Date: 11/11/2020

Renesas SoM for embedded vision applications

Renesas has made available a system on module (SOM) device for embedded vision applications such as face/object detection using surveillance cameras and other video capture sources.

The SoM named SMARC comes in three versions with different processors for different performance levels.
1. Renesas 64-bit RZ/G2 MPU and a RZ/G2N dual core Arm Cortex-A57 MPU operating at 1.5 GHz is for mid-range performance.
2. The RZ/G2M MPU with dual-core Arm Cortex-A57 and quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 (1.2 GHz) for high performance.
3. And the RZ/G2H MPU with quad-core Arm Cortex-A57 and quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 for ultra-high performance.

All the above versions are powered by integrated 600 MHz PowerVR 3D graphics and a 4K UHD H.265 and H.264 codecs supporting modern computer vision algorithms. The processors also feature integrated AI software library, comprehensive set of interfaces, error checking and correction (ECC) protection on both internal and external memories, Linux OS, and a Verified Linux Package (VLP) tested and maintained by Renesas. The DMIPS performance can go up to 35.6K DMIPS.

“AI and video processing blend well together in embedded vision systems. The SMARC 2.0 winning combo reference design offers multiple processors from the Renesas RZ/G2 Family, making it an excellent AI development platform for accelerating time to market with reduced customer risk,” said DK Singh, Director, Systems and Solutions Team at Renesas. “Our scalable solution’s extensive on-board interfaces, large memory and programmable clocks for different needs makes it an excellent turnkey solution for a wide range of applications. And its industry leading RZ/G2 MPUs with 3D graphics engine and 4K UHD and full HD video codec provides higher performance per dollar than competing 64-bit MPUs and GPUs.”

With a quite a powerful processors set,the module also packs 2GB to 4GB LPDDR4 RAM memory, and 32GB eMMC to do the video computing at the edge itself.

The module is supported with Civil Infrastructure Platform (CIP) Super Long-Term Support (SLTS) kernel, and a Linux kernel as part of software development environment.

Another interesting feature of SMARC SoM is, it offers optimized power and programmable timing tree to assist the RZ/G2 MPU with a wide variety of applications.

Other highlights include: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for wireless communication, ISL1208 low-power real time clock, P8330 power management IC (PMIC), VersaClock 3S programmable clocks with integrated 32.768kHz DCO powered by a single coin cell battery during a power failure, PCIe clock is generated with the Renesas 9FGV0641 supporting six 100 MHz differential clock outputs, with PCIe Gen 1-4 support, Easy connection to two external cameras and LCD panel with capacitive touch.

Renesas has designed this module in collaboration with RelySys Technologies.

SMARC SoM Board and design files are available from Renesas’ worldwide sales and global distribution partners.