The mighty Raspberry Pi 5 was released last year and at the time of release, it was and still is one of the most powerful feature packs and well-designed Single Board Computer out there. But what if you need more power or your application requires to install Windows 11 on your single-board computer?
This is where the LattePanda Mu comes in, the LattePanda Mu is an Intel N100 quad-core Alder Lake-N processor-powered System on Module (SoM), with 8GB RAM, 64GB eMMC, PCIe,USB 3.0, Ethernet, HDMI, and more. However, the most important thing is that it can run both Windows 11 and Linux operating systems.
LattePanda Mu & Carier Board
Unlike the Raspberry Pi, the LattePanda Mu is not an SBC but it is an Intel N100 powered System on Module (SoM), and to work with it you will need a carrier board. Speaking about the carrier boards the company provides two carrier boards the full evolution carrier and a lite carrier board. Both boards use a 19V DC power supply, and to work with PCIe you need to provide external power. The Full carrier board comes with features like dual ethernet, more USB, MIPI, eDP 1.4, and more, but these features are reduced significantly for the lite carrier board. The company also provides development resources on GitHub with which you can develop your career board.
Note: The PCIe slot of the lite carrier is available only when using a 12V power supply.
The Lite carrier board is smaller, measuring 145mm x 100mm. It offers good functionality for most users, including a PCIe x4 connection, two M.2 slots for Wi-Fi/4G/5G, and storage. Whereas the full evolution carrier board is larger, and essentially an ITX motherboard. In this review, we will use the Lite Carrier Board.
SODIMM connector
The LattePanda Mu module uses a SODIMM connector to connect to the carrier board. Remember about the Raspberry Pi, they also used SODIMM slots until Compute Module 3 then the CM4 came in with a completely new design, the Pi foundation had to do this because of the bottleneck associated with the SODIMM slot. But moving on the Mu is small in size only 60 x 69.6mm and the company claims it is faster than the Pi5. Will later compare the performance of Mu with RP5 to see if this is true and how much is the difference.
Requires a Heatsink
The Intel N100CPU on the SoM requires cooling, and there are 3x options options available. If you prefer a silent operation, 2x different passive coolers are available. Alternatively, an active cooler with a fan is also available and was included in our review unit. The fan is quiet under normal use but speeds up when the CPU load increases and gets louder. In this way, it effectively limits the CPU temperature to 84°C and safe limits. The actual temperature of the heatsink was measured at only 32°-35C during the benchmark stress. The company mentions that the board is designed for embedded applications so it’s not meant to be used for heavy CPU loads for a long time.
Storage Options
The LattePanda Mu will ship with unregistered Windows 11 on the 64GB eMMC, where you will have 18GB for your applications. The eMMC is fast and you can do all of your work with the eMMC but for a better and faster experience, you can always add a NVMe SSD. Speaking of SSDs the Lite Carrier has an M.2 slot for NVMe, but the evaluation board requires a PCIe breakout board for NVMe support. Additionally, the Mu’s full BIOS allows for customization, such as enabling/disabling the eMMC when installing Linux on an NVMe drive.
Operating System
The board runs both Windows 11 and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS which is an older version of Linux, but it outperforms Windows 11 on the device. While the newer Ubuntu 24.04 isn’t supported yet, Ubuntu 22.04 is a great daily driver for most tasks, including web browsing, music streaming, and image editing. However, demanding tasks like video editing are better suited for more powerful machines.
The LattePanda Mu Specifications
Processor: Intel N100 Quad-Core, Four-Thread up to 3.4 GHz
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics up to 750 MHz
RAM: 8GB LPDDR5 4800 MHz
Storage: 64GB eMMC
Connectivity: Via carrier board
GPIO:
4 x UART
4 x I2C
64 GPIOs via carrier board
USB:
Up to 8 x USB 2
4 x USB 3.2
Display: Via carrier board
1 x eDP 1.4
3 x HDMI 2 / DisplayPort 1.4
Expansion Slots: Varies depending on carrier board
Dimensions: 60 x 69.6mm
Performance
If we compare the Raspberry Pi 5 with LattePanda Mu, it outperforms the Pi in applications like NAS, routers, and cluster computing, thanks to its x86 CPU and wider OS compatibility. The N100 CPU balances low power consumption (5W) with high performance (up to 16W in tests). While it excels in network appliances and low-power, high-performance builds, its full potential is unlocked with custom carrier boards. Home users may prefer the full evaluation board for its additional features.
LattePanda Mu vs Raspberry Pi 5B
To test the performance of LattePanda Mu vs Raspberry Pi 5B we used the Geekbench 6 for Windows and the results are shown below. Mu outperforms the RP5 in both single-core and multi-core scores.
Purchase
The LattePanda Mu costs only $139 on DFrobot but the full option with lite carrier and active cooler will cost you around $190.00, which is good looking at the price to performance but with $50 extra dollars you can get yourself the full evolution board which features GbE Ethernet, PCIe support and more.
