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Meet the ALL-NEW NVIDIA AGX Orin Developer Kit for Edge AI applications

Posted on 23 April, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

Last month, NVIDIA announced the availability of the Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit to deliver 275 trillion operations per second for energy-efficient advanced robotics and machine learning applications. There has been a lot of movement around the new NVIDIA developer kit that offers 8 times the performance of the previously well-known NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier in the same footprint. Designed to aid the exponentially evolving robotics and edge AI applications, the NVIDIA AGX Orin Developer Kit module comes equipped with a Jetson AGX Orin module with a heat sink and reference carrier board.

At the heart of the developer kit is the 12-core Arm Cortex-A78AE that combines high performance and power efficiency in a thermally constrained design for complex applications involving autonomous driving and industrial systems. Along with the powerful CPU that can be clocked up to 2GHz frequency, the NVIDIA AGX Orin Developer Kit is tightly integrated with the 1.3GHz NVIDIA Ampere GPU with 2048 NVIDIA CUDA cores and 64 Tensor cores.

To run multiple AI applications, the board supports onboard 64GB eMMC storage and 204GB/s memory bandwidth with up to 32GB of DRAM. These AI applications can operate smoothly on the developer kit because of the NVDLA deep learning accelerator and PVA vision accelerator.

“As AI transforms manufacturing, healthcare, retail, transportation, smart cities, and other essential sectors of the economy, demand for processing continues to surge,” said Deepu Talla, vice president of Embedded and Edge Computing at NVIDIA. “A million developers and more than 6,000 companies have already turned to Jetson. The availability of Jetson AGX Orin will supercharge the efforts of the entire industry as it builds the next generation of robotics and edge AI products.”

There have been a lot of reviews already made available on the NVIDIA AGX Orin Developer Kit, of which one by Gareth Halfacree on Hackster news caught our attention. As he says,

“At $1,999, the Jetson AGX Orin Developer’s Kit is an expensive box — but it’s hard not to be impressed by its performance.”

With a lot of aesthetic images of the product (probably one of the best available in the public domain), Gareth also mentions all the downgrades which are an important aspect of any review article. Check out the article here.

For interested developers residing in the United States, the NVIDIA AGX Orin Developer Kit is currently available for sale on Arrow Electronics for $1990 with free shipping. For more details on the product, head to the official product page on the NVIDIA website.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2W is 5x times faster than Zero W

Posted on 23 April, 202223 April, 2022 by Saumitra Jagdale

The Raspberry Pi Zero 2W is a neat upgrade over Raspberry Pi Zero W. It comes in the same form factor of 65mm X 30mm, but it is 100% surface mount. Hence unlike Raspberry Pi Zero W, it sits flat.

Raspberry Pi Zero 2W comes with Broadcom BCM2710A1, 1Ghz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 CPU core. Its quad-core CPU performance is 5x times faster than the single CPU performance of Raspberry Pi Zero W. Also, single-threaded process performance is 40 percent faster.

Additionally, the Pi Zero 2 W operating system is 3 times faster and boots the GUI in 30 seconds, as compared to 90 seconds for Zero W.

Other features of Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W are 512MB LPDDR2 SDRAM, 2.4GHz IEEE 802.11b/g/n wireless LAN, Bluetooth 4.2, BLE for connectivity, 1 × USB 2.0 interface with OTG, HAT-compatible 40 pin I/O header footprint, MicroSD card slot, Mini HDMI port, Composite video and reset pin solder points, CSI-2 camera connector and OpenGL ES 1.1, 2.0 graphics.

Now, getting into the details of how the performance of both the boards is evaluated, the exact performance uplift of Rpi Zero 2 W over Rpi Zero W varies across workloads but for multi-threaded sysbench it is five times faster.

What is Sysbench?

Sysbench is an open-source multi-threaded benchmark tool. It is based on the Lua JIT compiler. It can create arbitrarily complex workloads for comparative analysis. Sysbench provides utility for benchmarking databases, filesystems, CPUs, memory access, thread-based schedulers, mutex, etc. It generates reports with extensive statistics about rate and latency, including metrics like latency percentiles and histograms.

Support for native Windows build was removed in the sysbench 1.0 version. It could be reintroduced in future releases of the tool. Currently, the recommended method for obtaining sysbench on Windows is to use the Windows Subsystem for Linux, which is available in Windows 10.

Following the Debian/Ubuntu installation instructions after installing WSL and getting into the bash prompt on Windows is sufficient. Alternatively, WSL can be used to build and install sysbench from the source, or an older sysbench release can be used to generate a native binary.

