideal for health monitoring, sleep analysis, voice-activated controls, driver authentication, and industrial equipment monitoring.

The company is offering an evaluation board featuring the edge AI processor, a TDK T5838 microphone, a USB controller, and USB power, with measurement points for core and IO power. Each kit includes a “complete AI tool suite” for dataset augmentation, training, and optimizing inference.

Detailed Specification of AON1120 Ultra-Low-Power RISC-V SoC :

  • Chip Design:
    • Type: Sensor fusion chip.
    • Architecture: Edge AI, optimized for super low-power operations.
  • Processing Units:
    • Core: RISC-V core.
    • Neural Processing Units (NPU): Dual NPU for advanced AI tasks.
    • Digital Signal Processor (DSP): Specialized HW DSP for efficient data processing.
  • Energy Efficiency:
    • Full Processing Power: Less than 260μW for 100% AI task processing.
    • Listening Mode: Below 80μW, enhancing device battery life.
  • Interfaces:
    • GPIOs: 16x General-Purpose Input/Output pins for diverse application support.
  • Packaging:
    • Form Factor: Compact 40QFN, suitable for various device integrations.
  • Sensory Capabilities:
    • Voice Command Recognition: High reliability with contextual awareness.
    • Biometric Recognition: Advanced processing for secure identification.
    • Gesture and Motion Detection: Accurate interpretation for interactive applications.
  • Accuracy and Performance:
    • Background Noise Handling: Over 90% detection rate at less than 0dB SNR with a single microphone.
    • Output Classifications: Over 40 adaptable classifications for various AI tasks.
  • Application Suitability:
    • Health and Wellness Monitoring: For proactive healthcare.
    • Smart Home Automation: Intelligent triggers for security and efficiency.
    • Sleep Analysis: Tools for analyzing and improving sleep patterns.
    • Accessibility Aids: Hands-free control for accessibility.
    • Voice-Activated Remote Controls: Enhanced home entertainment experience.
    • Driver Authentication: Biometric speaker identification in vehicles.
    • Industrial Equipment Monitoring: Early fault detection with sound recognition.
  • Company Statement:
    • CEO Mouna Elkhatib’s Vision: Commitment to super low-power, cutting-edge edge AI for always-on applications.
  • Availability and Demonstrations:
    • CES 2024 Presence: Interactive exploration of the chip’s capabilities.
    • Collaboration Opportunities: Available for meetings and partnerships at CES 2024.
  • Further Information:

AONDevices will showcase their evaluation kit at CES 2024 in Las Vegas so at the time of writing pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.

Espressif Systems Releases ESP32-C61 A Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 SoC for Superior IoT Performance

Posted on by Debashis Das

Espressif Systems recently launched the ESP32-C61, an advanced System-on-Chip (SoC) with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 (LE). Building on its predecessors like ESP32-C2 and ESP32-C3, it shares similar specifications but adds support for BLE Mesh 1.1 protocol and faster Quad SPI PSRAM, operating at speeds up to 120MHz.

Espressif Systems recently launched the ESP32-C61, an advanced System-on-Chip (SoC) with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 (LE). Building on its predecessors like ESP32-C2 and ESP32-C3, it shares similar specifications but adds support for BLE Mesh 1.1 protocol and faster Quad SPI PSRAM, operating at speeds up to 120MHz.

The ESP32-C61, a 32-bit single-core RISC-V microcontroller, operates at 160 MHz and features 320KB of SRAM, 256KB ROM, and compatibility with Quad SPI flash. It also supports Quad SPI PSRAM, providing up to 120MHz speed, which helps developers overcome memory limitations and allows for scalable future developments.

The device supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standards (802.11ax, 802.11b/g/n) and Bluetooth 5 (LE) for long-range connectivity. It includes advanced features like Target Wake Time (TWT) for power saving in 802.11ax mode, and both OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies for efficient, high-quality connections with low latency.

Technical Specification of ESP32-C61:

  • Core Processor: 32-bit single-core RISC-V microcontroller, clockable up to 160 MHz.
  • Memory:
    • 320KB on-chip SRAM.
    • 256KB ROM.
    • Quad SPI flash compatibility.
    • Quad SPI PSRAM support, up to 120MHz.
  • Connectivity:
    • Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax mode at 20MHz bandwidth, 802.11b/g/n mode at 20/40MHz bandwidth).
    • Bluetooth 5 (LE) with long-range operation and high throughput of 2 Mbps.
    • BLE Mesh 1.1 protocol support.
  • Power Management: Target Wake Time function for ultra-low power applications.
  • Security:
    • Secure Boot.
    • Flash and PSRAM Encryption.
    • Cryptographic hardware acceleration.
    • ECDSA Digital Signature Peripheral for private key protection.
    • Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) with Access Permission Management hardware block and Physical Memory Protection.
  • Peripherals:
    • Standard microcontroller peripherals: I2C, I2S, SPI, UART, LED-PWM, ADC, Timers, DMA.
    • Specialized peripherals: Event Task Matrix, Zero-crossing comparator.
  • Development Compatibility:
    • IoT Development Framework (ESP-IDF).
    • ESP-Matter-SDK for Matter open-source protocol compatibility.
    • ESP-Hosted and ESP-AT firmware options for communication co-processing with external hosts.

This device will also feature a bunch of security features like secure boot, flash and PSRAM encryption, and cryptographic accelerators. Additionally, Espresify talks about a Trusted Execution Environment with Access Permission Management and Physical Memory Protection.

For more details on the ESP32-C61, you can check out the official product announcement from Espressif Systems. If you have specific queries or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to Espressif’s customer support team for personalized help and information.

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 IoT Development Board with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Solar-Powered Support

Posted on by Debashis Das

FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 IoT Development Board

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 is a compact and energy-efficient IoT development board that features the ESP32-C6 microcontroller and supports advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, Zigbee 3.0, and Thread 1.3. Solar-powered charging and Target Wake Time technology for low power consumption are ideal for smart home automation, air quality, and soil monitoring projects.

The ESP32-C6 is an 802.15.4 baed IoT microcontroller by Espressif Systems. Key features of this module include a single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor, 2.4 GHz WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 LE, and an 802.15.4 radio supporting Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3. The ESP32-C6-DevKitC-1 development board offers an 8MB SPI flash, two USB-C ports, GPIO, UART, SPI, ADC, SDIO, and I2S interfaces, along with an RGB LED. Its device is compatible with ESP-IDF v5.1 for the development environment.

As we mentioned earlier FireBeetle 2 supports Thread 1.3, a protocol designed for low-power, secure, and scalable mesh networking in IoT devices. It features IPv6-based connectivity, and enhanced reliability, and is optimized for smart home and commercial IoT applications.

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6, supporting Wi-Fi 6, enables ultra-low-power IoT devices with efficient operation and low latency. Its Wi-Fi 6 capability, including Target Wake Time technology, reduces power consumption and extends battery life.

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 features a versatile power system, supporting Type-C, 5V DC, and solar charging for lithium batteries. It includes a solar power management chip with MPPT algorithms for optimal solar panel performance and offers battery-level monitoring for consistent operation.

FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 IoT Development Board Specifications:

  • Basic Parameters:
    • Operating Voltage: 3.3V
    • Type-C Input Voltage: 5V DC
    • VCC Input Voltage: 5V DC or 4.5-6V Solar Panel
    • Max Charging Current: 0.5A
    • Sleep Current: 16uA (in deep sleep mode, powered by battery)
    • Operating Temperature: -10~60℃
    • Dimensions: 25.4x60mm / 1×2.36”
  • Hardware Information:
    • Processor: RISC-V single-core, 160 MHz
    • Memory:
      • SRAM: 512KB
      • ROM: 320KB
      • Flash: 4MB
      • RTC SRAM: 16KB
    • USB: USB 2.0 CDC
  • Wi-Fi:
    • Protocols: IEEE 802.11b/g/n, IEEE 802.11ax (20 MHz-only non-AP mode)
    • Bandwidth: Supports 20 MHz and 40 MHz at 2.4 GHz
    • Modes: Station, SoftAP, SoftAP+Station
    • Frequency: 2.4GHz
    • Frame Aggregation: TX/RX A-MPDU, TX/RX A-MSDU
  • Bluetooth:
    • Protocol: Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth mesh
    • Frequency: 125 Kbps, 500 Kbps, 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps
  • IEEE 802.15.4:
    • Compatibility: IEEE 802.15.4-2015 protocol
    • Frequency Band: 2.4GHz
    • Data Rate: 250Kbps
    • Supports: Thread 1.3 and Zigbee 3.0
  • Ports and Interfaces:
    • Digital I/O: 19x
    • LED PWM: 6 Channel
    • SPI: 1x
    • UART: 3x (LP UART x1)
    • I2C: 2x (LP I2C x1)
    • I2S: 1x
    • IR Transceiver: 5x transmit channel, 5x receive channel
    • ADC: 1x 12-bit SAR, 7 Channel
    • DMA Controller: 3x transmit channel, 3x receive channel

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 Microcontroller includes comprehensive documentation including a product wiki, the ESP32-C6 chip datasheet, schematics, and dimension details. The shipping list for this product includes one FireBeetle 2 Board ESP32 C6 Microcontroller and two sets of 20-pin 2.54mm pin headers. There are also some tutorials available on the robot product page.

