The embedded market requires higher performance and lower power artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to be deployed at the edge where power consumption is typically higher. AI solutions often require advanced imaging and audio capabilities that are often only available with high-performance and power-hungry multi-core microprocessors. To give developers access to these high-performance peripheral capabilities without sacrificing power consumption, Microchip Technology Inc. announced the Arm Cortex A7-based SAMA7G54 microprocessor (MPU) that runs at the highest frequency up to 1 GHz. The SAMA7G54 features both the MIPI® CSI-2 camera interface and a traditional parallel camera interface, enabling developers to design low-power stereo vision applications with more accurate depth perception.
Microchip is committed to providing the industry's lowest power MPU portfolio. The SAMA7G54 offers flexible low-power modes as well as voltage and frequency scaling, extending the low-power trend to 1 GHz performance class MPUs supporting Linux®. When paired with Microchip's new MCP16502 power management IC (PMIC), the MPU enables embedded designers to precisely tune the end application for the best overall power and performance, while also optimizing for the lowest overall system cost . Microchip's mainstream Linux distribution for the SAMA7G54 supports the MCP16502, easily enters and exits the available low-power modes, and supports dynamic voltage and frequency scaling.
"The SAMA7G54 provides a low-risk path to help designers develop power- and performance-optimized AI solutions for edge deployments," said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip's 32-bit MPU business unit. "Designers can now create high-performance Imaging and audio-focused AI applications without having to use much more power-hungry multi-core MPUs.”and for audio applications, the SAMA7G54 integrates enhanced audio features such as 4 I2S digital audio ports, an 8-microphone array interface, an S/PDIF transmitter and receiver, and a four-stereo-channel audio sample rate converter. Equipped with multiple microphone inputs, it can improve sound source localization to enhance the performance of smart speakers or video conferencing systems.
The SAMA7G54 also integrates Arm TrustZone® technology with features such as secure boot, secure key storage and fast encryption. Customers can work with Microchip's security experts to assess their security needs and implement the level of protection appropriate to their design.
