AAEON Launch MIX-ALND1, an Intel Processor N-series Powered Mini-ITX for Gaming, Machine Automation, and Kiosk Solutions

Hosting an efficient processor platform and diverse range of interfaces, the MIX-ALND1 is ideal for cost-efficient, low-power deployment.

AAEON, a leading producer of industrial motherboards, has released the MIX-ALND1, a versatile Mini-ITX board that supports Intel® Processor N-series CPUs. Powered by either the Intel® Processor N97 or the Intel® Processor N50, the MIX-ALND1 offers users flexible 4800MHz DDR5 system memory via the SODIMM slot. This provides high-bandwidth data transmission for the board’s dual Realtek RTL8111H-CG Ethernet, dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, and numerous internal pin headers providing functions such as RS-232/422/485, Digital I/O, and HD audio.

Highlights include:

  • Intel® Processor N97 or Intel® Processor N50
  • Wi-Fi, 5G, and AI acceleration module support
  • HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4 (4K @60Hz) + LVDS/eDP
  • SSD-based expandable storage + DDR5 via SODIMM slot

As with all platforms based on the new Intel® Processor N-series, the MIX-ALND1 is equipped with Intel® UHD Graphics. AAEON’s board design takes advantage of this package with an intricate configuration of display options, which consist of HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.4 for resolutions of up to 4K @60Hz, along with an 18/24-bit dual-channel LVDS connector (colay with eDP), resulting in the capacity to support three simultaneous displays.

Like its system memory, the MIX-ALND1’s storage is flexible, with SATA III joined by an M.2 2280 M-Key offering NVMe, PCIe, or additional SATA storage options. Its other expansion slots include an M.2 3042/3052 B-Key and an M.2 2230 E-Key, which support Wi-Fi, 5G, and AI acceleration modules.

Given its efficient processor platform, multiple display configurations, and high density of internal pin connectors, AAEON has earmarked the MIX-ALND1 as a cost-friendly, low-power solution for markets such as machine automation, advanced gaming, and point-of-sale and kiosk machines.

The MIX-ALND1 is now in mass production and available for order via the AAEON eShop and its standard sales channels.

For more information about the MIX-ALND1, please visit our product page.

Mixtile Core 3588E compatible with NVIDIA Jetson TX2 NX carrier boards: 18% OFF Now Available For Pre-orders

Mixtile, the IoT hardware solution provider, has announced Core 3588E as available for pre-orders. Mixtile Core 3588E is a high-performance, low-power System-on-Module (SoM) powered by the RK3588 chipset. Highlights of the product are an 8-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and up to 6 TOPS performance. The module also has a 260-pin SO-DIMM edge connector compatible with NVIDIA Jetson TX2 NX carrier boards.

As an alternative to the Jetson TX2 NX, Core 3588E outperforms even the Jetson TX2 NX regarding video processing performance. Jetson TX2 NX can only decode 2x 4K@p60 videos and encode 1x 4K@p60 videos, while Core 3588E decodes 8K@p60 and encode 8K@p30. It can handle higher-resolution videos at much faster frame rates compared to Jetson TX2 NX.

Core 3588E also outshines the PCIe design. Jetson TX2 NX only has 2 lanes, and a few undefined pins. Core 3588E creates a PCIe 3.0 4-lane interface, which is four times faster than the 2-lane interface of Jetson TX2 NX. This distinction makes the Core 3588E a better fit for developers looking for improved performance and faster data transfer capabilities.

Pre-Orders

Mixtile currently offers a limited-time discount of 18% off for pre-orders. Prices will increase on August 31.

There are currently two options available for different memory and storage configurations:

  • 4GB memory and 32GB eMMC is available for $109
  • 16GB memory and 128GB eMMC is available for $159

The product is shipped through international airmail, and delivery will start in mid-October.

Product Specifications at a Glance

BSPs for different operating systems are supported, including Android 11, Debian 11, Ubuntu 22.04, and Armbian 23.07. The module also comes with an ARM Mali-G610 MP4 GPU, which delivers top-notch graphics performance. Expect it to seamlessly handle graphic-intensive tasks such as gaming, multimedia rendering, and advanced visualizations.

