Page 8 – Electronics-Lab.com

ASRock IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX Motherboard comes with several AMD Ryzen APU options

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 by Saumitra Jagdale

Earlier this month, ASRock Industrial launched the IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard, intended for embedded and industrial computing uses. It uses the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8000 series APU, which offers a platform fit for several uses. This motherboard addresses the needs of environments that require reliable performance and efficient power management. Because of its small mini-ITX form factor and flexible integration with several systems can be used in various sectors.

Specifications and Features

With this new IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard, ASRock Industrial allows equipment of variations with the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8000 Series APU having up to 8 cores / 16 threads. It comes with a 4nm processor, which gives us a higher transistor density than a 5nm processor, enhancing performance and power efficiency. The Mini-ITX of the board with 17cm x 17cm x 4.1cm only intrigues a commentary on its performance density, The processors have four different variants designed to address numerous applications.

The IMB-A8000P provides high-performance parallel processing with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a base clock of 3.8GHz, while the IMB-A8000S option is ideal for higher single-thread performance with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 4.3GHz base clock, both operating at a TDP of 35-54W. The IMB-A8000M and IMB-A8000V, featuring 8 and 6 cores respectively, with base clocks of 3.3GHz and 3.5GHz, are designed for power-efficient computing at a TDP of 15-30W, making them suitable for embedded systems and compact devices.

Features

AMD Ryzen™ Embedded 8000 Series processors
2 x 262-pin SO-DIMM DDR5 5600 MHz, up to 96GB (48GB per DIMM)
1 x PCIe x8 (Gen4), 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4 x USB 2.0, 1 x M.2 Key B, 1 x M.2 Key M, 1 x M.2 Key E, 5 x COM, 2 x SATA3
1 x Realtek Gigabit LAN, 1 x Realtek 2.5 Gigabit LAN
Supports Quad display, 4 x DP 1.4a
12~28V DC-In (Lockable DC Jack)

The IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard features the AMD RDNA 3 graphic controller, which is the first gaming GPU to use a chipset design. AMD RDNA 3 includes a 5nm Graphic Die with 96 compute units and six 6nm Memory Cache Dies with 16 MB of second-generation AMD-Infinite cache each. Compute units in AMD RDNA 3 share resources between rendering, AI, and ray tracing, increasing efficiency and performance. AMD RDNA 3 lacks dedicated AI cores like AMD’s CDNA, instead, it has specialized instructions that give 2.7x more performance than RDNA-2. AMD RDNA 3 supports resolutions up to 4096×2160@60Hz while having multi-display connectivity through interfaces like DisplayPort 1.4a and DP++.

For this motherboard, the BIOS developed by AMI is stored in 256 Megabits SPI flash memory, with AMD FW-TPM providing cryptographic functions and secure storage for certificates, keys, and other sensitive data to protect data integrity and privacy.

Additionally, the IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard uses a Dual Channel DDR5 5600MHz technology. Meanwhile, a dual channel allows two memory modules to work simultaneously. DDR5 is the latest generation of SDRAM offering higher bandwidth and faster data access. The IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX board can support up to 96 GB of RAM and 48 GB of RAM per dual in-line memory module. Given all the above processing power and amount of memory specifications the power requirements for the board is 12-28V DC, with AT/ATX support.

The IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard operates between -20ºC to 70ºC and can be stored at -40ºC to 85ºC, with humidity levels of 5% to 90% (non-condensing), making it useful in industrial applications.