To know more about sysbench, visit this link.

Summary

One of the USPs of this board is that its form factor and connectors match the original Rpi Zero W layout. Hence pre-existing use cases can easily swap in Zero 2W and get enhanced features and power without any major change.

AnalogLamb’s $19.99 Maple Eye AI development board with ESP32-S3 and ESP-WHO AI framework

Posted on 21 April, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

There have been several recent developments around TinyML and edge AI applications, and to supply the increasing demand from the developer community, many embedded electronic device manufacturers around the world are designing AI development boards. Beijing-based online embedded hardware store AnalogLamb has listed a $19.99 Maple Eye AI development board with two onboard Espressif system-on-chips. At the heart of the hardware are the ESP32-S3 and ESP-WHO AI development framework that is specifically designed for AI applications such as human face detection, object recognition, and gesture recognition.

The Espressif ESP32-S3 is integrated with a dual-core XTensa LX7 microcontroller that can be clocked up to a clock frequency of 240 MHz. Along with this, the microcontroller chip is equipped with 512 KB of internal SRAM and supports various wireless connectivity. ESP32-S3 offers 2.4GHz IEEE802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE) connectivity for long-range applications. In terms of AI acceleration, the hardware chip supports vector instructions that provide acceleration for neural networks and signal processing workloads.

The other AI framework onboard is ESP-WHO, an image processing development platform that provides examples for Human Face Detection, Human Face Recognition, Cat Face Detection, Gesture Recognition, etc. The ESP-DL deep learning library allows developers to utilize the ESP-WHO framework to implement various applications through peripherals that are available on the Maple Eye AI development board.

On top of a rich set of peripherals, the acceleration for neural network computing and signal processing workloads provided by the SoC makes the modules an ideal choice for a wide variety of application scenarios related to AI and Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), such as wake word detection, speech commands recognition, face detection, and recognition, smart home, smart appliances, smart control panel, smart speaker, etc.

The camera module comes from Omnivision’s OV2640, an image sensor based on the CMOS technology, providing image processing functions such as exposure control, gamma, white balance, color saturation, hue control, and noise-canceling. There are a total of 45 general-purpose input/output pins with functionality that include SPI, I2C, I2S, and UART buses among others. The hardware supports the same software as the ESP-WHO AI framework runs on ESP-IDF, a common framework to develop applications for ESP32-S3 (using C language).

Analysis

The hardware design is not new to the market as Espressif’s ESP32-S3-Eye, a small-sized AI development board, is based on the ESP32-S2 SoC and ESP-WHO AI framework. Maple Eye AI development board has a similar hardware setup to the original Espressif board with a 2-Megapixel camera, two LCD displays, and a microphone that can be utilized for image recognition and signal processing applications. Interestingly, the hardware is on sale at $19.99, which is a discount price from the previous $47.00 price tag.

TIMI-130 has a Pixxi-28 graphics processor for embedded breadboard applications

Posted on 21 April, 202212 August, 2023 by mixos

TIMI stands for Tiny Intelligent Modular Instrument, an embedded electronic hardware product that launched as an update from the original TIMI-96. TIMI-130 simulates many typical components used in most breadboard-based projects to save time and money by being a suitable replacement for your other expensive parts. It comes with a 1.3-inch color TFT IPS LCD and you can attach the display to a breadboard. The hardware utilizes UART or I2C serial communication enabling customizable options via simple commands.

TIMI-130 is designed for hobbyists, engineers, or students from beginner to advanced to make their project deployment easier. One can use this instrument as a standalone module that can carry out multiple functionalities all by itself. It is created as a flexible design aid, primarily to mimic the reading of parts and meters, which would be difficult or require breadboard hardware resources or electronic improvements. This board allows for faster development and keeps the GPIO hardware, often limited, with multiple enhancements.

Mates Studio – Integrated Development Environment designed to be used with Breadboard Mates products

Specification of Timi-130:

CPU: 4D Labs’ Pixxi-28 graphics processor with 32kB flash storage.
Display: 240 × 240 pixel resolution TFT IPS LCD (non-touch).
3.3V (tolerant 5V) UART serial connector (300 to 2187500 Baud).
Master I2C (3.3V standard) working with the bus.
GPIOs: 2 analogs or I2C, 1 PWM Audio.
Storage: 32MB Flash storage.
Memory: 14KB SRAM Processor User Variables Processor.
Power: 5Vdc supply input (3.3V possible).
Weight: 5.0 grams approx.

