EMAC releases a SODIMM-based take on the Atmel | SMART SAMA5D3

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As its name implies, the ‘A5D36 is a SoM based on the Atmel | SMART ARM Cortex-A5 SAMA5D36.

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EMAC has launched the SoM-A5D36, a system-on-module that runs Linux on a Cortex-A5-based Atmel SAMA5D3 processor, and offers up to 4GB of Flash, industrial temperature, and an optional carrier board. The wide temperature, fanless ARM 536 MHz SoM features 10/100/1000 BaseT Ethernet along with up to six serial ports. Beyond that, the board boasts up to 16MB of serial data flash and up to 512MB of LP DDR2 RAM, as well as supports LCD and resistive touch interfaces.

This isn’t the first time the Atmel | SMART SAMA5D3 has experienced some love from computer-on-module (COM) vendors. In fact, the Cortex-A5-based SoC has shown up on the ShiraTech AT-501, the Acme Systems Acqua A5, and the MYIR MYC-SAMA5D3X — all of which except the Acqua A5 use SODIMM connectors.

Using the same small 200-pin SODIMM form factor utilized by other EMAC SoM modules, the SoM-A5D36 packs all the core ARM processor functionality, including Flash, memory, serial ports, Ethernet, I2S audio, PWMs, timer/counters, A/D, digital I/O lines, clock/calendar, and more. The SoM-A5D36 is also designed to plug into a carrier board that contains all the connectors and any custom I/O required for an application. This approach enables a user to design a custom carrier board that meets for I/O, dimensional and connector requirements without having to worry about the processor, memory and standard I/O functionality.

Key specs of the SoM-A5D36 include:

• Processor: Atmel | SMART SAMA5D36
• Memory:
  • Up to 512MB LP DDR2 SDRAM
  • 16MB serial data flash
  • Up to 4MB eMMC flash
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet PHY; optional 2x GbE
• Primary I/O:
  • 3x USB 2.0 host (1x includes device support)
  • 6x serial (4x defined) — 1x full, 3x RTS/CTS, 2x no handshake
  • 2x I2C
  • 2x CAN
  • I2S audio
  • 2x SD
  • 22x GPIO
• Secondary I/O:
  • 24-bit LCD controller
  • 12-bit, 4-wire, analog resistive touch controller
  • 2x CAN
  • 2x SPI (“3 SPI CS”)
  • 2x I2C
  • 4x PWM
  • 6x ADC (12-bit)
  • 5x timer/counters, 3x prog. clock, RTC, reset, LEDs
  • External address data bus
• Operating temperature: -40 to 85°C
• Power: +3.3V
• Dimensions: 67 x 60mm (200-pin SODIMM)
• Operating system: EMAC OE Linux

Interested in learning more? Head over to EMAC’s official page here.

Acme ships SAMA5D31-based Acqua SoM

Acme Systems has introduced the Acqua A5, a System on Module (SoM) based on Atmel’s SAMA5D31 ARM Cortex A5 microprocessor (MPU) clocked @ 536MHz.

Additional key specs include up to 512 MB RAM, up to 256 MB Flash, serial EEPROM, micro SD card slot, three USB host ports, JTAG soldering pads on SoM, serial port via SoM connectors and an Ethernet PHY.

The Acqua A5 also features RGB I/F @ 24 bits for LCD TFT + Resistive touch panel I/F, up to 3 TWI compatible I2C, up to 6 serial ports, up to 120 GPIOs, up to 6 PWM and up to 12 A/D @ 12 bits.

“For environments with lots of electromagnetic noise (e.g. DC motors), a metallic shield made by Wurth Elektronik is available as an option. They currently have a very basic baseboard called Berta A5 basic (9 Euros) with the three connectors for the SoM board, and breadboard area (2.54 pitch) for easier access to various signals,” a CNX Software writer explained.

“The company also provides software documentation showing how to build Linux 3.10, generate an Embedded Debian Grip 7.3 root file system, as well as various tutorials. The board is software compatible with Atmel’s SAMA5D3 Xplained board, so the instructions to use the Yocto Project or Debian 7.4 should also work.”

Acqua’s A5 SoM is currently shipping for 49 ($67) to 69 ($94) Euros in single quantity depending on options and as low as 37.24 Euros ($50) in 5K+ quantities.

It should be noted that the Open Yooquik – a recently debuted home automation system – is built around Acme’s Acqua A5 System on Module (SoM).

Aside from the SAMA5D3 MPU, key Yooquik hardware features include:

• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (AP or client mode)
• 868MHz RF transceiver module FSK modulation
• One USB host port
• Three filtered inputs (24V max)
• Two opto isolated outputs (open drain)
• Relay output
• Tamper switch
• MEMS sensors: temperature/humidity, barometer, three-axis accelerometer
• On board buzzer
• LiPo 1C battery charger
• 9-24V DC input power supply
• 6 expansion connectors for additional modules: UMTS, XBee, MBus radio, RS232, RS485, RS422, NFC/RFID, audio, industrial I/O, A/D converter, custom modules (UART / I2C / SPI)

“Other automation systems connect remote devices [via] wires or WiFi connection,” an Open Yooquik rep wrote on the product’s official page.

“[However], we have chosen a different way: the main controller behaves as an access point or as a WiFi client connected to your home network, whereas all remote devices are connected to the main controller with a RF radio. About 700 meters are covered without repeaters.”