The LattePanda Mu is a powerful, low-power option that fits between the Raspberry Pi 5 and other LattePanda products, making it suitable for custom builds. While it requires a carrier board for functionality, like Raspberry Pi Compute Modules, its superior CPU performance (>150% more power than the Raspberry Pi 5) and low power consumption make it appealing. However, there are some reports of non-functional GPIO pins, which are expected to be resolved with a firmware update, which is a drawback for some users at the moment of writing this review.
The Khadas Edge2 is a Rockchip RK3588S powered Single Board Computer (SBC) renowned for being the thinnest in the industry, measuring just 5.7mm in height (without the heatsink) this thin little SBC features an octa-core Cortex-A76/A55 processor, up to 16GB LPDDR4 memory, 32SPI flash, camera, USB, Audio and much more. The new board has the same form factor as a Rockchip RK3399 powered Khadas Edge but certain differences make the Khadas Edge2 a much more interesting device than the older one.
Design and Features
The most highlighted feature is its thinness, the board is just 5.7mm thick (without a heatsink) that can be compared to a stack of credit cards. So considering the form factor alone it makes a great choice for projects where space is limited.
The board is powered by a Rockchip RK3588S, which we have seen being used on SBCs like the Toybrick TB-RK3588SD, NanoPi R6C, and many other devices so the SoC delivers a good balance of speed, efficiency, and power. In terms of RAM, it can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which should be enough for most tasks.
One unique feature of the Edge2 is its support for up to four independent displays. This opens up possibilities for projects like digital signage or multi-monitor setups. The board also has many ports, including USB, HDMI, and MIPI-CSI for connecting cameras.
The onboard RTC battery and STM32 microcontroller enable automated power-on and standby, a convenient feature for headless setups. The lack of an Ethernet port might be a drawback for some users, but including a high-speed Wi-Fi 6 module effectively compensates for this.
Performance
The Rockchip’s RK3588S delivers exceptional performance in generic tasks like Home serve, 4K video playback and streaming, Edge AI processing, and others. The octa-core CPU, Mali-G610 MP4 GPU, and 6 TOPS NPU make it capable of handling demanding tasks like 4K UI rendering, 3D gaming, and AI applications.
The video capabilities of the are equally impressive, with support for up to 8K decoding and encoding, opening up possibilities for digital signage, entertainment, and gaming. The availability of both Basic (8GB RAM/32GB eMMC) and Pro (16GB RAM/64GB eMMC) variants allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.
Software: Multi-OS Flexibility and OOWOW Convenience
The Edge2 supports Ubuntu 22.04 and Android 11/12 out of the box, and Khadas’ OOWOW system simplifies the installation process, making it easy for users to switch between operating systems. The Fenix one-click script further streamlines the process of building custom Linux distributions.
Maker Friendliness: Pogo Pads, MIPI Interfaces, and Expansion Modules
Khadas hasn’t forgotten about their DIY! enthusiasts and hobbies. The Edge2 is designed with Pogo Pads, MIPI interfaces, and FPC headers, providing convenient access to essential I/O for programmers and developers. The availability of an IO Expansion Module further expands the device’s capabilities, adding features like SD card support and UART debugging.
To make things simpler we have written down the specifics of the board with details you can check those out below.
Misc: Fan header, accelerometer, RTC battery, RGB LEDs, buttons
Power: USB-C PD, XPWR pads
Dimensions: 82 x 57.5 x 5.7 mm (board only)
Weight: 25 grams
Certifications: RoHS, CE, FCC, TELEC, KC
The Khadas Edge2 is an ultra-thin powerhouse that pushes the boundaries of SBCs. Its combination of performance, versatility, and maker-friendly features makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re a software developer, a hardware enthusiast, or someone looking for a powerful and compact computing solution, the Edge2 has something to offer.
The Khadas Edge2 is available for purchase from the official Khadas website starting at $199.00 for the base model. It can also be found on Amazon for $259.00, sometimes with additional accessories or bundles included. More information can be found on the company’s products page.
The CrowView Note – 14” is a portable laptop-style monitor with an integrated 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display (100% sRGB color gamut) along with a keyboard, touchpad, and speakers. The device easily connects with gadgets like smartphones, computers, Mini PCs, and single-board computers (SBC) like the Raspberry Pi and Nvidia Jetson Nano, etc. It has a built-in 5000mAh battery and can normally work for 1-2 hours without any external power supply. Moreover, the built-in battery can also power smartphones, Raspberry Pi, and other devices. Forget carrying out a heavy laptop or your expensive MacBook on your trip, because, with this compact portable device, you only need to connect your smartphone and do your major work. The best part is it will only cost you hundreds, not thousands that you may spend on an expensive laptop.
