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LattePanda Sigma is an x86 single-board computer with an Intel Core i5 processor

Posted on 3 June, 20233 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

LattePanda has unveiled its latest single-board computer, the LattePanda Sigma, which is a compact x86 device with a powerful Intel Core i5-1340P processor. This quad-core processor, with an efficient core clock speed of 3.40 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.60 GHz, ensures efficient processing power. It allows users to run resource-intensive workloads and multitask with ease for a wide range of media servers, home automation, and AI inference applications.

As mentioned earlier, it features an Intel Core i5-1340P processor, offering high-performance computing and supports up to 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, enabling data handling. For storage needs, the LattePanda Sigma includes M.2 SSD (NVMe/SATA) and SATA drives for the expansion of storage for applications and operating systems.

Additionally, the LattePanda Sigma features a Microchip ATmega32U4-MU co-processor, which is a low-power 8-bit RISC-based microcontroller. The previous versions of LattePanda single-board computers, such as LattePanda 3 Delta and LattePanda v1, also had the same co-processor.

Specifications of the LattePanda Sigma:

CPU: Intel Core i5-1340P
Co-processor: Microchip ATmega32U4-MU
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Memory: 16GB Dual-Channel LPDDR5-6400
Storage: M.2 SSD (NVMe/SATA) and SATA Drive
Wireless connectivity: M.2 Wireless Module (PCIe/CNVio)
Display: HDMI 2.1 up to 4096 x 2304 at 60Hz, DP 1.4a up to 7680 x 4320 at 60Hz, and eDP 1.4b up to 4096 x 2304 at 120Hz
Audio: 3.5mm microphone headphone connector
Power: DC Jack 12 to 20 V and USB Type-C port 20V
Software: Windows 10, Windows 11, Linux Ubuntu 22.04
Dimensions: 146×102 mm

In terms of connectivity, this SBC has an M.2 slot for the addition of a Wi-Fi module which needs to be installed separately, ensuring extended wireless communication. The board also provides multiple USB ports, HDMI output, and a Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing easy integration with various peripherals and displays.

The LattePanda Sigma single-board computer is currently available for pre-order at $648 USD on the DFRobot product page. The company says that the orders are expected to ship by late June.

M5Stack CoreS3 is a compact development board with various onboard sensors

Posted on 3 June, 20233 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

M5Stack has released the M5Stack CoreS3, a compact development kit. The M5Stack CoreS3 is integrated with the ESP32-S3 processor, which delivers enhanced performance and capabilities as it combines a highly efficient Xtensa LX7 processor core with a rich set of peripherals and interfaces, making it ideal for a wide range of IoT applications. The device is equipped with 8 MB of PSRAM and 16 MB of flash memory, providing enough space for program storage and data processing.

The M5Stack CoreS3 enables developers to build next-generation projects as it features a 2-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 320×240 pixels, enabling clear visual output. The built-in 6-axis IMU sensor allows for motion sensing capabilities, opening up possibilities for motion-based applications.

Additionally, the M5Stack CoreS3 supports Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, enabling seamless integration with other devices and cloud services. This connectivity allows for real-time data transmission and remote control, making it suitable for IoT applications where communication and interoperability are essential.

Specifications of M5Stack CoreS3:

MCU: ESP32-S3 system-on-chip featuring Xtensa LX7 processor
Display: 2-inch touch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 320×240 pixels
Sensors: Proximity sensor, six-axis attitude sensor, and magnetometer
Power management: AXP2101 chip
Speaker: AW88298 16-bits I2S power amplifier chip
Dimensions: 54x54x16 mm
Weight: 73.3 grams

One key feature of the M5Stack CoreS3 is its compatibility with the M5Stack UIFlow software platform. UIFlow is a powerful programming environment that offers a visual interface and block-based programming for easy and intuitive development. It also provides support for the Arduino development platform, allowing developers to choose their preferred programming language and environment.

The M5Stack CoreS3 is equipped with a 300k pixel camera GC0308, which is built into the bottom of the screen. This camera enables developers to capture images and even incorporate computer vision capabilities into their projects. In addition to the camera, the CoreS3 also features a proximity sensor called the LTR-553ALS-WA. This sensor can detect the presence of nearby objects or individuals.

