First ARM Cortex-A7 processor with MIPI CSI-2 camera interface
Microchip has launched a 1GHz single core embedded microprocessor based around the ARM Cortex-A7 core that it says is the first to add a MIPI CSI-2 camera interface.
Alongside the MIPI CSI-2 interface the SAMA7G54 also includes a traditional parallel camera interface, enabling developers to design low-power stereo vision applications with more accurate depth perception for edge AI and image analysis applications running on Linux.
The SAMA7G54 adds flexible low-power modes, as well as voltage and frequency scaling for embedded designs. Coupled with Microchip’s MCP16502 Power Management IC (PMIC), this enables embedded designers to fine-tune their end application for the overall best power consumption vs. performance, while also optimizing for the lowest overall system cost.
The MCP16502 is also supported by Microchip’s mainline Linux distribution on the SAMA7G54, allowing for easy entry and exit from available low-power modes, as well as support for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling.
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“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 32bit 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.”
For audio applications, the device integrates enhanced audio features such as four I2S digital audio ports, an 8-microphone array interface, an S/PDIF transmitter and receiver, as well as a four stereo channel audio sample rate converter. It is also equipped with multiple microphone inputs for improved source localization to enhance smart speaker or video conferencing system performance.
The SAMA7G54 also integrates ARM TrustZone technology with secure boot, secure key storage and cryptography with acceleration.
Microchip provides both hardware and software development support for the SAMA7G54. The SAMA7G54-EK evaluation kit features connectors and expansion headers for easy customization and quick access to the edge embedded features. The device is supported by Microchip’s mainline Linux distribution. Bare-metal framework and RTOS support is provided within 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.
The SAMA7G54 is available with BGA343 package for $7.75 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
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