Edge computing leader ADLINK Technology has introduced the latest iteration of the SMARC (Smart Mobility ARChitecture) specification for computers-on-modules.

SMARC 2.1, new from SGET (Standardisation Group for Embedded Technologies), future-proofs the specification and anticipates the growing needs of the ever-evolving AI and robotics markets.

Features of the new revision include support for up to four MIPI CSI ports and the ability to multiplex SERDES signals over the third and fourth PCIe x1 interfaces for additional Ethernet ports.

The four CSI MIPI camera inputs allow for the kind of multi-camera support necessary for 360-degree awareness for robotic vehicles and autonomous driving, both heavily reliant on AI.

The expansion of the SERDES signals allows a module to potentially work with up to four GbE Ethernet ports, each of which can support a GigE-Vision camera with its strong focus on AI Vision applications.

“The AI in computer vision market, valued at around USD 2.5 billion in 2017, is expected to reach USD 25 billion by 2023. Robotics and Machine Vision applications are to hold the biggest share of that significant increase,” says Henri Parmentier, SMARC product line manager at ADLINK Technology.

“The new SMARC AIoM (AI-on-module) proposition is excellently positioned, supporting long lifecycles, extreme temperatures, high MTBF and other must-have industrial characteristics.”

The 2.1 revision received a structural overhaul to improve readability, while compatibility and interoperability between module designs (both for different technologies and different vendors) has also been increased.

Furthermore, 2.1 is fully backward compatible with 2.0 since the new features do not compromise pins on existing edge connectors.

As a contributor to the SGeT initiative, ADLINK believes the update cements SMARC as the only truly open, versatile and future-proof low power COM/AIoM standard.

The complete SMARC module 2.1 specs are available for free on the SGeT website.

ADLINK Technology
www.adlinktech.com