The CoreS3 is equipped with a built-in 6-axis attitude sensor called the BMI270. This sensor combines a gyroscope and an accelerometer, allowing developers to detect motion, orientation, and gestures. The device can be powered by an external DC power source with a voltage range of 9V to 24V, making it compatible with a wide range of power supplies. Alternatively, it can also be powered by an internal 500mAh lithium battery.

The M5Stack CoreS3 is currently available for purchase at $59.90 USD on the official product page.

SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Kit comes with RedBoard Artemis Nano and Speaker Amplifier

Posted on 3 June, 20233 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

SparkFun Electronics has designed a comprehensive audio solution, the SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Kit, that comes with all connecting cables, a wall adapter, a SparkFun Qwiic speaker amplifier, and RedBoard Artemis Nano. This audio kit serves as an all-in-one audio solution for hobbyists and professionals to incorporate high-quality audio into their projects, leveraging the Qwiic interface.

The SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Amplifier features the Texas Instruments TPA2016D2 stereo class-D audio power amplifier. The capabilities include volume control (gain), Dynamic Range Compression (DRC), Automatic Gain Control (AGC), amplifier enable/disable functionality, and software reconfigurability through I2C communication. This amplifier delivers minimal heat generation and extended battery life when driving 4Ω speakers at up to 2.8W in stereo or 8Ω speakers at up to 1.7W in stereo.

The RedBoard Artemis Nano is a compact implementation of the Artemis module, featuring a slim 0.8mm PCB design. This board offers convenient onboard LiPo battery charging capability and a Qwiic connector, making it ideal for small-scale projects. The board is breadboard-compatible, allowing for integration into prototyping setups by soldering the inner rows of pins.

The Qwiic Speaker Kit encompasses two thin speakers that deliver high-quality audio experiences. These speakers are compact and also deliver exceptional sound output, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including gaming, home automation, interactive displays, and more. Their compact size ensures flexibility in placement, allowing users to incorporate them into projects where space is limited.

To explore the full capabilities of the Qwiic Speaker Amplifier, the use of an Arduino microcontroller is required. The Arduino’s I2C pins are connected to the Qwiic Speaker Amp’s Qwiic connector. The Arduino will require a separate power supply for proper functioning. While programming can be done using a computer’s USB port, a dedicated 5V USB wall adapter is recommended for stable and reliable power once the program is finalized.

The SparkFun Qwiic Speaker Kit is currently available for purchase at $39.95 USD on the SparkFun official website.

Banana Pi BPI-CM5 computer module with Amlogic A311D2 , 4G LPDDR4 RAM and 16G eMMC onboard

Posted on 1 June, 20231 June, 2023 by mixos

Banana Pi BPI-CM5 is a computer module with Amlogic A311D2 quad-core Cortex-A73 and quad-core Cortex-A53 SOC, Mali-G52 GPU MP8 GPU, 4GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4x (Max 8G), 16G eMMC flash (Max 128G). It is designed with Board to Board connectors for enhanced stability same as Raspberry Pi CM4, which means that it should work with carrier boards designed for the Raspberry Pi CM4.

Hardware

Features:

Amlogic A311D2,quad-core Cortex-A73 and quad-core Cortex-A53 SOC
Mali-G52 GPU MP8 GPU
4GB LPDDR4/LPDDR4x (Max 8G)
16G eMMC flash (Max 128G)
Designed with Board to Board connectors for enhanced stability same as RasPi CM4
One on-board Gigabit Ethernet
One PCIe2.0 interface expansion, can flexibly add related modules
One USB3.0 port up to 5Gbps
One USB2.0 high-speed USB/IO witch support USB OTG
Three HDMI2.1 receiver ports
one HDMI2.1 transmitter port with CEC
two 8-lane V-by-One output can support up to 4Kx2K resolution(Multiplexing with MIPI-DSI/eDP/LVDS)
two 4-lane MIPI-CSI camera interface with 16Mp ISP

wiki online documents, will keep updated: https://wiki.banana-pi.org/Banana_Pi_BPI-CM5

Radxa ROCK Pi 5B Single Board Computer has powerful RK3588 SoC

Posted on 1 June, 20231 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

We recently discussed the launch of the Radxa ROCK Pi 4 SE single-board computer, which is equipped with the Rockchip RK3399-T processor and is considered to be an alternative to the famous Raspberry Pi 4B single-board computer. The company has expanded its product portfolio with the latest offering, the Radxa ROCK Pi 5B. It is designed to cater to the growing demands of developers, enthusiasts, and hobbyists, as it comes with Rockchip RK3588 processor.