Mixtile Core 3588E has a built-in NPU of up to 6 TOPS. It can handle a whopping 6 trillion operations per second for AI workloads. Moreover, it’s compatible with several popular AI and deep learning frameworks, including TensorFlow, MXNet, Caffe, and PyTorch.

For detailed specifications of the Core 3588E SoM, you can visit the product page on the official Mixtile website.

Hailo Expands Hailo-8 AI Accelerator Portfolio, Delivering Unprecedented Performance to a Diverse Range of Edge AI Applications

The new Hailo-8 Century and Hailo-8L AI accelerators extend the Hailo-8 offering with a wide-range of AI platforms to enable high performance AI in edge devices ranging from entry level to high-capacity deployments.

Hailo, the pioneering chipmaker of edge artificial intelligence (AI) processors, today announced it has expanded its groundbreaking Hailo-8™ AI accelerator offering following hundreds of successful deployments in customer programs and products. The new high-performance Hailo-8 Century PCIe card line offers up to 208 Tera Operations per Second (TOPS) for most demanding applications, and the Hailo-8L makes advanced AI processing available for entry-level applications. Both product lines are offered at a competitive price compared to the respective category leaders.

“The expansion of our Hailo-8 AI accelerator portfolio is unlocking new opportunities for our customers to harness real-time, power-efficient intelligence in a diverse range of applications and industries,” said Orr Danon, CEO of Hailo. “With the rise of generative AI driven applications, our powerful and cost-efficient solutions bring unmatched AI performance and power efficiency, enabling state-of-the-art transformer-based models such as ViT, CLIP and SAM, at the edge.”

The competitively priced Hailo-8L, with up to 13 TOPS, is designed to support entry-level products requiring limited AI capacity or lower performance. The Hailo-8 Century line, comprising PCIe cards delivering 52 to 208 TOPS, enables demanding applications such as video management systems handling a large number of video streams. The Hailo-8 Century PCIe cards deliver best-in-class power efficiency at 400 FPS per watt on the ResNet50 benchmark model. They are also offering the highest cost efficiency, starting at $249 for the 52 TOPS card, representing up to 70% reduction in edge AI deployment costs. They feature a robust design that supports industrial temperature ranges and ensures compatibility with virtually any environment or application.

“We see the Hailo-8 Century product line as an enabler for many market verticals, such as security, retail and smart cities, which show increasing demand for AI compute power in large camera deployments,” said Tom Larson, President of Velasea. “By offering Hailo-8 Century empowered edge boxes, we offer our customers a cost-effective solution for high performance video analytics at scale.”

Hailo-8 Century and Hailo-8L both boast exceptional low-latency, high-efficiency processing, capable of handling complex pipelines with multiple real-time streams and concurrent processing of multiple models and AI tasks. The expanded portfolio of Hailo-8 products features seamless scalability for future upgrades, as all products are compatible with the same field-proven and comprehensive Hailo-8 software suite.

For reference, the Hailo-8L can run the benchmark classification model ResNet50 at 500 FPS, and the Century high-performance PCIe cards can run this model at up to 10K FPS, outperforming Nvidia’s comparable products in performance, cost efficiency and power efficiency parameters.

“With the power of Hailo-8 now accessible to a wider range of applications and products, catering to both demanding and entry-level use-cases, we are driving the industry forward in an era where efficient, scalable edge AI processing is increasingly important for businesses to achieve their targets using enhanced processing and analytic capabilities with unparalleled speed and accuracy,” Danon concluded. “This significant expansion marks a milestone in delivering seamless real-time intelligence for diverse edge AI applications ranging from security and smart cities to transportation, smart retail, industrial automation, automotive, and beyond.”

The Hailo-8 expansion follows Hailo’s successful launch of the Hailo-15™ vision processor units in Q1 2023, which are currently sampling and integrate unprecedented AI performance directly into cameras, enhancing both video quality and video analytics. Both Hailo-8L and the Hailo-8 Century product lines are available for order. High AI capacity products similar to the Hailo-8 Century are available also from Hailo’s ODM partners Aetina, Lanner, and Mitac.

For more information about Hailo’s AI processors for edge devices, visit hailo.ai.

ASUS IoT announces the Tinker Board 3N

ASUS IoT has announced Tinker Board 3N series, a versatile, Arm-based single-board computer (SBC) that empowers easy system integration, broad adaptability and expandability.