Ports and Connectors of IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard

Rear I/O Ports:
- 4 x DisplayPort 1.4a
- 1 x 1 Gigabit LAN
- 1 x 2.5 Gigabit LAN
- 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 data transfer up to 10 Gbps.
- 2 x Audio (Line-in, Line-out)
- COM1, COM2 (RS-232/422/485)
Internal Connectors
- 4 x USB 2.0
- COM3, COM4, COM5 (RS-232)
- 1 x SATA PWR Output
- 1 x GPU Card PWR Input
- Expansion Slots & Storage
  1 x PCIe x8 (Gen4)
- 3 x M.2 Slots:1 x M.2 (Key E)
- 2 x SATA3 (6Gb/s)
Audio & Ethernet
- Audio: Realtek ALC897 for high-definition sound.
- Ethernet: LAN1 RTL8125BG with 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps
- Ethernet: LAN2 RTL8111H with 10/100/1000 Mbps
Power Connectors
- 4-pin wafer PWR cable/DC Jack
- and 262-pin SO-DIMM
Other Accessories
- 1 x COM Cable
- 2 x SATA Cable
- 1 x SATA Power Cable
- 1 x I/O Shield
- 3 x SCREW M2*2, D=5

The IMB-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard supports major operating systems like Windows and Linux, ensuring compatibility and integration into various systems. The IBM-A8000 Mini-ITX motherboard is available on the ASRock Industrial website. For more information, refer to the datasheet as well. However, there is still no information about its pricing and store.

Radxa X4 Is a Raspberry Pi Sized SBC with Intel N100 Processor and 2.5GbE Ethernet

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 by Debashis Das

Radxa X4 is an Intel Processor N100 powered single board computer(SBC) in a Raspberry Pi 5 form factor. The board offers almost the same features as a Raspberry Pi including dual mini HDMI output, USB, 40-pin GPIO, and LPDDR5 RAM options.

But this board has much more than just copied features from a Raspberry Pi, It features 2.5GbE and WiFi 6 for better connectivity. It also features a built-in slot for M.2 SSD which in comparison to Raspberry Pi will be a lot faster due to more PCIe lanes. There are also USB 3.2 ports which are capable of 10 Gbps transfer speeds. Additionally, it supports MIPI CSI and DSI connectors for camera and display-based projects that you can also find in your typical Raspberry PI.

Radxa X4 Single Board Computer Specifications

CPU: Intel® Processor N100 (Alder Lake-N), 4 cores/4 threads, up to 3.40 GHz
GPU: Intel® UHD Graphics, up to 750 MHz
RAM: Up to 16GB LPDDR5, 4800 MT/s
Storage:
- Optional onboard eMMC
- M.2 2230 NVMe SSD slot
Display: Dual Micro HDMI, up to 4Kp60
Networking:
- 2.5GbE with PoE support (requires PoE HAT)
- Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 5
- Bluetooth 5.2 or 5.0
USB:
- 1x USB 2.0 Type-A
- 3x USB 3.0 Type-A
Other I/O:
- Headphone/mic jack
- 40-pin GPIO header (SPI, UART, I2C, PWM, PIO)
- RTC battery
- Fan header
Buttons: Power, BOOTSEL
Software: Windows 10/11, Debian/Ubuntu Linux
Power: USB Type-C PD 2.0 (12V/2A, min. 18W)
Operating Temperature: 0 ~ 50°C
Dimensions: 85 x 56 mm

Radxa officially supports Windows and Debian/Ubuntu Linux on the ROCK X4, but other x86 operating systems should also work. Hardware documentation is in progress, but resources like the product brief and schematics are available.

At the time of writing The Radxa X4 4GB/8GB models are priced at $60.63/$79.96 respectively and will be restocked soon. eMMC and industrial variants are planned. See the product page for details.

Sipeed Showcases Tang Mega 138K Dock with GOWIN Series FPGA

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

The Sipeed Tang Mega 138K Dock is an advanced and compact FPGA development platform designed to meet high-performance requirements while providing cost-effective solutions. Featuring the GOWIN GW5AST RISC-V FPGA, this platform includes a robust development board with key features such as PCIe x4, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) port, and multiple I/O interfaces.

At the heart of the Tang Mega 138K Dock is the GW5AST-LV138PG484A FPGA, which boasts 138,240 logic units, numerous registers, and 12 phase-locked loops. The core SoM (System on Module) board includes an integrated RISC-V processor clocked at 800MHz, along with 4Gbit DDR3 x2, 128Mbit flash, and advanced BTB connectors. It also integrates components such as DC-DC converters, a DDR power IC, and user-configurable keys.