The ROCK Pi 5B is powered by the Rockchip RK3588 processor that integrates an Arm Cortex-A76 architecture with four high-performance cores and four energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores. The RK3588 offers a significant performance gain over its predecessors, which allows it to be integrated into a wide range of applications, such as computer vision, IoT, and robotics.

Specifications of Radxa ROCK Pi 5B:

Processor: Rockchip RK3588 with Arm Cortex-A76 and Cortex-A55 cores
GPU: Arm Mali-G610 MC4 for enhanced graphics processing
RAM: 8 GB 64-bit LPDDR4 RAM
Storage: eMMC module socket and MicroSD card slot
Display: HDMI ports with 8K resolution support at 60 fps as well as 4K at 60 fps, with micro-HDMI supporting 4K resolution
USB: USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports
GPIO: 40-pin GPIO header for expansion and customization
Camera: 1x 4 lane CSI interfaces for imaging applications
Audio: High-quality stereo audio output through a 3.5mm audio jack
Operating System Support: Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, and Android 12

The ROCK Pi 5B has additional features as it supports various software frameworks, including TensorFlow and PyTorch, enabling developers to leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities.

The board can be used for computer vision applications, thanks to its wide range of support for various display outputs. The ROCK Pi 5B supports hardware video decoding up to 8K resolution, providing an improved media experience. Its dual MIPI-CSI camera interfaces enable users to explore computer vision and robotics applications.

The ROCK Pi 5B is currently available for purchase at $194.00 USD on DFRobot product page.

Is Radxa ROCK Pi 4 SE an alternative to Raspberry Pi?

Posted on 1 June, 20234 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

The Radxa ROCK Pi 4 SE is a single-board computer that has gained considerable attention since its launch. It is designed to become an alternative to the Raspberry Pi with its host of features that make it an appealing choice for various projects and applications. The ROCK Pi 4 SE is powered by the Rockchip RK3399-T processor, which is based on the Arm architecture and combines a dual-core Cortex-A72 CPU and a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU.

The ROCK Pi 4 SE incorporates various camera and display interfaces that enable users to connect external devices for a wide range of applications. If you are interested in computer vision projects, video streaming, or visual monitoring systems, the ROCK Pi 4 SE provides the necessary interfaces to facilitate seamless integration.

Specifications of the Radxa ROCK Pi 4 SE:

Processor: Rockchip RK3399-T SoC with dual-core Cortex-A72 and quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs
GPU: Mali-T860 MP4 GPU for graphics performance
Memory: Up to 4GB LPDDR4 RAM for multitasking and efficient memory utilization
Storage: eMMC module socket and microSD card slot for expandable storage options
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connectivity
Ports: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, HDMI port, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack
Software: Debian, Ubuntu, and Linux support, along with Android 7.1/9.0/10/11

The ROCK Pi 4 SE is compatible with many operating systems, including Debian, Ubuntu, Android, and Armbian. The Radxa manufacturer has provided a forum and a community wiki page with several resources, tutorials, and documentation to help users get started with their projects and troubleshoot any issues they may encounter.

When it comes to comparison with the Raspberry Pi 4B, the manufacturer says that the ROCK Pi 4 SE has better performance with more processing cores and a broader memory interface. In terms of form factor and interface layout, both the boards have a similar design with 40 pin GPIO extension header.

The ROCK Pi 4 SE single-board computer is currently available for purchase at $85.00 USD on the DFRobot product page.

Advanced Multi-Camera Solutions for the Qualcomm Robotics RB5 Kit

Posted on 1 June, 20232 June, 2023 by mixos

e-con Systems™, with over two decades of experience in designing, developing, and manufacturing OEM cameras, recently launched an extensive multi-camera solution to fully unlock the RB5 Kit’s potential. This solution allows connecting up to 6 cameras (MIPI or GMSL2 or a combination of both) simultaneously. e-con Systems’ cutting-edge camera solution, along with Qualcomm’s high compute power of 15 TOPS, low power consumption, and thermal dissipation, is the perfect choice for applications such as drones, delivery robots, and autonomous shopping systems.