The NUC-sized SBC series is equipped with rich I/O and supports Linux Debian, Yocto, and Android operating systems, presenting an all-new premium option for developers and system integrators’ diverse IIoT projects. Its optimised thermal design simplifies the deployment of embedded applications, ensuring efficient operation in demanding environments.

With its durable and reliable design, Tinker Board 3N offers enhanced computing performance, low power consumption and a wide range of interfaces, so it’s primed and ready for smart manufacturing applications powering the IoT revolution.

Versatile performance and advanced graphics processing

To deliver the raw power and versatility demanded by IIoT applications, Tinker Board 3N is equipped with a 64-bit, quad-core Arm Rockchip RK3568 processor. Built on the Arm v8 architecture, this generates remarkable GPU performance for seamless graphics processing with low power consumption. Exacting in-house tests show that Tinker Board 3N delivers up to 17%-higher GPU performance and up to 31% increase in total UX score, encompassing data security, processing capabilities and image and video processing, Tinker Board 3N excels in IoT gateway, human-machine interfacing (HMI), and factory automation.

Robust and resilient thermal design

In addition to its outstanding computing performance, Tinker Board 3N incorporates several mechanical design enhancements to facilitate embedded application use with flexibility. For example, it features a low-profile pushpin heatsink and SoC placement on the back side for added strength and ease of installation, with its diminutive NUC-scale dimensions allowing for SWaP-constrained space deployment and flexible system integration. It is also engineered to operate smoothly in harsh industrial environments, with an impressive operating-temperature range of -40 to 85°C in order to fulfill industrial automation needs.

Enhanced connectivity for diverse applications

Tinker Board 3N-series devices are equipped with PoE, LVDS, COM, and CAN bus interfaces, along with M.2 E and M.2 B slots to accommodate WiFi 5/6 and 4G/5G expansion modules for cloud computing. The onboard LVDS supports FHD output via dual channels, making it suitable for multiple display solutions, while embedded COM headers and CAN bus can be utilized in diverse applications, such as controllers and robotic arms, expanding the board’s usability. Delivering enhanced computing performance, remarkable expandability and cost-effectiveness, Tinker Board 3N series is perfectly suited for industrial automation and smart factory environments. It fulfills the need for real-time communication, frictionless integration, long-term operation, and stringent revision control, making it an ideal choice for fulfilling the demands of versatile applications in these settings.

Support for the latest operating systems

Tinker Board 3N supports a variety of the latest and mainstream operating system platforms, catering to different development environment needs. Users can choose from Linux Debian, Yocto, and Android operating systems. The latest ASUS IoT SBC supports firmware over the air (FOTA) for both Android and Linux, ensuring regular software updates and system maintenance for efficient and optimal performance.

Tinker Board 3N is available in three distinct flavors to meet diverse project requirements. These include Tinker Board 3N PLUS, Tinker Board 3N and Tinker Board 3N LITE.

Vishay VCSEL-Based Reflective Optical Sensor Saves Space, Delivers Improved Performance

Offered in Compact 1.85 mm by 1.2 mm by 0.6 mm SMD Package, Device Features CTR of 31 %, Sensing Distance of 15 mm, and Lower Power Consumption.

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. today introduced a new reflective optical sensor for industrial, computer, consumer, and mobility applications. Saving space compared to previous-generation solutions — while delivering improved performance with a higher current transfer ratio (CTR), increased sensing distance, and lower power consumption — the Vishay Semiconductors VCNT2030 features a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and a silicon phototransistor in a miniature 1.85 mm by 1.2 mm by 0.6 mm surface-mount package.

The device released today features a compact construction in which the emitting light source and detector are arranged in the same plane. It offers excellent internal crosstalk suppression due to the VCSEL’s narrow ± 17°emission angle, which also enables improved proximity performance behind cover glass. The VCNT2030’s analog output signal at the phototransistor is dependent on the amount of light emitted by the VCSEL and reflected off an object in the sensor’s field of view. The device offers a sensing distance of 15 mm, which is three times higher than the closest competing device on the market.