The Tang Mega 138K Dock board features a variety of high-speed and versatile interfaces, including Gigabit Ethernet and USB 3.0. It supports connectors for DVI In/Out, stereo audio, a MIC array, and MIPI DPI RGB LCD, among others, making it adaptable for various applications. The board is fully compatible with PCIe 2.0, featuring an external x4 interface with transfer rates up to 20GT/s. The USB3 interface is provided by the WCH CH569W, supporting USB-C cables with transmission rates up to 5Gbps for high-speed communication.

The board also supports power management with a 12V DC input, battery connection, and charge/discharge management PMU. Additional features include a microSD slot, gamepad connectors, and multiple user-configurable keys.

Last year, the company launched the Sipeed Tang Mega 138K Pro version, priced at $119, which measures 70x50mm and includes a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface. In contrast, this version is available for $69, measures 34x45mm, and offers a PCIe 2.0 x4 interface, ensuring backward compatibility. The Pro version is suitable for high-speed interface development scenarios, while this version is ideal for applications requiring high-cost performance and limited volume, according to the product page.

The 138K Pro Dev Kit is equipped with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, M.2, SFP, and more PMOD and HDMI ports than the standard version, making it suitable for extensive development needs. On the other hand, the 138K Dev Kit reduces the area and price by a quarter while maintaining essential functionalities like universal pin interfaces, USB3 interfaces, and handheld interfaces.

Specifications

Memory/Storage:
- 1G DDR3
- 1x MicroSD slot
Display:
- DVI In/Out
- 1x RGB LCD
Audio:
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 2x Speakers
- 1x Mic array
Camera:
- 1x DVP camera port
Expansion:
- PCIe x4
Connectivity:
- GbE port
I/O Interfaces:
- 2x PMOD connectors
- 4x 20-pin headers
- 3x Buttons
- 6x DIP switches
Other Features:
- RGB LED (WS2812 + LED strips)
- 4-pin fan connector
USB:
- 1x USB 3.0 Type-C port
- 1x USB-A port
Power:
- 12V DC Input
- Battery connector (3.7V)
Mechanical:
- 35 x 45mm (SoM board)
- 129 x 84.51mm (Dock board)

The SoM board is available for $68.89, while the Dock development kit, which includes additional accessories, is available for $129.60 on the Sipeed store on AliExpress.

AlmaLinux OS Now Officially Supports Raspberry Pi 5

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

AlmaLinux OS, the free Red Hat Enterprise Linux alternative, now officially supports the latest Raspberry Pi 5 model. The image for Raspberry Pi 5 comes with the GNOME 40.4 desktop environment by default, running on Wayland.

Koichiro Iwao, an AlmaLinux developer, shared the exciting news and provided insights into the challenges faced in bringing this support to life. He highlighted the effort involved in learning the Raspberry Pi boot process and building a kernel for AlmaLinux OS based on the official Linux 6.6 LTS kernel used in Raspberry Pi OS.

“Although I had previously contributed to AlmaLinux Raspberry Pi images, I didn’t know much about the boot process. It took considerable time and effort to successfully build a kernel on my ARM environment, overcoming failed builds and boot issues along the way,” said Koichiro Iwao in a blog post.

Challenges and Development

Kernel Update:
- Koichiro Iwao worked on rebasing the kernel to ensure compatibility with Raspberry Pi 5.
- Understanding the differences between the previous Raspberry Pi 4 and the new Raspberry Pi 5 was crucial.
Boot Process:
- Significant learning was involved in adapting the Raspberry Pi boot process for AlmaLinux OS.
- Ensured that the RHEL-based operating system boots seamlessly on the Raspberry Pi 5.
Graphics and Interface:
- GNOME 40.4 is the default graphical interface.
- Utilizes Wayland as the default session manager for improved performance and compatibility.