The FireBeetle 2 ESP32 C6 IoT Development Board can be purchased directly from DFrobot or you can buy it from Aliexpress. In both outlets, it is priced at $5.90.

Waveshare’s PCIe to M.2 HAT+ for Raspberry Pi 5 is Priced at $8.99

Posted on by Debashis Das

Waveshare has released their new PCIe to M.2 HAT+, designed for the Raspberry Pi 5. This module is compatible with M.2 SSDs of sizes 2230 and 2242 and features a compact design at an affordable price. 

Update: After careful observation, I figured that there is a Design Flaw in this board: The height of the Screw Mounts are the same for 2230 and 2242 SSDs so if you are plugging in a 2242 SSD the 2230 SSD mount will come in the way and it will surely damage the 2242 SSD, So beware before purchasing!

We have previously seen Pineberry Pi introduce their HatDrive Top, which was a little big compared to Waveshre’s module. But with the introduction of the Waveshare module it not only supports M.2 Solid State Drives in sizes 2230/2242 for both Gen2 and Gen3 modes. It also enables the Raspberry Pi 5 to boot directly from the SSD, enhancing its functionality and efficiency.

The Waveshare PCIe to M.2 Adapter for Raspberry Pi 5 features status LEDs for power and operations, an EEPROM for HAT ID and product info, and a power monitoring chip to display the voltage and current information on the console. The design also adds a cooling fan vent for temperature control. For more information and detailed Instructions, you can visit the Waveshare Wiki Page.

Waveshare’s PCIe to M.2 HAT+ Features:

  • Compatibility: Designed for Raspberry Pi 5, supports M.2 drives (2230 / 2242 size) with Gen2 and Gen3 modes.
  • Boot Capability: Allows Raspberry Pi 5 to boot directly from an SSD.
  • Hardware Description:
    • Power Indicator LEDs: For power-on status and Read/Write operations.
    • EEPROM: Stores HAT ID and product information.
    • Power Monitoring Chip: Offers real-time insights into the SSD’s power status.
  • Cooling Design: Airflow vent for a cooling fan to maintain optimal temperatures.
  • Setup Instructions: Available on the Waveshare Wiki page.
  • Hardware Connection: Detailed guidance on connecting wires and ports.
  • Configuration Steps:
    • Enabling PCIe interface on PI5B.
    • Adjusting for PCIE Gen2 or Gen3.
  • Partitioning and Formatting SSD:
    • Instructions on using fdisk for partitioning.
    • Steps for formatting to different file systems like ext4.
  • Mounting and Testing:
    • Procedure for creating a mount directory and mounting the SSD.
    • Read/Write test instructions.
  • NVMe SSD Booting:
    • Steps for initial setup and boot modification using Raspberry Pi’s bootloader.
  • NVMe Power Monitoring:
    • Integrated INA219 chip for voltage and current detection.
    • Instructions for monitoring input voltage status.
  • Technical Support: Information on obtaining technical assistance.

The package of the Waveshare’s PCIe to M.2 HAT+ contains the PCIe To M.2 HAT, a 20-pin double-row header, a 40mm 16P cable, and a set of standoffs. The hat is on sale for $8.99 on Waveshare’s official website.

This Solar Buck-Boost Module Enhances Solar and USB Power Management for Embedded Systems

Posted on by Debashis Das

Juan Flores’ Solar Buck-Boost Module is designed to charge a lithium-polymer battery using either a solar panel or USB power, providing a constant output voltage for noise-free power management for low-power applications. This board is designed to automatically switch between solar and USB power, without interrupting the attached load.

This project is a module that allows charging a Li-Po battery from two different energy sources and provides a constant output voltage independent of the battery voltage, with minimal losses to ensure long-lasting operation in low-power applications. It works correctly with a solar panel, hence its name.

The board is very well-designed, it has all the necessary connections to connect the battery, solar power, and the load, spread across the whole board. The board also features set resistors through which you can adjust the output voltage from 2.5V to 5V. It also has different power-saving modes, but what it lacks is protection.

In the above image, you can see all the major connection points of this board. All the inputs and outputs are listed here. The board marking also mentions the Resistor R4 through which you can set the output voltage of this board: a 750K resistor for 2.5V, 1M for 3.3V, 1.1M for 3.6V, 1.43M for 4.5V, and 1.6M for a 5V output. This feature allows for customizable voltage settings, catering to various power requirements.