With its compact footprint, the VCNT2030 saves > 40 % PCB space compared to previous-generation devices, allowing the sensor to serve as a space-saving solution for optical switching in industrial infrastructure, home and building controls, notebook and desktop computers, home appliances, consumer electronics, and metering applications; optical encoding for motor control in e-bikes, golf carts, tractors, and harvesters; and paper presence detection in printers and scanners. In these applications the low 8 mA driving current of the device’s VCSEL is enough to achieve the same performance as solutions using 20 mA infrared emitters, dramatically lowering power consumption.

The sensor offers a detection range of 0.3 mm to 6 mm, an emitter wavelength of 940 nm, and a typical output current of 2.5 mA, which represents a typical CTR of 31 % under test conditions. This value is > 100 % higher than previous-generation solutions and the closest competing sensor. The device features a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 3 for reflow soldering according to J-STD-020. It is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.

Samples and production quantities of the VCNT2030 are available now, with lead times of eight to 16 weeks.

Nexperia unveils industry’s first coin cell battery life and power booster

The NBM7100 and NBM5100, are revolutionary new types of battery life boosting ICs designed to extend the life of a typical non-rechargeable lithium coin cell battery by up to 10x compared to competing solutions while also increasing its peak output current capability by up to 25x compared to what a typical coin cell can deliver without a battery booster. This unrivaled extension in working life will significantly reduce the amount of battery waste in low-power Internet of Things (IoT) and other portable applications while making coin cells a viable power source for applications that could previously only operate from AA- or AAA- batteries.

The NBM7100A/B contains two stages of high-efficiency DC-DC conversion and an intelligent learning algorithm. The first stage DC-DC conversion transfers energy from the lithium battery at a low constant current to a capacitive storage element. Once charged, a second DC-DC conversion cycle utilizes this stored energy to supply a regulated voltage with high pulse load current capability on the VDH output pin. The battery is never directly subjected to large load pulse currents, resulting in a longer, more predictable battery lifetime.

Key features

  • Extends useful battery life of coin cell-powered IoT devices
  • Regulated output voltage powers RF circuits requiring high pulse current
  • Low standby current minimizes battery drain
  • Protection against battery voltage dips (brown-out)

Additional features

  • Programmable constant battery load current: 2 to 16 mA
  • Protection against battery voltage dips (Brown-out)
  • Pulse load output current: ≤ 200 mA
  • Regulated programmable output voltage VDH: 1.8 V to 3.6 V
  • Ultra-low standby current: < 50 nA
  • Typical conversion efficiency of > 90% with adaptive optimization
  • 63 adaptive load optimization settings
  • Integrated fuel gauge
  • Small 16 pin lead-free package (SOT763-1/DHVQFN16; 2.5 mm × 3.5 mm × 0.85 mm)
  • Specified from -40 °C to +85 °C

more information: https://gr.mouser.com/pdfDocs/IntelligentBatteryLifeBoosterICmakesPoweringtheIoTLeanerandGreener_EfficiencyWins2.pdf

Power Up Your TinyML and Edge AI Projects with Sipeed’s New MAIX M1s and M0sense Boards

RISC-V-powered TinyML and Edge AI Boards - Sipeed MAIX M1s and M0sense

Sipeed a well-known manufacturer of sensor and development boards has recently released two cutting-edge RISC-V development boards – the MAIX M1s and M0sense. This board not only supports AI on Edge, but it can also run TinyML applications. With a price tag of only $6 and $4, these boards outperform their Arduino and ESP counterparts in functionality.

The Sipeed M1s is built around the Buffalo Lab BL808, which features a tri-core RISC-V system-on-chip, boasting a 480MHz 64-bit RISC-V core, a 320MHz and 160Mhz 32-bit processors cores with a 100GOPS NPU. This board also features WIFI/BLE/Zigbee, USB OTG HS, MIPI Camera, and an RGB LCD, with basic Linux support.

maix-m1s and m0sense-boards

M0sense, on the other hand, is a typical TinyML board equipped with Audio/IMU sensors, designed to support Keywords Spotting, Human Activity Recognition, and Gesture Recognition applications.

Sipeed MAIX provides a user-friendly experience with support for drag-and-drop applications, lightweight Python scripting, and easy sharing of models via the app stores. Additionally, the platform offers an efficient inference library called TinyMaix, specifically made for MCUs with TinyML support. TinyMaix has been designed for easy porting and has already been successfully integrated into more than 40 chip/platform combinations, with minimal core code and memory usage.