Availability and Support

If you want to try AlmaLinux OS on your Raspberry Pi 5, you can download the images from the official website. The images are available for AlmaLinux OS 9.4 and AlmaLinux OS 8.10 releases. They are also compatible with the following Raspberry Pi models:

Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Raspberry Pi 400
Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+
Raspberry Pi 3 Model A+

User Experience

The Raspberry Pi images of AlmaLinux OS provide a beautiful GNOME desktop environment for daily tasks and can also be used to deploy powerful Linux servers. To start using AlmaLinux OS on your Raspberry Pi, use the username and password almalinux.

In conclusion, the addition of Raspberry Pi 5 support in AlmaLinux OS opens up new possibilities for users seeking a robust and versatile Linux experience on their Raspberry Pi devices. The development marks a significant milestone for AlmaLinux OS and showcases the dedication of its community and developers in delivering high-quality support for cutting-edge hardware.

Banana Pi BPI-F3 SBC: RISC-V Octa Core Mini PC

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

If you are searching for a powerful RISC-V mini PC, the Banana Pi BPI-F3 is an octa-core RISC-V single-board computer (SBC) designed for developers and enthusiasts looking to explore the potential of RISC-V architecture. Powered by the Keystone K1 system-on-chip (SoC) from Space MIT, this SBC offers a robust platform for development and experimentation. Explaining Computers demonstrates the BPI-F3 running on Bianbu OS, a Debian-based distribution optimized for RISC-V processors, providing a stable and familiar environment for developers with a smooth GPU-accelerated desktop experience suitable for various development tasks.

At the heart of the Banana Pi BPI-F3 lies the Keystone K1 SoC, featuring eight 64-bit X60 RISC-V cores. This powerful processor excels in handling complex computations and multitasking, making it suitable for a wide range of development tasks. The board also includes the IMG BXE-232 GPU, which supports OpenCL 3.0, OpenGL ES 3.2, and Vulkan 1.2, providing robust graphics processing capabilities for development and media playback. It comes with 4GB of 32-bit LPDDR4 RAM, offering ample memory for most development needs, though a 2GB variant is available for less demanding applications. Storage options are flexible and expandable, with 16GB eMMC flash storage, a microSD card slot, and an M.2 slot for NVMe SSD.

Connectivity is a key feature of the Banana Pi BPI-F3, offering a comprehensive set of interfaces and ports, including a mini PCIe connector for additional expansion, Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity, an HDMI port for video output, USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer, and Gigabit Ethernet for wired networking. Various headers are available for connecting additional peripherals, making it ideal for experimentation and development. The initial setup process is straightforward, with a user-friendly first-run wizard guiding you through the necessary steps. The board comes with a comprehensive suite of pre-installed applications, including LibreOffice for productivity, Chromium for web browsing, Thunderbird for email, and various utilities, providing a well-rounded software package out of the box.

The Banana Pi BPI-F3 is primarily designed for developers working on RISC-V architecture, offering a platform for experimentation and development. While not intended for consumer use, it serves as an ideal tool for software and hardware experimentation, testing, and prototyping. As RISC-V technology continues to evolve, the Banana Pi BPI-F3 positions itself as a valuable resource for early adopters and developers. With the potential for consumer-grade RISC-V products in the future, this board provides a foundation for exploring the capabilities and possibilities of this emerging architecture.

Specifications:

Processor:
- Keystone K1 SoC with eight 64-bit X60 RISC-V cores
Graphics:
- IMG BXE-232 GPU
- OpenCL 3.0
- OpenGL ES 3.2
- Vulkan 1.2
Memory:
- 4GB of 32-bit LPDDR4 RAM (2GB variant available)
Storage:
- 16GB eMMC flash storage
- microSD card slot
- M.2 slot for NVMe SSD
Connectivity:
- Mini PCIe connector
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
- HDMI port
- USB 3.0 ports
- Gigabit Ethernet
Additional Features:
- Multiple power input options (barrel jack, 2-pin header, USB-C)
- Camera interfaces
- SATA power and fan connectors
- AI computing power instructions.

