AI-enabled embedded controllers for always-connected IoT products
Built to power the exponential expansion of next-generation, always-connected IoT products, the Ensemble and Crescendo families are designed to fill the market need for scalable, power efficient devices that integrate AI/ML acceleration, multi-layered security, LTE Cat-M1 and NB-IoT connectivity, GNSS positioning, and enough integrated memory to enable the design of products “that seamlessly integrate into everyday life, whether the processing is done locally or in the cloud.”
The Ensemble family is built on the latest generation embedded processing technology that scales from single Arm Cortex-M55 MCUs to a new class of multi-core devices – fusion processors – that blend up to two Cortex-M55 MCU cores, up to two Cortex-A32 microprocessors (MPU) cores capable of running high-level operating systems, and up to two Arm Ethos-U55 microNPUs for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) acceleration.
Ensemble family devices contain an advanced secure enclave that provides multiple layers of security, such as device integrity protection, secure identity, strong root-of-trust, secure lifecycle management, and more. Together with large on-chip SRAM and non-volatile memory, accelerated graphics, imaging, and class-leading power characteristics, the Ensemble family is ideal for smart home products, appliances, point-of sale, robotics applications, and much more, says the company.
“We founded Alif Semiconductor because we wanted to provide an integrated next generation solution for developers that need efficient AI, wireless capabilities, trusted security and long battery life,” says Syed Ali, Alif Semiconductor co-founder and CEO. “This just didn’t exist until now. We expect the Ensemble and Crescendo families will have a significant impact on the market for next-generation IoT devices.”
The Crescendo family offers the same functionality as the Ensemble family, and in addition adds LTE Cat-M1 and NB-IoT Cellular connectivity, optional iSIM for simplified subscriber management, integrated RF, power amplifiers, and a concurrent GNSS receiver for positioning, thus delivering the key capabilities required for next-generation smart city, connected infrastructure, asset tracking, healthcare devices, wearables, and more – all in a single chip.
“The Ensemble and Crescendo families,” says Reza Kazerounian, Alif Semiconductor co-founder and president, “introduce a scalable, highly integrated architecture that lets developers create secure solutions spanning multiple applications, with different functional and processing requirements on a common fabric. The innovative approach we are taking is a game-changer and will disrupt the way developers create intelligent machines.”
The company is also introducing its exclusive Autonomous Intelligent Power Management (aiPM) technology that allows fine-grained control of when resources in the chip are being powered. This technique, says the company, produces class-leading low-power operation, enabling intelligent devices to last longer on smaller batteries.
Ensemble and Crescendo devices are sampling now to lead customers, and are supported by the company’s software, development tools, and kits. Production qualification will be complete in 1Q22.
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