To make training AI models easy, Sipeed has developed MaixHub – an online AI model training and sharing platform. The platform facilitates semi-automatic labeling, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

With a commitment to making TinyML accessible for every MCU, Sipeed has also developed the TinyMaix inference library and the RISC-V TinyML board, M0sense. The M0sense board comes equipped with most TinyML peripherals and is capable of running typical TinyML models. Priced at only $4, it is an ideal starting point for TinyML enthusiasts.

Sipeed has also built a No-SDK solution, that allows users to drag and drop Python scripts or C modules making the platform very easy to use. Other than that the device also has An optional carrier board, the M1s Dock that provides breadboard-friendly pin headers for GPIO connectivity.

Features of Sipeed MAIX M1s & M0sense

Processor System:

  • M1s: Triple-core Bouffalo Lab BL808; 480MHz 64-bit, 320MHz 32-bit, 160MHz 32-bit RISC-V cores; Neural processing unit (NPU) at 100 GOPS
  • M0sense: 32-bit Bouffalo BL702 running at 144MHz

Memory:

  • M1s: 758kB SRAM, 64MB PSRAM, 16MB flash storage
  • M0sense: 132kB static RAM, 512kB flash

Camera Support (M1s only):

  • MIPI and DVP support up to 1080p
    • Two-megapixel OV2685 camera module with LED flash (M1s Dock)

Connectivity:

  • Wi-Fi (M1s only)
  • Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
  • Zigbee (M1s only)
  • USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) (M1s only)

I/O Interfaces (M1s only):

  • SPI and RGB for external displays
  • I2S and analog audio
  • UART, I2C, SPI, SDOI, Ethernet
  • ADC and DAC

Video/Audio Acceleration (M1s only):

  • Motion JPEG (MJPEG), G2D, H.264, and OSD workloads

Displays and Sensors:

  • M1s: 1.69″ 280×240 display with capacitive touch support (M1s Dock)
  • M1s: Analog MEMS microphone (M1s Dock)
  • M0sense: Optional 0.96″ display
  • M0sense: On-board microphone and inertial measurement unit (IMU)

The Sipeed M1s Dock, which includes a breakout board, a display, and a case, is available on AliExpress for $19.99. Additionally, the M0sense board is available on AliExpress for $7.33. Both items are part of Sipeed’s selection of boards, and they can be conveniently purchased online.

Meet Loshark – The Ultimate Tool for Easy LoRa Debugging

The LoShark is a USB key-sized device, designed with a keen focus on offering robust LoRa connectivity and debugging capabilities.

The Loshark is a USB Thumb Drive seized LoRa Debugging tool capable of running mainline Linux and executing javascript (ES2015) through Resonance runtime environment. Based on the Ingenic X1501 System-on-Chip module, it can run independently or alongside a computer, which makes it useful for various IoT and data-driven applications.

What is Resonance Framework?

Resonance, LoShark’s upcoming runtime environment, is currently in active development. Once completed, it will let devices run JavaScript (ES2015) on LoShark and similar instruments. It will have an open-source license, making IoT debugging and data collection easier.

The X1501 Pico SOM Module

Powered by the X1501 Pico SOM Module, the shark can execute complex algorithms and audio codes like Codec2 and Opus and software-based error correction codes such as DSSS and LDPC.

The SOM packs a fast, power-efficient, 32-bit MIPS32r2 RISC processor with a full-featured hardware FPU, 2200+ CoreMark, and 333+ MWIPS. More details bout this processor can be found in the product datasheet.

JavaScript Support with Resonance

The Loshark device’s primary strength is executing JavaScript (ES2015) through a resonance runtime environment. The runtime environment is still in the early development stage, but once the development is completed, it will be made open-source and accessible for everybody to use. If you are interested in testing or tinkering with Thai pieces of software, you can join their Discord​ for alpha testing.

loshark JavaScript example
The company has released a simple Javascript application and a NodeJS-like console interfacing directly with the SX126X LoRA chip.

This feature enables users to program specific tasks, like capturing packets sending and monitoring LoRa packets manually or automatically with a delay. This is an open-source project so all the schematic PCB files and software can be found in Loshark GitHub Riopo. there is also a Hackaday page that talks about its features in deeper detail.