The Banana Pi BPI-F3 offers a range of additional features that enhance its versatility and usability, including multiple power input options (barrel jack, 2-pin header, and USB-C), headers for camera interfaces, SATA power, and fan connectors for extensive peripheral support, and extended instructions for AI computing power, making it suitable for AI development and experimentation. Testing and benchmarks have demonstrated the board’s capabilities in various aspects. Storage speeds for microSD card, eMMC, and NVMe SSD have been tested, showing efficient handling of different storage solutions. The board is capable of smooth 1080p video playback and local 4K video decoding, making it suitable for media-rich applications. AI object detection using a USB webcam has also been demonstrated, showcasing satisfactory performance and potential for AI development.

In conclusion, the Banana Pi presents a robust and feature-rich platform for developers and enthusiasts interested in exploring the potential of RISC-V technology. With its powerful hardware, optimized software, and extensive connectivity options, this SBC offers a stable and versatile environment for various development tasks, experimentation, and future innovation in the RISC-V ecosystem.

RISC-V Based Lichee Pi 3A with 16GB RAM and PCIe Support

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

Sipeed has introduced the Lichee Pi 3A, an advanced development board designed for a wide range of computing tasks, including embedded systems and AI development. Powered by the K1 processor, a 22nm RISC-V 1.6GHz CPU with eight cores, the Lichee Pi 3A offers efficient performance for demanding applications, making it a versatile choice for developers. The board supports multiple memory options, including 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB of 32-bit LPDDR4X-3733 RAM, providing ample capacity for complex computations and multitasking. For AI and machine learning applications, the board is equipped with an NPU capable of 2 TOPS@INT8, enhancing its capability to handle machine learning workloads efficiently.b

The Lichee Pi 3A supports flexible storage solutions with options for a MicroSD Card, 32GB eMMC, or NVMe SSD. It features two M.2 M-Key slots with PCIe 2.0 x2 each, allowing for the addition of high-speed peripherals and storage devices, offering fast data access. Camera support includes a 4-lane MIPI CSI and a 2-lane MIPI CSI, capable of up to 4K resolution at 60fps. Video capabilities feature H.265 and H.264 encoding and decoding at 1080p and 60fps, making it suitable for multimedia applications. The integrated GPU, an IMG BXE-2-32@819M, supports OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 3.0, and Vulkan 1.3, delivering 20 GFLOPS of performance for graphics-intensive tasks.

Networking capabilities are robust, with dual Gigabit Ethernet ports ensuring reliable and high-speed connectivity. Wireless connectivity is provided by support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5, ensuring versatile communication options. The board is equipped with four USB 3.0 Type-A ports and one USB 2.0 Type-C port, offering versatile options for connecting peripherals and transferring data. Display outputs include an HDMI 1.4 port capable of 1080p at 60fps and a 4-lane MIPI DSI interface for high-resolution displays. Audio features on the Lichee Pi 3A include a headphone jack, stereo speaker outputs, and a PDM MIC input, making it suitable for audio applications and multimedia projects. The board supports operating systems such as Debian and Bianbu (Ubuntu-based), providing developers with flexible software options for various applications.

Specifications

Memory/Storage:
- Up to 16GB LPDDR4X
- Up to 32GB eMMC
- 1x MicroSD card slot
Display:
- 1x HDMI 1.4 (1080P@60fps)
- 4-lane MIPI DSI (1080P@60fps)
Audio:
- Headphone
- Stereo Speaker
- PDM MIC
Camera:
- 1×4-lane MIPI CSI
- 1×2-lane MIPI CSI (up to 4K@60fps)
Connectivity:
- 2x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 (optional PoE)
- WiFi 6 + Bluetooth 5
I/O Interface:
- 2x 10-pin expansion header
USB:
- 4x USB 3.0 Type-A
- 1x USB 2.0 Type-C
Power:
- 5V/2A DC (USB Type-C or PoE)
Operating System:
- Debian
- Bianbu

The Lichee Pi 3A starts at $69 for the 4GB model, $89 for the 8GB DDR with 32GB eMMC, and $139 for the 16GB DDR with 32GB eMMC. Shipping fees are $2 for China, $5 for other Asian countries, $10 for Europe, America, and Australia, and $20 for other regions. Pre-orders receive a 10% discount and are expected to ship by the end of July.