The Mates Studio is the software that allows you to use existing graphics and build your own to display whose values can be updated through commands sent from the host MCU. You can check out the Mates Studio Software here. There are also courses that are very elaborate and will help the user get a hold of them. TIMI-130 is ready to be purchased, and if you are a first-time user, then it’s better that you buy the starter kit as the programmer included will be essential for all the development work.

Vishay RAME0x Rotational Absolute Magnetic Encoders

Posted on 21 April, 202221 April, 2022 by mixos

Vishay RAME0x Rotational Absolute Magnetic Encoders include a 12mm HP position sensor and a 27mm displacement sensor version. Both lead-free encoders utilize the Hall effect principle and plug-and-play convenience. The RAME012 12mm HP position sensor device offers high precision, high resolution, and is specifically for harsh conditions. The connection for the RAME012 encoder is via 28AWG twisted wires. The RAME027 27mm displacement sensor version features OTP (one-time programmable) technology, good magnetic immunity, and is connected with a shielded cable. The Vishay RAME0x Rotational Absolute Magnetic Encoders are ideal for industrial and railway (RAME027 only) applications.

Features

RAME012
- Hall effect principle
- High precision
- High resolution
- Specially dedicated for harsh environments
- Not sensitive to external magnetic fields and temperatures
- Plug-and-play
- -40°C to +105°C operating temperature range
- ø12.7mm in dimension
- Lead-free
RAME027
- Hall effect principle
- OTP (one-time programmable) technology
- Plug-and-play
- Good magnetic immunity
- Ball bearings
- Stainless steel shaft
- IP55 protection
- -25°C to +755°C operating temperature range
- ø27mm in dimension (1 1/16″)
- Lead-free

more information: https://www.vishay.com/sensors/list/product-32587/tab/designtools-ppg/

E-PEAS Unveils Constant Voltage PMICs for Intermittent Input Energy Harvesting Arrangements

Posted on 21 April, 202221 April, 2022 by mixos

Through the release of a further three new power management ICs (PMICs), e-peas is providing product developers with even greater scope to implement their energy harvesting systems. The innovative engineering breakthroughs of these new devices include constant input voltage regulation, making them uniquely optimized for intermittent and pulsed power inputs, complementary to the existing AEM family.

AEM00330 and AEM00300

The AEM00330 is a full power management chip, whereas t he AEM00300 being a storage element charger. Both of them are self-configurable, with the ability to automatically switch between buck, buck-boost and boost operation. This enables faster adjustments with different source, storage and load arrangements (step-up, step-down, etc.) and maximizes these devices’ energy transfer capabilities. They have been designed to respond instantly to the power input once a pre-defined threshold has been exceeded – leading to quick and effective energy extraction. The operating input voltage range goes from 140mV to 4.5V, so power levels of 3µW to 570mW can be managed. Another key feature is their ability to swap from powering the load or the storage element, giving greater flexibility in applications where there should be initial focus on one or the other. Among the potential uses for these devices are door access systems, smart switches for smart home or smart building, point-of-sales (PoS) units and smart running shoes.

AEM00940

The AEM00940 is a boost solution designed for supporting high-efficiency energy transfer from sources having a lower voltage than the storage element. It has an LDO-based output rather than a DC/DC-based one. The selectable operating input voltage spans from 50mV to 4.5V.

As well as pulsed and intermittent sources those three PMICs are highly suited to use with sources that require a long time to reach their open-circuit.

STMicroelectronics LD56020 Ultra-Low Noise LDOs

Posted on 21 April, 2022 by mixos

STMicroelectronics LD56020 Ultra-Low-Noise LDOs are high accuracy voltage regulators delivering a 0.2A current. The LD56020 is stabilized with a small ceramic capacitor on input and output. The LD56020 provides ultra-low drop, low quiescent current, and short-circuit current foldback, ideal for low-power battery-operated applications. The device is put in shutdown mode via an enable logic control function, allowing a total current consumption lower than 0.1µA.

The STM LD56020 Ultra-Low-Noise LDOs offer thermal protection and are housed in a space-saving CSP 0.65 x 0.65 mm² SOT23-5L package.