Linux Support

The device runs mainline Linux, allowing users to run C and C++ applications directly within the LoSharK device. By optimizing your C code, you can do a lot of exciting projects with this device.

loshark running C and C++ code

Other features include a Real-Time Clock (RTC) capable of retaining time configurations for a minimum of two days and a programmable RGB LED indicator accessible via I2C for status indication. The device can be configured with any LoRa module with the following frequency bands: 433MHz, 869MHz, or 915MHz.

Features List of the LoShark Module

The complete feature list of the Loshark module is shown below:

  • A Compact and Portable USB-type Design makes the device easy for portability and convenience.
  • It has the ability to execute JavaScript (ES2015) through the Resonance runtime.
  • It runs mainline Linux, allowing users to write applications in C and C++.
  • This device has 8MB of DRAM, 8MB of PSRAM, and additional storage options (starting from 128MB up to 4GB).
  • LoShark consumes 150mW while plugged into a PC and not transmitting, which is ultra-efficient.
  • The device is built on top of X1501 Pico SoM powered by a MIPS32r2 RISC processor for max efficiency.
  • The LoShark is compatible with various different antenna types, thanks to its onboard SMA connector.
  • It offers powerful RTC that can operate independently for at least 2 days.
  • The device has an RGB LED for indication accessible via the I2C interface.

The LoSharK Debugger is provided in two variants. The version with 256MB storage is available for $59.99, while the 4GB Flash storage variant is priced at $72.99.

C50M Camera module Offers 50MP Photo & 8k Video

British and Finnish robotics, RBTS.co has introduced a crowdfunding campaign for its cutting-edge C50M Camera module, aiming to provide 8k-resolution video footage and 50-megapixel still images to single-board computers (SBCs) like NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, and Rockchip RK3588-based SBCs. This state-of-the-art camera module, equipped with the Samsung ISOCELL GN2 image sensor (also found in the Google Pixel 8 Pro), opens up new possibilities in various industries, including drones, machine vision, and industrial automation.

The C50M Camera module’s capabilities are revolutionary, particularly in the realms of aerial and machine vision. For drone enthusiasts, this advancement means capturing everyday moments from the skies with unprecedented detail and clarity. Similarly, machine vision applications benefit from the high resolution, enabling more comprehensive data collection and precise image analysis, enhancing object recognition and defect detection.

The ISOCELL GN2 sensor within the C50M Camera module stands out with its exceptional 50MP photo-taking ability, making it an ideal choice for drones to capture the world below with incredible precision. Moreover, machine vision systems benefit from this high resolution as it leads to more accurate feature detection and identification.

Low-light conditions are no longer a hindrance with the C50M Camera module. The large 1.4μm pixels of the ISOCELL GN2 sensor allow for impressive low-light performance, ensuring clear and bright images, whether the drones are flying in poorly lit environments or machine vision systems are operating in dimly lit factories.

The lightning-fast autofocus of the ISOCELL GN2 sensor, utilizing the Dual Pixel Pro technology, is a boon for both drones and machine vision applications. It enables quick focusing on any object, making it perfect for drones tracking fast-moving subjects and critical for machine vision systems requiring swift response times.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities integrated into the C50M Camera module ensure vibrant photos are captured even in mixed lighting conditions. This is especially advantageous for drones and machine vision systems functioning in environments with contrasting light settings, maintaining image clarity and quality.

The RBTS.co team has invested significant effort in bringing this advanced camera technology to the market for drones, mobile robots, and various other projects. The crowdfunding campaign aims to secure the necessary funding to initiate the production of these camera modules. The current budget supports the smallest viable production run, and backers’ support will help gain the traction required to deliver these outstanding camera modules to their hands.

At present, RBTS.co has developed 8 prototype cameras, with the modules already undergoing testing by the production partner. The green carrier PCBs are also in the testing phase, while the prototypes are utilized for driver development and debugging, which is an ongoing process. The team anticipates that most features will be fully operational by the time they start shipping the first batch of production modules. Regular updates on driver developments can be found through the campaign page or product page at rbts.co/c50m.

The production camera modules are expected to be nearly identical to the prototypes showcased. However, there will be one main change – the addition of the ‘frame sync’ function. While the prototypes can only output this signal, the production modules will have the capability to use it as an input as well. This enhancement will enable hardware frame synchronization between multiple modules, further expanding the camera’s potential for various applications.