The Lichee Pi 3A stands out as a powerful and flexible development board that caters to a wide array of applications, from embedded systems to AI development. Its combination of high-performance processing, robust connectivity options, and flexible storage solutions makes it an ideal choice for developers looking to explore the capabilities of RISC-V architecture.

Meles RISC-V Credit Card-Sized SBC: Powered by T-Head TH1520 Quad-Core SoC

Posted on 31 July, 202431 July, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

Meles RISC-V credit card-sized SBC is powered by T-Head TH1520 quad-core SoC

Shenzhen Milk-V Technology has introduced the Meles SBC, a credit card-sized single-board computer (SBC) equipped with a T-Head TH1520 quad-core RISC-V processor. Designed with a form factor similar to the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, this board offers enhanced performance and a wide array of features that cater to developers and tech enthusiasts alike.

The Meles SBC is powered by a 2.0 GHz quad-core SoC featuring a modern GPU, a 4K-capable video encoder and decoder, and a 4 TOPS NPU, making it significantly more powerful than its counterparts. The board includes gigabit Ethernet, a WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 module, four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI 2.0 video output, MIPI CSI and DSI interfaces, and a 40-pin GPIO header, providing a versatile platform for various applications.

Specifications

SoC: Alibaba T-Head TH1520
CPU:
- Quad-core RISC-V Xuantie C910 (RV64GCV – Vector Extension version 0.7) processor up to 2.0 GHz
- Low-power Xuantie E902 core
GPU: Imagination BXM-4-64 GPU supporting OpenGL ES3.0/3.1/3.2, OpenCL 1.1/1.2/2.0, Vulkan 1.1/1.2; 50.7GFLOPS
DSP: Xuantie C906 audio DSP @ 800 MHz
VPU:
- Video Decoder:
  - H.265, H.264, VP9, AVS2.0 up to 4Kp75
  - VP8/7/6, AVS+, VC1, MPEG4 up to 1080p60
- Video Encoder: H.264 and H.265 up to 4K @ 40 FPS
- AI Accelerator: 4 TOPS NPU
System Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x @ 4266MT/s
Storage:
- MicroSD card slot
- eMMC flash socket
- SPI flash
Video Output:
- HDMI 2.0 up to 4K @ 60Hz
- 4-lane MIPI DSI with touchscreen support
Camera Interface:
- 4-lane MIPI CSI connector
- 2-lane MIPI CSI connector
Audio:
- 3.5mm audio output jack
- Digital audio via HDMI
- I2S audio input and output via 40-pin GPIO header
Networking:
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- On-board Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.2 module (Ampak AP6256) with ceramic antenna and external antenna connector
USB:
- 4x USB 3.0 host ports
- USB 2.0 Type-C device port
Expansion: 40-pin (mostly) Raspberry Pi-compatible GPIO header with up to 3x UART, 2x I2C, 1x SPI, 1x I2S,1x ADC, 8x GPIO, C910 debug port
Debugging: JTAG connector
Miscellaneous:
- Reset and Recovery buttons
- Bootmode button for eMMC / SPI flash boot selection
- Power and user LEDs
- 2-pin fan connector
Power Supply:
- 5V / 4A DC in via Type-C port
- PoE with add-on board connected through 4-pin header
Dimensions: 85×56 mm

The Meles SBC runs on the Debian-based Meles RevyOS with the LXDE desktop environment and supports various features, including audio, video, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and AI functionalities. While the company provides a binary file, users can also build the image from source using instructions available on GitHub. It’s worth noting that RISC-V SBCs are still largely considered developer kits, similar to the Lichee Pi 4A console, which ran Debian earlier this year, and Canonical only offers Ubuntu 24.04 server for the Mars SBC.