“Qualcomm® QRB5165 processor with impressive 15 TOPS of compute power and low power consumption has opened new horizons for robotics applications. These applications demand advanced camera solutions to leverage the full potential of this RB5 Robotics kit. Recognizing this need, e-con Systems has taken the initiative to develop an innovative solution that bridges the gap and empowers the RB5 kit with robust multi-camera capabilities. Leveraging the partnership with Qualcomm, we’re confident in providing camera solutions with wide compatibility and flexibility to match our customers’ diverse needs.”, said Gomathi Sankar, Business Unit Head- Industrial at e-con Systems™.

Highlights

Multi-camera Support – Connect up to 6 cameras, either MIPI or GMSL2 or a combination of both, to enable imaging from multiple angles/perspectives.
Camera Portfolio Compatibility – Ensure compatibility with different resolutions, shutter types, chroma, HDR and NIR.
Full Product Development – Get a complete solution in the form of full product development, thereby simplifying the lifecycle.

Qualcomm ISP Tuning – Use e-con Systems’ solid ISP expertise for fine-tuning the Qualcomm ISP for AE, AWB, HDR, color reproduction, etc.

Video

If you are interested in evaluating this multi-camera solution, please visit the online web store and purchase the product.

Customization and integration support

e-con Systems, with deep expertise in and knowledge of various camera interfaces, provides the necessary customization services and end-to-end integration support for this solution. Unique application requirements can easily be met. So, if you are looking for any customization or integration support, please write to camerasolutions@e-consystems.com

more information: https://www.e-consystems.com/cameras-for-qualcomm-robotics-rb5-kit.asp

Banana Pi Centi S3 development board has ESP32-S3 SoC for extended wireless connectivity

Posted on 1 June, 20231 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

Banana Pi, a well-known name in the single-board computer market, has launched its latest offering, the Banana Pi Centi S3 development board. This compact embedded board has a range of capabilities, thanks to its integration with the Espressif Systems’ ESP32-S3 system-on-chip, which makes it ideal for developing projects around color display, interactive control, wireless communication, and sensor data acquisition.

As mentioned earlier, the Banana Pi Centi S3 has a powerful ESP32-S3 processor, which combines a dual-core Xtensa LX7 CPU with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This processor provides necessary AI acceleration through its support for vector instructions in the MCU, giving developers the ability to take advantage of these capabilities through ESP-DSP and ESP-NN libraries.

The Banana Pi Centi S3 development board comes with a 1.9-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 170 x 320 pixels and a rotary encoder, enabling users to interact with their projects in an intuitive and user-friendly manner. The display allows for easy visual feedback, while the rotary encoder provides a convenient means of navigation and input control.

Specifications of the Banana Pi Centi S3:

Processor: ESP32-S3 SoC with dual-core Xtensa LX7
Memory: 2 MB PSRAM
Storage: 8 MB flash storage
Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth v5.0
Display: 1.9-inch TFT LCD with 170×320 resolution and 8-bit 8080 parallel port
Encoder: Rotary encoder for input control
GPIOs: 9x GPIOs have been exported to the JST SH socket
Peripherals: I2C, SPI, PWM, UART, RMT, I2S
USB: USB Type-C for power and data transfer
Power: 5V via USB Type-C

The Banana Pi Centi S3 development board supports both USB and external 3.7V lithium battery power supply, providing users with flexibility and convenience for their projects. It features an automatic switching power supply function when dual power sources are available. This means that when both USB and a 3.7V lithium battery are connected to the board, it can seamlessly switch between the power sources based on their availability and priority.

The Banana Pi Centi S3 development board offers extensive software support as it is compatible with popular programming languages and development environments such as MicroPython. The manufacturer has provided documentation and sample code with some demo videos available through its official Wiki page.

Orange Pi 5 Plus SBC is equipped with Rockchip RK3588 SoC

Posted on 1 June, 20231 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

The Orange Pi 5 Plus SBC has recently made its debut, offering a powerful computing solution for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Inside the Orange Pi 5 Plus SBC is the popular Rockchip RK3588 processor, which provides high performance and power efficiency.