In conclusion, RBTS.co’s C50M Camera module, powered by the Samsung ISOCELL GN2 sensor, represents a significant leap forward in drone technology, machine vision, and industrial automation. With its high-resolution capabilities, low-light performance, lightning-fast autofocus, and HDR features, this camera module opens up endless possibilities for capturing the world from new perspectives and observing minute details in unparalleled clarity. By supporting the crowdfunding campaign, backers play a crucial role in making this groundbreaking camera technology accessible to enthusiasts and professionals alike, paving the way for advancements in diverse fields of robotics and vision-based applications.

The camera module is currently seeking funding on Indiegogo, available at a discounted rate of $97 for “Early Bird” backers, with the price increasing to $130 for those who join later.

Particle Announces the Photon 2 and P2 Module, for IoT Wi-Fi Solutions

Particle, the integrated IoT Platform-as-a-Service, has unveiled its latest offerings: the P2 and Photon 2 hardware modules, which represent updates to their advanced embedded IoT Wi-Fi solutions. These modules, powered by the Particle Platform-as-a-Service, bring enhanced functionality and flexibility to enterprise IoT applications. The P2 module, available from July 29, offers advanced functionality suitable for low-cost, integrated designs in areas that may have limited cellular connectivity, such as factory floors, hospitals, smart buildings, and security monitoring. On the other hand, the Photon 2, expected to be available in late 2023, provides an improved feather form factor compatible development kit designed for rapid prototyping.

 

One notable achievement with these updates is the introduction of a combination of Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options for enterprise IoT applications. Historically, securing connectivity with the necessary processing power for enterprise applications required costly and data-intensive cellular connectivity. With the advent of P2, Particle delivers enterprise-grade security and connectivity protocols, more powerful processing capabilities, and ensures secure and guaranteed availability.

Particle’s Wi-Fi modules and development kits are purpose-built for enterprise-grade applications, prioritizing RF performance, low power consumption, security, and rapid time-to-market. These latest components mark the introduction of a new enterprise Wi-Fi product line, succeeding the P0/P1 and Photon/Argon, and come with supply security and added support for low-power Bluetooth, a more powerful processor, increased memory, and broader support for enterprise Wi-Fi configurations, including 5GHz and 802.1X networks.

Adam Warmington, Senior Product Manager at Particle, emphasized the importance of device and network versatility and security, considering the staggering 700% increase in IoT cyber attacks since 2019. The P2 and Photon 2 updates are designed to address the constantly evolving IoT cyber threat landscape and provide developers with the power to achieve seamless forward compatibility and faster market entry.

To ensure a predictable and reliable supply chain for chip-based components, Particle has introduced the Supply Secure hardware portfolio. This proactive program updates and replaces legacy hardware, ensuring a consistent supply chain for its products.

The Particle Photon 2 features a dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 Low Energy (BLE) development board powered by a Realtek RTL8271DM microcontroller with a single Arm Cortex-M33 CPU core running at up to 200MHz, along with 3MB of RAM and 2MB of available program storage. The module includes a 2MB flash file system and an integrated PCB antenna with support for an external antenna if needed.

The P2, on the other hand, is the same hardware as the Photon 2 but is offered in a module format rather than a breadboard-friendly development board. This allows developers to prototype their ideas using the Photon 2 and then transition to productization using the P2 module, available at a slightly discounted price in multiples of 10 units.

Additionally, Particle offers an edge machine learning (ML) bundle that combines the Photon 2 with various sensors like an accelerometer, microphone, gas sensor, and motion sensor, along with a breadboard and other prototyping hardware for on-device artificial intelligence projects, with full support in the Edge Impulse Studio platform.

The new hardware is now available for purchase on the Particle store, with the Photon 2 priced at $17.95 and the Edge ML bundle costing $69.

The P2 module can be purchased at $15.36 per unit, available exclusively in multiples of 10 units. As an added bonus, the introduction of the P2 module has led to a significant discount on the earlier P1 module, priced at $6.50 per unit while stocks last. These advancements offer promising opportunities for developers and enterprises seeking advanced IoT solutions with enhanced connectivity and security features.

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