Packaging
The CrowView Note package comes complete with everything you need to get started. In the box, you’ll find the CrowView Note, a handy user manual to guide you through setup and features, and a convenient adapter to ensure compatibility with your devices.
Front view of the packagingBack view of the packaging
Design and Build
Talking about the design and build quality of the device, it has a sleek and modern design, resembling a compact laptop, this all-in-one design includes an integrated screen, keyboard, touchpad, and speakers. Which makes it a good choice for those users who require a multifunctional portable display. The plastic case quality seems robust and has a nice gray paint finish, which it’s uncertain if it will last for the lifetime of the product. Overall quality feels like a mid-range laptop, and for sure you have to pay attention while carrying it from one place to another.
The package contents and bridge boardsThe package contents
Display Quality
The CrowView Note -14” has a 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display with a 100% sRGB color gamut, which translates to vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The screen brightness is 300 cd/m2, which makes it easy to see in different lighting conditions. The standard aspect ratio is 16:9 like most modern displays, providing enough screen for multitasking and media consumption. One effective feature is connecting this device to a smartphone and using it like a desktop, basically turning it into a computer. This is basically for those people who use their phones for work and need a bigger screen to do more things. The quality of the display is sharp and crisp and you would enjoy working on it.
CrowView’s IPS display is clear even from a side viewBooting on Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit)
The device supports multiple operating systems, including the latest version of Windows, Mac, Chrome, Linux, Android, Switch, PS4/PS5, and Raspberry Pi. On top of that, the notebook can connect via USB Type C (with DisplayPort Alt Mode) or Mini HDMI, which means you can connect your laptop, Mini PC, and other compatible devices. The list of compatible devices makes this device usable for those who need a portable screen with a keyboard and touchpad for work, Gaming, or Entertainment.
Connectivity
Raspberry Pi 4B connected to Bridge Board
Not only multiple operating systems, the device also supports various SBCsmaking it a great choice for those using devices like Raspberry Pi, Rock Pi, Beagle Bone, Latte Panda V1, Nvidia Jetson Nano, Orange Pi 4B, and Banana Pi MS. The monitor’s support for HDMI and USB Type C connections ensures that it can easily interface with SBCs that feature these ports. This device works smoothly with other gadgets like gaming consoles and laptops, you can use it for different purposes. It’s also great for people who use those tiny but powerful computer boards called SBCs. Programmers, hobbyists, and teachers can use this device for coding, building projects, or watching videos. The display is very handy because it connects easily to most devices with HDMI or USB-C and gives you a practical solution for increasing your workspace.
Raspberry Pi 4B + Bridge Board connected to the CrowView Note 14″
The CrowView Note connects with multiple devices, making it a very flexible tool for everyone in daily life. It has ports for USB-A (to connect devices and your main computer), Mini HDMI (for video), and Type-C (for both power and data). You can even plug in your headphones for audio and use a separate power supply if needed. This device works smoothly with all sorts of gadgets like laptops, smartphones, and Mini PCs from well-known brands like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Whether you’re super tech-savvy or just starting, the CrowView Note is super handy.
OSD menu is full-featured
CrowView Note -14 Inch has multiple interfaces including a USB type C port, a Mini HDMI port, and a USB-A port with a 3.5 headphone port. The USB type C port is used for both power and data transmission with just one cable. This makes it convenient for connecting to laptops and other devices that support USB type C. The Mini HDMI port is very useful for connecting to Gaming consoles, Raspberry Pi, and other devices with HDMI outputs. Additionally, the USB type A port can be used for connecting peripherals or for data transfer. This range of ports allows this device to connect easily to multiple devices like Laptops, Smartphones, and Gaming Consoles. Whether you’re using it for work, Gaming, or presentations, these multiple interfaces provide flexibility and convenience.
The overall setup is minimal thanks to the internal battery
Other than that the device offers a variety of ports and connectivity options, making it flexible for different use cases. Here are the main ports and their functions:
USB-C Port: This port supports both power and data transmission, allowing for a single-cable connection to compatible devices. It can be used to connect the monitor to laptops, smartphones, and other USB-C equipped devices. This simplifies setup and reduces cable clutter, as it can handle video, audio, and power simultaneously.
Mini HDMI Port: The Mini HDMI port is available while connecting the monitor to devices like gaming consoles, cameras, and other systems with HDMI outputs. This port supports High-definition video and audio, making it ideal for gaming, media playback, & other applications that require high-quality visuals.
USB-A Port: This port can be used for connecting peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, or USB storage device. It provides additional flexibility for those who need to connect accessories while using this portable device.
