The integrated market needs higher-performance, lower-power artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that can be deployed at the edge – where power consumption is often scarce. AI solutions often require advanced imaging and audio capabilities, which are typically only found in high-performance multi-core microprocessors that, unfortunately, also consume much more power.
To give developers access to these peripherals without sacrificing power consumption, Microchip Technology is launching the SAMA7G54 Arm Cortex A7-based MPU running up to 1 GHz. The SAMA7G54 includes a MIPI CSI-2 camera interface and a parallel camera interface traditional technology that allows developers to design low-power stereo vision applications with more accurate depth perception.
Microchip is committed to maintaining the lowest power MPU portfolio on the market. The SAMA7G54 extends this low-power trend to the 1 GHz performance class of Linux-capable MPUs, providing flexible low-power modes as well as voltage and frequency scaling. When coupled with Microchip's new MCP16502 power management IC (PMIC), this MPU allows embedded designers to fine-tune their end application to achieve the best overall power consumption versus performance while optimizing for the lowest overall system cost. system.
The MCP16502 is supported by Microchip's flagship Linux distribution for the SAMA7G54, allowing easy entry and exit from available low-power modes, as well as support for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling.
“SAMA7G54 provides a low-risk path for designers to develop AI solutions with power and performance optimized for deployment at the edge,” said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip’s 32-bit MPU business unit. “Designers can now create high-performance audio and visual-centric AI applications without having to use much higher power-consuming multi-core MPUs.”
For audio applications, the device integrates enhanced audio features such as four I to 2 S digital audio ports, an 8-microphone array interface, an S/PDIF transmitter and receiver, as well as an audio sample rate converter. four stereo channels. It is equipped with multiple microphone inputs for better source localization and improving the performance of your smart speaker or video conferencing system.
The SAMA7G54 also integrates Arm TrustZone technology with secure boot, secure key storage and encryption acceleration, and more. Customers can work with Microchip security experts to assess their security needs and implement the level of protection that suits their design.
Microchip provides hardware and software development support for the SAMA7G54. The SAMA7G54-EK evaluation kit (CPN: EV21H18A) features connectors and expansion headers for easy customization and quick access to cutting-edge integrated features. The device is supported by Microchip's flagship Linux distribution. Bare-metal fabric and RTOS support are provided in MPLAB Harmony v3.
Microchip provides a broad family of Ethernet PHYs, switches and hubs, wireless products, as well as CAN FD transceivers that are supported by the SAMA7G54.
