Sipeed’s MAIX-II Dock Development Kit for AI-specific Applications

MAIX-II Dock Development Kit for Sipeed’s second-generation MAIX-II core module has a built-in NPU (Neural Processing Unit) for AI-specific applications. The module runs in a complete Linux environment with edge computing features to improve response time and reduce the bandwidth. Hence, the module specializes in deep learning and AIoT functions. MAIX-II module is an Allwinner V831 SoC with better features than the MAIX-I Kendryte K210 module.

The MAIX-II core module on Arm Cortex-A7 works at a higher frequency (800~1000 MHz) than the MAIX-I module which works at a lower (400~600 MHz). The MAIX-I module has a smaller RAM size but the NPU performance is up to 0.23 TOPS (Trillions Operations Per Second), whereas the MAIX-II module has SIP 64MB DDR2 RAM but the NPU performance is 0.2 TOPS. The MAIX-II module provides more peripherals like SDIO, Ethernet port, ADC, and audio port. Additionally, it features video encoding at H.264 up to 1080p at 30fps, H265 up to 1080p at 30fps, and JPEG up to 1080p at 30fps, which is not supported in MAIX-I.

MAIX-II Dock Development Board Kit

The Sipeed MAIX-II Dock integrates a 1080p30 camera based on Omnivision SP2305 2 megapixel sensor and 6mm default focal length with an M12 lens. It connects to the board via a B2B connector. The 48.9 x 33.9 x 36.1mm development board “communicates through a 2.4GHz 802.11n Realtek RTL8189FTV module and antenna.” Additionally, it provides 1.3-inch 240 x 240 IPS display, a 1W speaker, a built-in microphone, a microSD slot, and a 3-axis accelerometer. The MAIX-II Dock development board kit is meant for AI-specific applications in smart homes, medical industries, education, and agriculture.

Parameters of MAIX-II Core Module and Development Kit

• Typically, the core board operating current is 50 mA.
• 22.1 x 24.9 x 3.0mm are the dimensions of the module board.
• Core board working temperature is between 38-65 ℃
• Typically, the kit working current is 490 mA
• 48.9 x 33.9 x 36.1mm are the dimensions of the kit.
• 5V and 1A is the recommended power supply with a Type C interface.

The Sipeed has the “OpenWrt-based MAIX-LINUX firmware adapted for edge computing, including the relevant drivers, and all opkg package source code” as the system software. The board uses Python 3.8.5 for programming with a user-friendly Jupyter Notebook environment. The system is also compatible with python software packages like numpy for computations and PIL for image processing. The system also supports additional tools like cross-compilation toolchain, QEMU virtual compilation environment, and online model conversion tools.

Sipeed has tweeted the MAIX-III module with a 1.5-TOPS NPU, dual-band WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, and 512MB to 2GB DDR3. Its performance could be much better than the previous versions of the MAIX series because of the increased RAM and TOPS specification. “Due in February, the module runs on a Linux-ready SoC that could be a Rockchip design.”

The Sipeed MAIX-II Dock is available for preordering from Seeed for $28.80, with delivery dates after the 15th of January. For more information visit the official product page.

Images and technical specifications have been taken from Sipeed’s official product page and Hackster’s post.

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