Performance
When it comes to performance, this device offers a reliable and smooth experience. The built-in 5000mAh battery provides 1-2 hours of operation without external power, which is convenient for short-term use on the go. Please note that no battery indicator is available. The battery can also charge devices like smartphones and power Raspberry Pi, making it super portable. The built-in speakers are good enough for casual listening and video calls, they offer satisfying sound quality for daily use. However, for a more immersive audio experience, users might prefer external speakers or headphones. Its keyboard shortcuts and On-Screen Display (OSD) settings enhance usability. Allowing users to easily adjust settings such as brightness, volume, and color temperature. The inclusion of multiple languages in the OSD menu caters to a global user base.
Getting Started
Setting up the CrowView Note -14” is straightforward, with clear instructions provided in the user manual. Connecting different devices is a hassle-free process, thanks to the variety of available ports and compatible cables (USB-A to USB-A, Type-C to Type-C, and HD to Mini HD). For specific devices like the Raspberry Pi 5 and Nvidia Jetson Nano Developer Kit, the CrowView Note requires additional Bridge Boards, which are sold separately. While this adds another step to the setup, it helps make sure everything works properly, it ensures optimal compatibility and performance for these specialized devices. This device works with different Operating Systems and platforms, which is why it is very good for people who use multiple OS for their work. Whether used as a secondary monitor for a laptop, a display terminal for a Mini PC, or an extension for a smartphone (supports Samsung DeX), this display adapts to different scenarios with ease.
Samsung DeX Mode Support
CrowView Note -14” supports Samsung DeX mode to enable a full-featured Android desktop computer on the go. To use this feature you will need a USB-C cable that supports video/data transmission along with power.
CrowView running on Samsung DeX modeSamsung DeX mode enables a full featured desktop mode of your mobile device
CrowView Note -14″ Specifications:
Display:
Size: 14 inches
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Color Gamut: 100% sRGB
Brightness: 300cd/m²
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Battery:
Capacity: 5000mAh, 7.4V
Type: Built-in
Operating Time: 1-2 hours without external power supply
Power Output: Can power connected devices (e.g., smartphones, Raspberry Pi)
Ports and Connectivity:
1 x USB-A (connect master device)
1 x USB-A (connect peripherals)
1 x Mini HD (signal transmission)
1 x Type-C (power supply, PD 5V/5A output)
1 x Type-C (full-featured, 5V/3A output)
1 x DC 3.5mm Interface (power supply, 12V/4A input)
1 x Headphone Jack
Audio:
Speakers: 2 x 8Ω/2W
Input:
Keyboard: Integrated
Touchpad: Integrated
OSD (On-Screen Display) Settings:
Brightness: Adjustable range: 0-100
Contrast: Adjustable range: 0-100
ECO Mode: STANDARD/RTS/FPS/MOVIE/GAME/TEXT
DCR: OFF/ON
Sharpness: Adjustable range: 0-4
Hue: Adjustable range: 0-100
Saturation: Adjustable range: 0-100
Color Temp: sRGB/USER/WARM/COOL (RGB adjustable in USER mode)
Low Blue Light: Adjustable range: 0-4
Volume: Adjustable range: 0-100
Mute: OFF/ON
Signal Source: Selectable
Aspect Ratio: WIDE/4:3
FreeSync: OFF/ON
OD (OverDrive): OFF/ON
Clone Mode: OFF/ON
Compatibility:
Compatible with devices having HD and Type-C (full-featured) interfaces
Example devices:
Smartphones: Huawei Mate series, Apple iPhone 15 series, Samsung Galaxy S and Note series
Laptops: Apple MacBook series, Huawei MateBook series, Samsung Notebook series, Microsoft Surface Book 2, ASUS VivoBook and ROG series, Dell XPS and Alienware series, HP Pavilion and EliteBook series, Lenovo Legion and ThinkBook series
Dimensions and weight:
Size: 334 x 223 x 20 mm
Weight: 1200g
Additional Features:
Status Indicator: White during operation
Caps Lock Indicator: White when activated
Num Lock Indicator: White when activated
Microphone: Integrated
Power Button: Short press to power on, long press to power off
Power Indicator: Red during charging
Conclusion
The CrowView Note 14-inch is a fair-quality portable monitor that’s great for work, gaming, or watching videos. It connects easily to various sources using USB Type-C and Mini HDMI ports. It is lightweight and easy to set up and use for a bunch of different things and it is perfect for taking it with you wherever you go. You should keep in mind that this monitor doesn’t have a built-in computer, storage, or camera. Its design is very simple and convenient so you can add an extra screen to your devices or convert your smartphone to a laptop PC thanks to the remote desktop function of most modern devices.
Samsung DeX running Chrome on Galaxy S24+
The CrowView Note works with different devices and operating systems, so it’s a good choice for anyone looking for a portable second screen. This device is easy to use, and you can connect it to almost any device, reliably.
While the need for additional Bridge Boards for specific devices may be a minor inconvenience, the overall benefits and functionality of this device far outweigh this drawback. For those who are searching for a portable monitor that offers flexibility, durability, and excellent display quality, the CrowView Note 14″ is a highly recommended choice. Pricing information is not available at the time of writing this review.
