Microchip Technology has announced the SAMA4G54, an MPU powered by a 1 GHz ARM Cortex A7 chip. The MPU can enable developers to design low-power stereo vision applications, the MPU includes both the MIPI CSI-2 camera interface and a traditional parallel camera interface for more accurate depth perception. The SAMA7G54 brings a low-power solution into the 1 GHz performance class of Linux-capable MPUs by providing flexible low-power modes, as well as voltage and frequency scaling.
The embedded market is moving towards high powered artificial intelligence (AI) solutions but with a lower size and weight, therefore, an ultra-efficient module. Until now the requirement of AI solutions includes advanced imaging and audio capabilities that are usually found in the power-intensive, high performing multi-core microprocessors. But the SAMA7G54 can provide a low-power AI solution. The company also claims that the users can achieve the best power consumption vs a performance by coupling the MPU with the company’s existing MCP16502 Power Management IC (PMIC).
“The SAMA7G54 provides a low-risk path for designers to develop power and performance-optimized AI solutions for deployment at the edge,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s 32-bit MPU business unit. “Designers can now create high-performing imaging and audio-centric AI applications without having to use multi-core MPUs with much higher power consumption.”
According to the company, the device integrates enhanced audio features such as four I2S digital audio ports, an 8-microphone array interface, a S/PDIF transmitter and receiver, as well as a four stereo channel audio sample rate converter. Furthermore, it integrates ARM TrustZone technology with secure boot, secure key storage and cryptography with acceleration and more.
Microchip has provided both the hardware and software development support for the SAMA7G54. The evaluation kit, SAMA7G54-EK, features necessary connectors and expansion headers for easier customization and supports Microchip’s mainline Linux distribution.