On the software-server side, the Yooquik crew has deployed Node.js, while the RF modules arrive preloaded with firmware to facilitate a true plug-and-play experience. Yooquik also offers easy access to cloud, allowing users to manage multiple devices with a simple API.

“To develop your iOS or Android native app, you can use our Javascript libraries and the amazing Cordova/PhoneGap project,” the rep added. 

”Nothing could be easier to control your home automation system from your smartphone. Forget router NAT configurations: connect your app to our cloud and you manage all your Yooquik devices.”

Interested in learning more about Open Yooquik? You can check out the product’s official page here.

Open Yooquik: Home automation the Atmel and ARM way

Open Yooquik – a home automation system powered by Acme’s Acqua A5 System on Module (SoM) – is built around Atmel’s ARM-based SAMA5D3 microprocessor (MPU).

Aside from the SAMA5D3 MPU, key hardware features include:

• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (AP or client mode)
• 868MHz RF transceiver module FSK modulation
• One USB host port
• Three filtered inputs (24V max)
• 
Two opto isolated outputs (open drain)
• Relay output
• Tamper switch
• MEMS sensors: temperature/humidity, barometer, three-axis accelerometer
• On board buzzer
• LiPo 1C battery charger
• 9-24V DC input power supply
• 6 expansion connectors for additional modules: UMTS, XBee, MBus radio, RS232, RS485, RS422, NFC/RFID, audio, industrial I/O, A/D converter, custom modules (UART / I2C / SPI)

“Other automation systems connect remote devices [via] wires or WiFi connection,” an Open Yooquik rep explained on the product’s official page.

“[However], we have chosen a different way: the main controller behaves as an access point or as a WiFi client connected to your home network, whereas all remote devices are connected to the main controller with a RF radio. About 700 meters are covered without repeaters.”

On the software-server side, the Yooquik crew has deployed Node.js, while the RF modules arrive preloaded with firmware to facilitate a true plug-and-play experience. Yooquik also offers easy access to cloud, allowing users to manage multiple devices with a simple API.

“To develop your iOS or Android native app, you can use our Javascript libraries and the amazing Cordova/PhoneGap project,” the rep added. 

”Nothing could be easier to control your home automation system from your smartphone. Forget router NAT configurations: connect your app to our cloud and you manage all your Yooquik devices.”

Interested in learning more about Open Yooquik? You can check out the product’s official page here.

Arietta G25 is an Atmel-powered SBC for the IoT

Acme Systems currently offers the Aria G25, a tiny system-on-module (SoM) built around Atmel’s versatile SAM9G25. As CNX Software reports, the company is prepping a smaller and lower-cost ARM Linux SBC powered by the same processor.

Dubbed the Arietta G25, the new board targets the DIY Maker market and IoT applications.

Key specs include:

• CPU: Atmel’s AT91SAM9G25 (ARM9 clocked @ 400Mhz)
• RAM: 128 MByte DDR2
• MicroSD Socket for up to 32GB bootable Linux microSD (not included)
• USB 2.0 ports: 1 hi-speed host/device, 1 hi-speed host, 1 full-speed
• UART: 1 (RXD,TXD,RTS,CTS)
• I2C bus: 1
• SPI bus: 1 with 2 chip select (5 to 50 MHz)
• PWM: 4 lines
• A/D converters: 4 channels@10 bit
• Size: 25x51mm
• Power supply: single 3.3 Volt DC
• Line levels: TTL 3.3V (NOT 5V tolerant)
• Operative temperature range: -20 +70 °C
• Pinstrip: 20×2 pitch 2,54mm (100mils)
• PCB layers: 8

“Since this is early stage of development, no documentation is available, but we do have some informations about Aria G25 support,” a CNX Software writer explained.

“You can build the latest Linux kernel (3.12.8 release, or 3.13r8) for the board. [Plus], lots of tutorials are provided, including one explaining how to create an Embedded Debian Grip 7.2 image. The board is not open source hardware, but the company provides some hardware documentation. Finally, support is available via Google Groups.”

The Atmel-powered SBC, slated to ship in 2014, will initially be priced at 10 Euros ($13.53) for orders placed before May 2014, increasing to about 20 Euros ($27.06) thereafter.

 Additional information about the upcoming board is available on Roberto Asquini’s blog here.

Atmel’s SAM9G25 powers CoreWind’s SoM

CoreWind has debuted a system-on-module (SoM) powered by Atmel’s ARM-based SAM9G25 embedded MPU (microprocessor). The CORE9G25 – targeted at engineers – helps reduce development time for the design of low-power sipping Linux-based devices.

According to the CORE9G25 product page, the platform integrates the CPU, RAM, Flash, Ethernet, power and EMI components on a single SMD component (40×40 mm,1.57×1.57 inches) using a six-layer PCB.

Aside from Atmel’s SAM9G25 MPU, key product specs include:

• 128-256 MByte DDR2 RAM (system memory)
• 10/100 Mbit LAN
• Three host ports
• 6 serial lines (UART)
• Two I2C buses
• Two SPI buses
• Up to 60 GPIO lines
• OS boot from Nand Flash or SD card
• Supports BuildRoot & Debian

CoreWind is also offering its CORE9G25-CON (expansion) board which can be used to evaluate the CORE9G25 SoM and create end-user products for prototyping.

As CNX Software notes, the CORE9G25 (base) is somewhat similar in specs and appearance to the ARIA G25 manufactured by ACME Systems.

The CORE9G25-128 is currently available for $30; the CORE9G25-256 for $40; the CORE9G25-CON (128) for $50 and the CORE9G25-CON (256) for $60
.