Waveshare has recently announced UPS HAT (E), which can be used to provide backup power for RaspberryPi 5/4B/3B+ in case of a power outage. The HAT supports four 21700 Lithium batteries and includes a battery fuel gauge IC for monitoring battery power.
The board also has a USB-C port that can charge the battery with up to 40 watts of power and the onboard buck converter that allows up to 6A of MAX current for pouring the PI and the peripherals attached to the PI. All these features make this HAT useful for applications where high power is required Examples could be the Raspberry Pi AI AI Kit, the Waveshare PCIe-Based 5G HAT+, and the Radxa Penta SATA HAT.
The features and specifications are all well and good, but one key thing is that the HAT uses pogo pins to power the Pi and the associated peripherals, but the concern is the will the pogo pins be sufficient enough to deliver power to the Pi and its associated peripherals.
Additionally, the company shares a list of dos and don’t on their Wiki Page which are described below:
Never reverse the polarity when charging or discharging the battery.
Only use high-quality chargers and charging panels designed for these batteries.
Avoid mixing old and new batteries, or batteries from different brands.
When purchasing replacement batteries, ensure they are compatible with your device’s specifications and are from a reputable manufacturer. If possible, perform an aging test to verify stability and safety.
Lithium batteries have a limited lifespan and degrade over time. Replace them after they reach their maximum cycle life or after two years, whichever comes first.
Store batteries carefully in a safe location, away from flammable or explosive materials, and out of reach of children.
Waveshare UPS HAT (E) Specifications
Compatibility: Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+
Power Input/Output: Type-C port, bi-directional, up to 40W
MCU Management: Detects power connection and manages Raspberry Pi booting
Battery Management: Onboard MCU with battery fuel gauge IC
Features: Fast charging, battery level display, optional active cooling support
Power Supply
5V/5A USB Type-C
2x pogo pin to power the Raspberry Pi
Dimensions: 56mm × 88mm, 3.0mm mounting holes
The Waveshare UPS HAT (E) for Raspberry Pi uses Python commands to enable I2C, battery level detection, and display a battery level logo. It also allows for adjustments to boot current and boot time based on power input.
The Waveshare UPS HAT (E) is available on various platforms like Amazon, Aliexpress, and the official Waveshare store, and prices range from $32.99 to $44.99 considering different platforms.
The Waveshare ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3B is a flexible development board built on the ESP32-S3 SoC with RS485, CAN Bus, I2C, and isolated DIO interfaces via terminal block. It has a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 800×480. The board includes a 32-bit dual-core Xtensa LX7 processor (up to 240 MHz), 16 MB of flash storage, and 8 MB of PSRAM. It supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, and I2C touch control and has an RTC and microSD card slot. ESP32-S3-Touch-LCD-4.3B is ideal for IoT HMI, smart home automation, and other ESP32-S3 projects.
Previously, we wrote about the Waveshare RP2040-LCD-1.28, which has a 1.28-inch round LCD display, a Li-ion battery charger, and a 6-axis sensor (3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope). Feel free to check it out if you’re interested.
CPU: Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration, 384KB ROM.
Memory: 512KB RAM and 8MB PSRAM
Storage: 16MB Flash
Connectivity: 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE with support for long-range, up to 2Mbps data rate, mesh network.
Storage: MicroSD card slot
Display:
4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen
800×480 resolution
I2C touch control
Input/Output
CAN Bus (TJA1051T/3)
RS485 (SP3485EN)
I2C
Isolated Digital Input: 2x DI (5-36V, passive/active, bi-directional optocoupler)
Isolated Digital Output: 2x DO (5-36V, 450mA/channel)
Additional Features
Onboard RTC (Real-Time Clock) chip
LED indicators for power and battery status
Power Supply
7-36V DC via terminal block
USB Type-C
Rechargeable battery support (3.7V lithium)
Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 65°C
Dimensions: 112.4mm x 75.1mm
The Waveshare ESP32-S3 Touch LCD 4.3B wiki page gives detailed info on the board’s features, specs, setup instructions, and usage examples. It’s a helpful resource for developers using this versatile board.
The USB Insight Hub from David Santana of Aereo Solutions SAS is a three-port USB 3.0 hub with power monitoring using a Microchip PA1943 IC and a device monitoring display using the ESP32-S2 microcontroller. Each of the three downstream ports features a 1.3-inch 240×240 TFT display to show real-time data about power consumption and USB device information, such as drive letters, mount points, and COM (USB CDC) port identifiers. The hub supports individual power management of USB data cables and power a available on each port.
A companion application running on the host PC extracts USB information from the operating system and sends it to the USB Insight Hub. This architecture allows the displays to provide detailed and useful metadata about connected devices. The hub’s design includes a Renesas uPD720210 hub controller, PAC1943 power meter, and an STMicroelectronics STM8 acting as an IO expander, all within a compact and open-source enclosure.
