CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

August 1, 2017 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 1 Comment

Realtek RTL8195AM Ameba WiFi + NFC Module Sells for $9 Shipped

Last year, Realtek Ameba IoT SoCs and development kits launched with boards such as Ameba Arduino, and later, the family got some buzz thanks to $2 RTL8710AF modules like Pine64 Padi IoT stamp, which looked competitive priced against ESP8266 SoC, and featuring an ARM Cortex-M3 core. Back to 2017, ESP8266 appears to still be the preferred platform for makers, and the community around Reatek Ameba processor is relatively small, but maybe the solutions are being integrated into commercial products rather than hobbyists project. Today, as I browsed the web, I noticed that are also some Realtek RTL8195AM module with WiFi, and NFC starting with an “Realtek Ameba-RTL8195AM WiFi & NFC Module” I first found on DFrobot for $15 per unit, but after spending a bit more time searching, I ended finding what looks like the same model for $8.99 including shipping on IC Station. RTL8195AM module (MJIOT-AMB-02) specifications: SoC – […]

August 1, 2017October 16, 2017 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 23 Comments

Zidoo H6 PRO Android TV Box is Powered by Allwinner H6 Processor

Earlier this year, Allwinner H6 was introduced as a 4K set-top box SoC with a quad core Cortex A53 processor, a Mali-T720MP GPU, support for “6K” video decoding, and several high speeds interfaces like USB 3.0 and PCIe. Zidoo just unveiled H6 PRO TV box based on the processor. Zidoo H6 PRO TV box specifications: SoC – AllWinner H6 quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor up to 1.8GHz with Mali-T720MP2 GPU System Memory – 2GB DDR4 Storage – 16GB eMMC flash, micro SD card reader up to 32 GB Video Output – 1x HDMI 2.0a up to 4K @ 60hz with HDR support, AV port (composite) Video Playback Support H.265/HEVC Main/Main10 profile @ level 5.2 high-tier up to 4K @ 60fps / 6K @ 30 fps VP9 Profile 0/2, up to 4K @ 30fps H264/AVC BP/MP/HP @ level5.1, MVC, up to 4Kx2K @ 30fps MKV, MP4, Blu-ray ISO, 3D MVC… SmartColor 3.0 image […]

July 31, 2017July 31, 2017 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 2 Comments

VIA Mobile360 ADAS System Includes a 4G Connected Rugged Computer, a 7″ Display and 4 to 6 Cameras

VIA Mobile360 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) System is a road safety-enhancing solution that supports Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Detection, Vehicle Detection and Classification for special vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles, Speed Limit Detection, and Rear-end Collision Avoidance. The system is comprised of “Mobile360 System” rugged computer, 4 to 6 cameras, and an optional 7″ display. Mobile360 System computer specifications: SoC – Unnamed Octa-core big.LITTLE processor with four ARM Cortex-A17 cores @ 1.8GHz, and four Cortex A7 cores @ 1.4GHz (Likely Zhaxin ZX-5880 SoC also including Elite 2000 GPU supporting OpenGL ES 3.1, OpenVG 1.1 and OpenCL EP 1.1) System Memory – 2GB Mobile LPDDR3 1600MHz RAM (Package-on-Package with SoC) Storage – 1x 512GB Transcend 2.5″ MLC SSD (-40°C-90°C); 16GB eMMC Flash memory; 1x Micro SD card slot; 1x full size SD card slot Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet, 1x 4G LTE module, 1x Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n […]

July 31, 2017June 18, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 12 Comments

Buy Raspberry Pi 2 Board for Just $19.50 (Promo)

With the launch of Raspberry Pi 3 last year, there’s been much less interest for the Raspberry Pi 2 board, especially there has not been any official price cut. But Seeed Studio has an interesting promotion right now where the company sells Raspberry Pi 2 board for just $19.50, or $20 off the normal price on their website. That price does not include shipping, but this can apparently be combined with TENOFFSHIP coupon to bring the total price with shipping to Germany to $21.66. If the same laws are still in place, it’s below the 22 Euros limit in Europe meaning you won’t need to pay for VAT or custom duties on the board. You need to use the coupon before July 31, midnight (GMT+8), so there are only a few hours left. The main downside is that only 10 are available on backorder with shipping scheduled for August 11.