Features

Input voltage from 1.1V to 5.5V
Ultra-low dropout voltage (190mV max. at 200mA load)
Low ground current (18μA typ. at no load)
2% overtemperature, ±1% at 25°C Output voltage tolerance
200mA guaranteed output current
8.8µV_RMS (10Hz to 100kHz) Ultra-low output noise
50mV output voltage steps (available on request) from 0.6V to 4.0V
Logic-controlled electronic shutdown
Thermal shutdown
Output active discharge function
Flip-chip4 0.65 x 0.65 mm² and SOT23-5L packages

more information: https://www.st.com/en/power-management/ld56020.html

Lumileds LUXEON SunPlus HPE Deep Red LED

Posted on 21 April, 2022 by mixos

Lumileds LUXEON SunPlus HPE Deep Red LED offers extremely high PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) and PPE (Photosynthetic Photon Efficacy) in a compact, industry-standard 3.5mm x 3.5mm footprint. The LUXEON SunPlus HPE Deep Red LED features a peak wavelength of 660nm and is specially designed to enable the highest-quality LED solutions for horticulture applications. This LED enables growers to effectively improve crop growth, reduce energy consumption and make agriculture more sustainable.

The Lumileds LUXEON SunPlus HPE Deep Red LED features a 640nm to 680nm wavelength and a 1057mW radiant power. The SunPlus LED pairs well with the LUXEON SunPlus 3030 and 5050 White LEDs. This White and Deep Red horticulture combination can significantly reduce system and operating costs due to the solution’s superior efficacy.

Features

High power deep red ceramic LED with 660nm peak wavelength
PPF
- 5.82µmol/s @ TJ = +25°C
- 5.25µmol/s @ TJ = +85°C
126° typical viewing angle
1.70V to 2.30V forward voltage
1.4A DC forward current
2.0A peak pulsed forward current
ESD sensitivity (ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001-2012): Class 3B
-40°C to +135°C operating case temperature
Industry-standard 3.5mm x 3.5mm footprint

more information: https://lumileds.com/products/horticulture-leds/luxeon-sunplus-hpe/

Vishay VCNT2025X01 Reflective Optical Sensor

Posted on 21 April, 202221 April, 2022 by mixos

Vishay VCNT2025X01 Reflective Optical Sensor is a reflective sensor in a miniature SMD package. It has a compact construction where the emitting light source and the detector are arranged in the same plane. The operating infrared wavelength is 940nm. The detector consists of a silicon phototransistor. The sensor analog output signal (photocurrent) is triggered by the detection of reflected infrared light from a close-by object.

Features

Package type SMD
Detector type phototransistor
Dimensions (L x W x H) 2.5mm x 2mm x 0.6mm
Emitter wavelength 940nm
Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3
AEC-Q101 qualified

more information: https://www.vishay.com/optical-sensors/list/product-84895/

Texas Instruments LM74501-Q1 Reverse Polarity Protection Controller

Posted on 21 April, 202221 April, 2022 by mixos

Texas Instruments LM74501-Q1 Automotive Reverse Polarity Protection Controller operates in conjunction with an external N-channel MOSFET creating a low loss reverse polarity protection solution. The LM74501-Q1 features a 3.2V to 65V wide supply input range, ideal for severe cold crank requirements in automotive systems.

The TI LM74501-Q1 Reverse Polarity Protection Controller withstands and protects loads from negative supply voltages down to –18V. Moreover, the device does not have reverse current blocking functionality, allowing for input reverse polarity protection of loads that can potentially deliver energy back to the input supply, such as automotive body control module motor loads.

The LM74501-Q1 controller supports a charge pump gate drive for an external N-channel MOSFET. The controller has a unique integrated option that permits systems to meet automotive ISO7637 pulse one transient requirements without an additional TVS Diode (TVS less). The LM74501-Q1 offers an integrated switch to enable battery voltage monitoring with an external resistor divider. With the enable pin low, the controller is off and draws around 1µA of current, producing low system current when put into sleep mode.

Features

AEC-Q100 qualified with the following results
- Device temperature grade 1 of –40°C to +125°C ambient operating temperature range
- Device HBM ESD classification level 2
- Device CDM ESD classification level C4B
3.2V to 65V input range (3.9V start-up)
–18V reverse voltage rating
Charge pump for external N-channel MOSFET
Gate discharge timer: meets automotive ISO7637-2 pulse 1 transient without additional TVS diode (TVS less)
1µA shutdown current (EN = low)
80µA typical operating quiescent current (EN = high)
20V VDS clamp (EN = low)
Integrated battery voltage monitoring switch (SW)
8-pin SOT-23 package 2.90mm × 1.60mm

Typical Application

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/LM74501-Q1