Previously, we wrote about the Programmable USB Hub, a CircuitPython-based development board with 4-port high-speed USB, USB Hub I2C, UART, and GPIO. Feel free to check it out if you are interested in this product.
Three 1.3-inch 240 x 240 pixel IPS TFT displays with a wide 170° viewing angle.
Displays clear and detailed information about connected USB devices.
Displays show device metadata like drive letters, mount points, and COM (USB CDC) port identifiers.
USB:
Renesas uPD720210 hub controller for USB 3.0 functionality.
Three USB 3.0 downstream ports support high-speed data transfer.
One USB 3.0 Type-C upstream port for data and power.
Supports USB 2.0 (Low, Full, Hi-Speed) and USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) lines.
Host Computer Compatibility:
USB property extraction for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Operating system drivers are available for the USB Hub and ESP32-S2 microcontroller.
Power Measurement and Protection:
Monitors voltage, current, and power consumption for each USB port.
Provides interrupt signals for over/under voltage and over/under current conditions.
Microchip PA1943 IC for power monitoring on the +5V rail.
User-programmable limits for over/under voltage and over/under current.
Individual D+/D- switches for each downstream port to force enumeration.
Individual AP22653 switches for power delivery to each downstream port with configurable current limits(0.5 A, 1.0 A, 1.5 A, 2.0 A) and protections.
PAC1943 power and energy monitor with 1 mA current and 1 mV voltage resolutions.
TPS259470 eFuses for power muxing with low series resistance and inrush current control.
Proper ESD protection for all inputs and outputs (data and power).
Additional Features:
STEMMA QT connector for expanding functionality.
Programming headers for the main and auxiliary microcontrollers.
Latching switch for turning the hub on/off.
Additional setup/configuration button.
Mechanical push buttons for power control (short press) and USB 2.0 data switching (long press).
Power supply: Dedicated USB Type-C connector for auxiliary power (up to 5 A@5 V).
The USB Insight Hub’s open-source nature allows for future enhancements, with hardware schematics and firmware to be released before the crowdfunding campaign. Despite the inclusion of an ESP32-S2 SoC, it does not use Wi-Fi; dimensions are not provided on the product page.
The open-source design of the USB Insight Hub makes it possible to add future improvements, with the introduction of hardware schematics and firmware to be released before the crowdfunding campaign. The product comes along with an ESP32-S2 SoC, yet, no Wi-Fi communication happens; also, no product dimensions are displayed on the web page. To learn more, visit the USB Insight Hub product page on Crowd Supply. There, you can sign up for notifications when the pre-sales campaign begins.
The Acelink SM81 SOM is a compact, high-power WiFi 6/6E system-on-module (SOM) designed for IoT applications. It features a MediaTek Filogic 820 (MT7981A/B) SoC with support for dual-band concurrent operation and offers a variety of interfaces including USB, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet. With its flexible memory options and support for various operating systems, the SM81 can be used in diverse applications such as WiFi AP/Router, IoT, SDWAN, and VPN solutions.
Acelink SM81 SOM Specifications
Chipset: Mediatek MT7981BA (Dual-Core ARM Cortex-A53, 1.3GHz)
Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz & 5GHz (Simultaneous Dual-Band)
MIMO Configuration:
2.4GHz: 2×2
5GHz: 3×3
Channel Width:
2.4GHz: 20MHz, 40MHz
5GHz: 20MHz, 40MHz, 80MHz, 160MHz
Max Data Rates (Theoretical):
2.4GHz: 573.5 Mbps (WiFi 6)
5GHz: 3603 Mbps (WiFi 6)
Security: Hardware-accelerated AES-CCMP, GCMP
Power Consumption:
Typical: 8W
Max: 11W
Operating Temperature: -10°C to 70°C
Antenna Connectors: 3x IPEX
Software Support:
OpenWRT 23.05 (Linux Kernel 5.15)
Debian 11.8 Bullseye (Linux Kernel 5.15)
Dimensions: 50mm x 36mm x 3.0mm
Weight: 20g (Preliminary)
Acelink offers two evaluation kits for the SM81 SoM. The SM81 EVK-AP is designed for development and includes two Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB connectivity for power and debugging. For cellular IoT gateway applications, the SM81 EVK-LTE provides an M.2 slot for 4G LTE modules, dual SIM card slots, and extensive connectivity options including six Gigabit Ethernet ports, an SFP cage, and various serial and USB interfaces. This comprehensive set of tools allows developers to explore the full potential of the SM81 module in both wired and wireless networking scenarios.
Acelink’s SM81 Filogic 820 SoM can be purchased for $39, while its EVK-AP evaluation kit costs only $99. But at the time of writing the information for the EVK-LTE kit’s price is unlisted. For more details (with potential inaccuracies), see Acelink’s website.
