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.