Eta Compute and Rohm team for ultra low power IoT node
The sensor nodes for the Internet of Things (IoT) use the Wireless Smart Ubiquitous Network (Wi-SUN) 802.15.4g protocol, combining ROHM’s sensor technology and Eta Compute’s low power microcontroller. The nodes will be designed for frequent, low-latency communication that draws less than 1 μA when resting and, more importantly, only 1 mA while sensing. This enables operators to configure devices to sense frequently and still maintain a long operating life.
The EtaCore IP can reduce power consumption by 10X enabling sensor hubs to perform sensor fusion with local computing and provide real-time data from mobile and IoT enabled devices. Operating in deep subthreshold (as low as 0.25V) the IP has been used for a self timed low power ARM Cortex-M3 controller that operates from 0.25 in a 90LP process up to 1.2 volts. The clockless design and lower voltage both lead to the lower power consumption.
Eta Compute has additional low voltage supporting IP such as real time clock (RTC), AES encryption and DSP as well as an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) sensor interface that consumes less than 3μW, as well as a power management IC that supoorts Dynamic Voltage Scaling delivering 0.2V to 1.5V with over 80% efficiency.
“A compact, low-power sensor node is the key enabler for the deployment of billions of devices in the IoT,” said Lip Bu Tan, Chairman of Walden International and an investor in Eta Compute as well as being the CEO of design house Cadence Design Systems. “The team at Eta Compute has a history of successful low-power computing products and has delivered a truly compelling solution for IoT.”
Wi-SUN is driven by utility company Itron and smart meter maker Landis + Gyr, and supported by 170 companies including ARM and NXP.
“Our partnership with ROHM gives our customers access to industry-leading sensor technology combined with the industry’s lowest power microprocessor technology,” said Paul Washkewicz, vice president and co-founder of Eta Compute. “By focusing on Wi-SUN compatibility, we are providing essential components for large-scale outdoor networking required for smart cities and a diverse range of applications in an intelligent loT.”
“We are pleased to collaborate with Eta Compute. ROHM has targeted the sensor business as one of our growth strategies. We offer a wide range of sensor line-ups and propose sensor solutions, combining wireless communication devices. By pooling our resources, we will provide customers with the sensor nodes they need to deploy next-generation networks across a wide range of applications,” said Satya Dixit, Sr. Director of Solutions Marketing at ROHM Semiconductor.
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