The project is completely open sourced so all the necessary documentation, like the Schematic and the Layout of this project, is available for use. looking at the schematic we can see that the project is built around two major components those are the Consonance Electronics CN3063 lithium-polymer charging chip and a Texas Instruments TPS63020 which is a High Efficiency Single Inductor Buck-boost Converter with 4-A Switches, to regulate the output voltage.

The charging mechanism in this circuit functions like an N-type MOSFET, where the solar panel connects to the drain and the USB to the gate. When USB power is available, it automatically charges the battery. If there’s no USB power, the circuit switches to draw power from the solar panel for charging.

In his Hackday Article Flores mentions,

“It would work with solar panels from 4.5V to 6V, but ideally, a maximum of 5V should be used. Also, the charging speed depends on the panel’s power. The one I use is 0.2W at 5V, meaning it generates 40mAh at full performance, so it would take 10 hours in full sun to charge a battery like the one in the video (500 mAH). What I mean is that when choosing the panel, these data should be considered.”

You can find a detailed description of the project on Hackaday.io. Additionally, the KiCad project files and schematics are accessible on GitHub, though the specific licensing details are not mentioned.

AAEON COM-R2KC6 is A High-Performance COM Express Module Based on AMD Ryzen R2000 Series CPU

Posted on by Debashis Das

AAEON COM-R2KC6 is a new COM Express module based on the Ryzen Embedded R2000 series of processors. The device comes in a Type 6 form factor and features four 4K displays and additional graphics via a PEG x4 slot, leveraging its AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics.

AAEON COM-R2KC6 is a new COM Express module based on the Ryzen Embedded R2000 series of processors. The device comes in a Type 6 form factor and features four 4K displays and additional graphics via a PEG x4 slot, leveraging its AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics.

Previously we have covered many COM Express modules like the ADLINK COM Express Type 6 module, the ET880 COM Express module, the ET980 series of COM Express modules, and many others you can check if you are interested in the topic.

The R2KC6 module will support four 4K displays via eDP and three DDIs to maximize its AMD Radeon Vega 8 graphics and come in three variants: R2544 (4C/8T, 3.35 GHz, 45W), R2514 (4C/8T, 2.10 GHz, 15W), and R2314 (4C/4T, 2.10 GHz, 15W), with additional graphics support through a PEG x4 slot.

AAEON COM-R2KC6 Compact, High-Performance COM Express Module Features:

  • Form Factor: COM Express Compact, Type 6
  • CPU: AMD Ryzen Embedded R2000 Series (R2544, R2514, R2314)
  • Chipset: Integrated with Intel SoC
  • Memory: DDR4 3200MHz, 2x SODIMM, up to 32GB
  • BIOS: AMI UEFI
  • Wake on LAN: Supported
  • Watchdog Timer: 255 Levels
  • Dimensions: 3.74″ x 3.74″ (95mm x 95mm)
  • Security: TPM 2.0
  • Power: +12V/+5VSB (ATX), +12V (AT)
  • Power Consumption: 4.8A @+12V (Ryzen R2544)
  • Graphics: AMD Radeon Vega 8 / Vega 6
  • Display: Supports 4x 4K displays (eDP x1, DDI x3)
  • I/O:
    • Ethernet: Intel I226-LM/IT 2.5GbE x1
    • Audio: HD Audio Interface
    • USB: USB 2.0 x8, USB 3.2 (10Gbps x2, 5Gbps x1)
    • Serial: 2-Wire UART x2
    • Storage: SATA III x2
    • Expansion: PEG [x4], PCIe Gen3 [x1] x4, PCIe Gen3 [x4] x1, LPC
    • GPIO: 8-bit
    • SMBus/I2C: I2C x1, SMBus x1
  • Environment:
    • Operating Temp: 32°F ~ 140°F (0°C ~ 60°C)
    • Storage Temp: -40°F ~ 185°F (-40°C ~ 85°C)
    • Humidity: 0% ~ 90% RH, non-condensing
  • EMC: CE/FCC Class A
  • OS Support: Windows 10 (64-bit), Linux Ubuntu 22.04.2/Kernel 5.19.0-32
  • Weight: 0.44 lb. (0.20Kg)

The module is designed for a wide range of applications including IoT, robotics, industrial systems, machine vision, medical devices, and gaming. Its design and performance make it suitable for various applications.

For more detailed information, the product page offers comprehensive insights into the COM-R2KC6 module. While the pricing is not listed directly, interested buyers can obtain a quote by filling out a contact form available on the page.

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