01-06-2022 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors
Microchip Technology Inc. has released the SAMA7G54 ARM Cortex A7-based MPU running up to 1GHz. The SAMA7G54 includes a MIPI CSI-2 camera interface, and a conventional parallel camera interface, allowing developers to design low-power stereo vision applications with more accurate depth perception.
The company is committed to preserving the lowest power MPU portfolio. The new device extends this low-power trend into the 1GHz performance class of Linux-capable MPUs by offering flexible low-power modes and voltage and frequency scaling. When coupled with its new MCP16502 PMIC, this MPU allows embedded designers to fine-tune their end application for the best power consumption vs performance while optimising for the lowest overall system cost. The MCP16502 is supported by its mainline Linux distribution for the SAMA7G54. It provides easy entry and exit from available low-power modes and supports dynamic voltage and frequency scaling.
"The SAMA7G54 provides a low-risk path for designers to develop power and performance-optimised AI solutions for deployment at the edge," said Rod Drake, vice president of Microchip's 32-bit 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 combines enhanced audio features such as four I2S digital audio ports, an eight-microphone array interface, an S/PDIF transmitter and receiver, and a four stereo channel audio sample rate converter. It also provides multiple microphone inputs for enhanced source localisation to improve smart speaker or video conferencing system performance.
The device also incorporates Arm TrustZone technology with secure boot, secure key storage and cryptography with acceleration and more. Customers can work with the company's security experts to assess their security requirements and execute the proper protection level for their design.
The company delivers hardware and software development support for the device. The SAMA7G54-EK evaluation kit (CPN: EV21H18A) features connectors and expansion headers for easy customisation and quick access to leading-edge embedded features. Microchip's mainline Linux distribution supports the device. 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, and CAN FD transceivers that the SAMA7G54 supports.