July 31, 2017 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - No Comments

Acme Systems Introduces RoadRunner Microchip SAMA5D21 Cortex-A5 SoM and Berta D2 Evaluation Board

Acme Systems has been designing compact and relatively inexpensive systems-on-module based on Atmel (now Microchip) processor such as their Aria G25 or Arietta G25 modules. The company has now launched RoadRunner system-on-module (SoM) powered by Microchip SAMA5D21 Cortex A5 processor, as well as the corresponding Berta D2 development kit to get started with the SoM. RoadRunner (D2) SoM specifications: SoC – Microchip SAMA5D27 ARM Cortex A5 processor @ 500MHz System Memory – 256 MB DDR3L RAM Storage – 16 MByte QSPI flash memory (optionally none, 128 MB or 256 MB) Board to Board Connectors – 2x 100-pin connectors pitch 0.4 mm with all the CPU signals Power Supply – 3.3V DC Dimensions – 40 x 30 x 3.5mm Weight- 5g Temperature Range – -40° to +85°C RoHS compliant The module is said to be “fully supported inside the Linux Kernel main stream” with “all the kernel drivers are fully open […]

July 30, 2017January 3, 2018 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 124 Comments

How to Setup an Orange Pi Zero DIY Smart Speaker with Google Assistant SDK

A preview release of Google Assistant SDK working with Raspberry Pi 3 and other ARMv7 boards was released in May, and soon after, AIY Projects Voice Kit was offered for free with Raspberry Pi Magazine in order to a complete smart speaker kit working with RPi 3. I wanted to try it on one of FriendlyELEC or Shenzhen Xunlong Allwinner board, since all we need is audio input and output, and an Internet connection. Earlier this month, I came across Orange Pi Zero Set 6 Kit that had all I needed: Orange Pi Zero ARM Linux board, an expansion board with built-in microphone and audio output jack, and a cute and small case to neatly put everything together. Orange Pi Zero Set 6 Kit Unboxing and Assembly Shenzhen Xunlong sent me the kit so that I can try it out. The package includes two Orange Pi packages, the plastic case, […]

July 29, 2017 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 4 Comments

Silicon Power C50 3-in-1 USB Flash Drive Comes with micro USB, USB Type C, and USB Type A Ports

USB flash drives are convenient ways to carry data around, and load on other computers. They are usually based on USB type A found on computers, laptops and even TVs, , but if you plan to connect it to your smartphone or tablet, which may only comes with micro USB or USB type C port, you’ll need an OTG adapter to connect the USB flash drive. It works, but if you don’t like to look for the adapter each time you can want to connect, Silicon Power C50 USB flash drive offers a solution as it includes all three types of connectors. Sorry no mini USB port 🙂 Specifications of Silicon Power OTG Mobile C50 flash drive: Capacity – 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB Interfaces – USB Type-A (USB3.1 Gen 1), Micro-B (USB 2.0), Type-C (USB3.1 Gen 1) Dimensions – 41.7 x 7.0 x 15.0mm Weight – 5.2g Operating Temperature – […]

July 28, 2017July 28, 2017 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 9 Comments

Intel Apollo Lake HDMI TV Sticks Are Starting to Sell for $100

Last April, we discovered an early prototype of BBen mini computer, an HDMI TV Stick based on Intel Celeron N3450 Apollo Lake processor that was supposed to start selling in July. It may have been delayed a little, but MeeGoPad T11 model is already listed on Alibaba, and ECDREAM A9 model on both Alibaba and Amazon US, where it is sold for $189 with free shipping (from China). Still no news from Intel’s own Apollo Lake Compute Sticks however, maybe they’ve canceled them… [Update: I’ve just found ECDREAM A9 for $99.99 on GeekBuying] ECDREAM A9 “Chocolate Windows” PC stick specifications: SoC Intel Celeron N3350 dual core processor @ 1.1 GHz / 2.4 GHz, 12 EU Intel HD graphics 500 @ 200 MHz / 650 MHz; 6W TDP OR Intel Celeron N3450 quad core processor @ 1.1 GHz / 2.2 GHz, 12 EU Intel HD graphics 500 @ 200 MHz / […]