The Meles SBC is the second RISC-V SBC from Shenzhen Milk-V Technology in a credit card form factor. The Mars SBC, which shares similar features, is based on the StarFive JH7110 quad-core SoC and is more affordable. The Meles SBC offers many features akin to the Sipeed LicheePi 4A but in a more compact form factor, as the latter relies on a carrier board + SoM design.

Overall, the Meles SBC is a powerful and versatile platform designed to meet the needs of developers looking for an efficient and compact solution for their projects. With its impressive specifications and form factor, it stands as a compelling alternative to traditional SBCs, particularly for those interested in exploring RISC-V architecture. The Meles credit card-sized RISC-V can be purchased on Arace for $80 and up. But that’s provided there’s stock as most boards sold on Arace… Two variants are listed (and out of stock at the time of writing: one with 8GB of RAM and a 128GB eMMC module and the other with 16GB of RAM. More details may be found on the product page.

LILYGO’s T-Glass: A Low-Cost Espressif ESP32 Platform for Head-Up Display Projects

Posted on 31 July, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

LILYGO has announced the T-Glass, a new device designed to simplify the development of head-up displays for wearable projects. This innovative kit is powered by the Espressif ESP32-S3 chip and has features that offer significant value for wearable technology enthusiasts.

The new kit, brought to our attention by Linux Gizmos, is designed to provide a low-cost platform for experimentation with head-up display systems. The T-Glass kit is a DIY solution for creating prism display glasses, featuring an Espressif ESP32-S3 microcontroller, a microphone, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor, and a prism display. According to LILYGO, this platform is designed to provide a cost-effective means for experimenting with head-up display systems. The T-Glass is based on the company’s previous T-Wristband platform and utilizes the same microcontroller: an Espressif ESP32-S3 FN4R2 with 2MB of QSPI-connected pseudo-static RAM (PSRAM) and 4MB of flash storage.

One of the standout features of the T-Glass is its 1.1″ AMOLED display with a resolution of 294×126 pixels. This is similar to the display used in the T-Wristband but with a slightly smaller visible area of 126×126 pixels due to the prism’s inclusion. The prism transforms the display into a head-up display, making it appear as if the information is floating in front of the user’s eyes, remaining visible regardless of head movement.

The T-Glass also incorporates a Bosch BHI260AP six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU), which includes an integrated machine-learning coprocessor. This coprocessor enables on-sensor positional tracking and activity recognition without engaging the microcontroller, enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the device. Additionally, the T-Glass features an integrated microphone, a real-time clock, and a single button to serve as a touch interface. However, it does not include a speaker.

With its combination of advanced features and affordability, the LILYGO T-Glass offers a compelling option for those interested in developing wearable head-up displays, providing a solid foundation for a wide range of experimental and practical applications in the realm of wearable technology.

On the software front, the T-Glass is designed to be used with the LVGL embedded graphics library, and the company provides MIT-licensed sample projects on GitHub covering the use of the clock, button, microphone for voice activity detection, and IMU for motion tracking.

The T-Glass is now available to pre-order on the LILYGO store at $41, with shipping scheduled to begin in July.

DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II with SpacemIT K1 Octa-Core SoC to Run Ubuntu Supported by Canonical

Posted on 26 July, 202426 July, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

Deep Computing has announced the DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II, which is powered by a 2.0 GHz SpacemIT K1 octa-core 64-bit RISC-V processor, coupled with up to 16GB of DDR4 memory, and runs Ubuntu with official support from Canonical.

In 2022, Deep Computing unveiled the first RISC-V laptop named ROMA, but it never really took off due to its web3 and cryptocurrency features, coupled with an ultra-high price. The new DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II dispenses with those elements and features a 14-inch IPS display, a 1TB SSD, a WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 module, a webcam, several USB ports, including a USB-C with DisplayPort Alt mode, and a “development interface” with a few GPIOs.

DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II specifications:

SoC: SpacemiT K1
- CPU: 8-core X60 RISC-V processor @ up to 2.0 GHz; single-core performance equivalent to about 1.3x the performance of an Arm Cortex-A55
- GPU: Imagination IMG BXE-2-32 with support for OpenCL 3.0, OpenGL ES3.2, Vulkan 1.2
- VPU: H.265, H.264, VP9, VP8 4K encoding/encoding
- NPU: 2.0 TOPS AI accelerator
- RVA 22 Profile RVV 1.0 compliant
System Memory: 8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x
Storage: Up to 1TB SSD; microSD card slot
Display: 14-inch IPS display with 1920×1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate
Audio: 3.5mm headphone jack
Camera: Full HD webcam
Networking: Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2
USB:
- 2x USB 3.0 Type-A ports
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C “full function” port with power, data, and DisplayPort Alt mode to connect another display
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port with power and data support
User Input: QWERTY keyboard and touchpad
Expansion: 8-pin “development interface” with GPIO, UART, I2C, 3.3V, and GND
Miscellaneous: Fastboot button, Reset button
Battery: Good for up to 8 hours on a charge
Power Supply: Via USB-C port
Dimensions: 32.3 x 20.9 x 1.7 cm
Weight: 1.36 kg

The DC-ROMA RISC-V Laptop II offers a much better price than the first model, with pre-orders starting at $399 for the version with 8GB RAM and booting the OS from a microSD card. Adding a 1TB SSD increases the cost by $100, and note that a power supply is not included by default. Two options are available:

$50 Standard Dev ToolKit:
- 32G microSD card with Debian images
- 32GB microSD card with Ubuntu Desktop images
- USB Type-C Cable
- Special Dev Cable to connect to the GPIO connector
$100 Power Dev ToolKit:
- Includes everything in the Standard Dev Toolkit plus:
- 87W GaN 10000 mAH Charger Power Bank

The DC-ROMA laptop is not the only SpacemIT K1 laptop in the works. The aforementioned Muse Book laptop is up for pre-order on Arace Tech for $299 and a 64GB eMMC flash. The Sipeed LicheeBook, which was initially planned with a TH1520 SoC, will also launch this month with the SpacemIT K1 octa-core RISC-V SoC, according to a message on the Sipeed Telegram channel.

Cervoz MEC-LAN-2631i PCIe Expansion Card is Designed to add 2.5GbE Connectivity with M.2 Port

Posted on 26 July, 202426 July, 2024 by Debashis Das

Cervoz MEC-LAN-2631i is a PCIe Ethernet expansion card in an M.2 2230 A+E key form factor. The card is industrial grade and provides 2.5GbE Ethernet capabilities with a PCIe x1 interface. With this design, the card can provide a 2.5GbE port in case you need an additional port on your PC.

The card is powered by an Intel I226-IT 2.5Gbps Ethernet controller and can operate industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. This feature makes this device useful for applications like Home NAS server-based video editing and much more.

Cervoz MEC-LAN-2631i PCIe Expansion Card Specifications

Interface:
- Single isolated 2.5GbE LAN port
- M.2 2230 (A+E key) form factor
- PCI Express x1 classification
Chipset: Intel I226 Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Network Speed:
- 10/100/1000/2500Mbps auto-negotiation
- Supports IEEE 802.3x and IEEE 802.3z flow control
Features:
- Wake-on-LAN support
- MECFIX versatile mounting system (includes various brackets and mounting options)
Compatibility:
- Any host computer with M.2 slots
- Ideal for industrial automation, embedded computing, in-vehicle/transportation, and telecommunication networks
Operating Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
Dimensions: 30 x 22 mm; M.2 2230 (A+E key) Form Factor

The company provides abundant drives for Windows 10 and Windows 11 but after searching for some time I can’t find any drivers for Linux it should work with Linux as we have seen the Intel I226 chip is widely used

Similar cards with different chips are available online for $10-$20. Cervoz hasn’t announced a price but offers a 3-year warranty. You can find more information on their website and in the press release.