Lattice Semiconductor has introduced the MachXO5D-NX FPGA family, which integrates a hardware root of trust (RoT) into low-power FPGAs to address security challenges. By combining on-chip Flash memory and hardware encryption, these FPGAs minimize code capture risks during load time. The MachXO5D-NX family includes three variants with logic cell counts of 27k (FMXO5-25), 53k (LFMXO5-55T), and 96k (LFMXO5-100T).
These FPGAs feature built-in hardware encryption, a cryptographic engine supporting AES-256, ECDSA-384/521, SHA2-256/384/512, and RSA 3072/4096, and a unique secret identity (USID) for device identity protection. Built on a 28-nm fully-depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) process, these FPGAs reduce power consumption by 75% and lower soft error rates by 100x. They support interfaces such as MIPI D-PHY (CSI-2, DSI), LVDS, Gigabit Ethernet, and PCIe, making them suitable for secure edge applications.
Top & Bottom View
Specifications of Lattice MachXO5D-NX FPGA Family
FPGA: Lattice Semi MachXO5D-NX FPGA family
27k (FMXO5-25)
53k (LFMXO5-55T)
96k (LFMXO5-100T)
Programmable Logic: 27k to 96k logic cells, 20 to 156 multipliers
Memory:
1.9 Mbit to 7.3 Mbit embedded memory
DDR3/DDR3L/LPDDR4 support
Interfaces:
MIPI D-PHY, LVDS, SLVS, SGMII
PCIe Gen1/2, Ethernet
I/O:
200-300 programmable I/O
High-performance (1.8V) and wide-range (3.3V)
Analog Features:
Dual ADC (1 MSPS, 12-bit SAR)
Three continuous-time comparators
Security Features:
Bitstream encryption (AES-256)
Authentication (ECDSA)
Secure boot
Additional Features:
Clock Data Recovery (CDR)
sysDSP blocks with Dynamic Shift for AI/ML
sysMEM EBR
Soft error mitigation
Dual ADC, dual DAC
Power Management: Low-power and high-performance modes
Dimensions: 17 x 17mm
For more detailed information, you can check out the MachXO5-NX Family datasheet on Lattice Semiconductor’s website.
The MachXO5-NX FPGAs enable edge AI and math-intensive applications with multipliers and DSP cells. The FPGA also comes with MIPI, LVDS, Ethernet, PCIe, and DDR interfaces. Embedded Flash memory supports multi-boot and user storage. Additionally, the chips are compatible with the Lattice Radiant design suite and utilize pre-engineered IP modules.
This FPGA also features a hardware-based cryptographic engine with advanced encryption standards (AES), a true random number generator, and a unique secret identity for enhanced security. The devices are crypto-agile, which means they can switch between multiple cryptographic algorithms or methodologies. Additionally, they support Commercial National Security Algorithms (CNSA) specified for bitstream and cryptographic algorithms like AES-256 and SHA2-512. By integrating security features into hardware, no FPGA fabric needs to be dedicated to security, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
The MachXO5-NX includes an FD-SOI’s layered architecture that reduces leakage current, resulting in 75% lower power consumption and a 100x reduction in soft errors. This makes it suitable for use in electrically noisy and radiation-prone environments.
Another problem this chip solves is the code capture risk, often associated with glitching—a process where a chip is powered with an electrical pulse or voltage fluctuation, causing temporary malfunction and potential security bypass. The MachXO5D-NX FPGAs help prevent unauthorized access and code capture by providing robust hardware-based protection.
Lattice Semiconductor also offers the MachXO5-NX development board, built around the MachXO5-NX-25 FPGA. This board provides a range of features for secure control and system management. It offers flexible I/O options, including SGMII and ADC, and is compatible with various expansion headers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and FX12. It supports multiple configuration modes (JTAG, I2C/I3C, SPI) and includes components like HyperRAM, LEDs, switches, and buttons for demonstration and prototyping purposes. The board is designed to simplify the development process and enhance security in programmable FPGA applications.
Radxa has launched a new single-board computer this month, featuring the Intel N100 low-power processor. It is now available for preorder from multiple distributors in 4GB and 8GB RAM configurations. Key features of this SBC include Wi-Fi 6, an M.2 slot for NVMe SSDs, and an RP2040 for GPIO support.
Radxa X4 storage M.2 M Key slot
As previously stated, the Radxa X4 has an Intel Processor N100 with four cores and four threads, with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.40 GHz and a 6 MB Intel Smart Cache. It also includes the Intel Gaussian & Neural Accelerator 3.0, Intel Image Processing Unit 6.0, and support for Intel Virtualization Technology.
The GPU is Intel UHD Graphics, offering a maximum dynamic frequency of 750 MHz. It supports DirectX 12.1, OpenGL 4.6, and OpenCL 3.0. For multimedia features, the device supports dual display outputs via two Micro HDMI ports, capable of resolutions up to 4Kp60. Audio features include a headphone jack with microphone input.