The RK3588 is a highly capable processor featuring an octa-core Arm Cortex-A76/A55 CPU and an Arm Mali-G52 GPU, enabling the board to handle demanding heavy workloads. With this processing power, users can extend their use case into a wide range of applications, from media streaming and gaming to AI and machine learning projects.

Specifications of the Orange Pi 5 Plus SBC:

Processor: Rockchip RK3588 with an octa-core Arm Cortex-A76/A55 CPU and Arm Mali-G52 GPU
Memory: Up to16 GB LPDDR4 RAM
Storage: Up to 256 GB eMMC module can be attached, MicroSD card slot for up to 128 GB, QSPI Nor Flash up to 32 MB, and M.2 2280 slot for NVMe SSDs (PCIe 3.0 x4) up to 2,000 MB/s
Video: 2x HDMI 2.1 output with up to 8K resolution support at 60 fps, 1x MIPI DSI TX 4 Lane with up to 4K at 60 Hz.
Camera: MIPI-CSI interface for connecting cameras
Audio: 3.5mm audio jack, onboard microphone
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet and M.2 slot supporting 2230 Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth module
Power: Supports USB Type-C power supply and 5V at 4A.
Software: OrangePi OS (Droid), OrangePi (Arch), Ubuntu 22.04, Debian 11, and Android 12

The Orange Pi 5 Plus SBC offers multiple operating system options, including Android and various Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Debian. This allows users to choose the OS that best suits their needs and preferences according to the application.

The board provides several connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration into various projects. With its PCIe and M.2 slots, users have the flexibility to expand the capabilities of the SBC by adding additional peripherals such as SSDs or other expansion cards.

The Orange Pi 5 Plus SBC can be purchased on Amazon for $138.99 USD for the 16 GB RAM variant.

Qualcomm Robotics RB1 and RB2 development kits for next-generation robotics and IoT applications

Posted on 1 June, 20231 June, 2023 by Abhishek Jadhav

Qualcomm Technologies has recently launched the Qualcomm Robotics RB1 and RB2 development kits, designed to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced robotic systems and IoT applications, enabling developers to create advanced solutions with ease. The devices are optimized with smaller form factors and lower power consumption, making them effective for the targeted industry.

The new Qualcomm QRB2210 processor powers the Qualcomm Robotics RB1, and the RB2 development kit has Qualcomm QRB 4210 processor. These high-performance processors offer excellent computing performance and power efficiency. The advanced Adreno GPU ensures superior graphics rendering capabilities, enabling developers to create visually immersive robotic applications.

The Qualcomm Robotics RB1 development kit is equipped with a customized 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 quad-core processor clocked up to a frequency of 2.0 GHz and is integrated with Qualcomm Adreno GPU 702 at 845 MHz. It supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi connectivity along with Bluetooth 5.0.

One of the standout features of the Qualcomm Robotics RB1 platform is its ability to support machine vision. With the capability to accommodate up to two cameras, this platform enables the onboard intelligence to seamlessly merge visual data with other high-precision sensors from TDK. This integration empowers robotic systems to harness the power of machine vision, enabling applications such as autonomous navigation.

The Qualcomm Robotics RB2 platform takes AI processing to the next level by incorporating a dedicated Digital Signal Processor (DSP). This DSP enables on-device AI processing, providing a high-performance solution for executing AI algorithms efficiently. With support for all major AI frameworks and networks, developers can leverage the power of AI to enhance the capabilities of their robotic systems.

“Qualcomm Technologies is committed to fueling innovation, creating new business opportunities, enabling the next generation of 5G connectivity and premium edge- AI — and that starts with ensuring accessibility and performance across the ecosystem,” said Dev Singh, Vice President, Business Development and Head of Building, Enterprise & Industrial Automation, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

The platform incorporates advanced features such as multi-frame noise reduction (MFNR) for capturing snapshots with reduced noise, temporal noise reduction for capturing high-quality videos, and electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smooth and stable footage.

In addition to the powerful hardware, the Qualcomm Robotics RB1 and RB2 Development Kits offer a range of other notable features. These kits provide developers access to a comprehensive set of tools, libraries, and software frameworks to facilitate rapid prototyping and development.