The memory options for the Radxa X4 include LPDDR5 RAM with a maximum frequency of 4800 MT/s and it can be configured with 4GB, 8GB, 12GB, and 16GB RAM. For storage, the Radxa X4 provides optional onboard eMMC, SPI Flash for BIOS, and an M.2 M Key Connector with PCIe 3.0 4-lane for M.2 2230 NVMe SSDs.
Radxa X4 and RP2040 MCU
Regarding connectivity, the Radxa X4 includes a 2.5G Ethernet port with PoE support; however, it requires the PoE HAT shown in the image on the right.
It is available in two variants: one offering wireless connectivity options including IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth 5.2 and BLE, and the other featuring IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi 5 with Bluetooth 5.0 and BLE.
This SBC also features a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller (dual-core Cortex-M0+), which is routed to the 40-pin color GPIO header that provides support for up to two SPI, two UART, two I2C, sixteen PWM, eight Programmable I/Os, one 5V DC power in, and two 3.3V power pins.
Specifications
Memory/Storage:
Up to 16GB LPDDR5 RAM
Audio/Display:
1x Headphone Jack w/ Mic Input
2x Micro HDMI
Connectivity:
1x 2.5G Ethernet Port w/ PoE support
Wi-Fi 6, BLE 5.2
Wi-Fi 5, BLE 5.0
Expansion:
1x M.2 M Key Connector w/ PCIe 3.0
I/O Interfaces:
40-pin GPIO expansion header
USB:
1x USB 2.0 HOST Type A Port
3x USB 3.0 HOST Type A Ports
Other Features:
1x RTC Battery socket
1x 2-pin Fan header
1x 2-pin Power input header
1x Power button, 1x Boot button
OS:
Windows 10/11
Debian/Ubuntu
Power:
12V/2A (via USB Type-C)
Operating Temperature:
0°C to 50°C
Mechanical:
85 mm x 56 mm
Radxa guarantees the availability of the Radxa X4 until at least September 2032. As of the publication date, the Radxa X4 can be pre-ordered from three distributors, but only in 4GB and 8GB RAM configurations.
AllNetChina offers the Radxa X4 with 4GB RAM and Wi-Fi 5 for $60.00. The 8GB RAM version with Wi-Fi 6 is priced at $80.00.
Arace Tech lists the Radxa X4 with 4GB RAM and Wi-Fi 6 at $59.90, the 8GB RAM version with Wi-Fi 6 at $79.90, and the 8GB RAM model with 64GB eMMC and Wi-Fi 6 at $89.00.
AliExpress lists the board with 4GB RAM and Wi-Fi 5 for $60.00 and the 8GB RAM version with Wi-Fi 6 for $80.00.
AAEON’s SRG-IMX8PL and PICO-IMX8PL enhance its growing RISC computing line.
Industry leader AAEON has expanded its RISC computing product portfolio by releasing the SRG-IMX8PL and PICO-IMX8PL, a Mini PC and 2.5” PICO-ITX board, respectively. The NXP i power both products.MX 8M Plus platform, featuring a quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 processor with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) operating at up to 2.3 TOPS.
Built to provide cost-efficient IoT Gateway solutions in rugged environments, the SRG-IMX8PL and PICO-IMX8PL both offer wide temperature ranges of -40°C to 80°C with the use of a fanless heatsink, a 9V to 36V power input range. The SRG-IMX8PL Mini PC also features enhanced shock, drop, and vibration resistance.
Dual LAN ports with IEEE 1588 and TSN capabilities, alongside Wi-Fi and 4G module support via M.2 2230 E-Key and full-size mini card, provide each device with broad connectivity options for industrial IoT use. Additionally, both the PICO-IMX8PL and SRG-IMX8PL support a wide range of operating systems, including Debian® 11, Android™ 13, Windows® 10 IoT, and Yocto, as well as data communication protocols such as Modbus, MQTT, and OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA).
Key Features:
-40°C to 80°C with fanless heatsink + 9V to 36V power input range
Dual CAN-FD, dual RS-232/422/485, GPIO, SPI, I2C, and UART.
Modbus, MQTT, and OPC UA support
Dual LAN with IEEE 1588 and TSN, Wi-Fi and 4G module support via M.2
Other key interfaces that make the two products well-suited for low-power, efficient IoT applications are their various industrial communication protocols. Both platforms provide dual CAN-FD, dual COM for RS-232/422/485, and a range of other options such as GPIO, SPI, I2C, and UART. These interfaces offer scalability, long-distance communication, and wide compatibility for legacy systems.
It should also be noted that the SRG-IMX8PL is available with both wall-mount and DIN rail mounting options, making the compact system suitable for a variety of settings.
Pricing and ordering information are now available via AAEON’s online contact form, with the products also available via the AAEON eShop.
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