TL;DR:
- Infineon introduces PSoC Edge MCU family for edge devices.
- Features onboard ML hardware acceleration and neural network hardware accelerator (NNLite).
- ModusToolbox and Imagimob Studio Edge AI software simplify development.
- Embedded security with Edge Protect technology.
- Applications include smart homes, wearables, IoT, and robotics.
- Scalability and memory options enhance versatility.
- Available to early-access customers.
Main AI News:
In an era where edge devices are poised to undertake increasingly complex tasks, the challenge lies in providing them with the requisite computing prowess to support the burgeoning realms of smart homes, IoT, and wearable technology. Enter Infineon, a trailblazing semiconductor manufacturer, which has introduced the PSoC Edge family of microcontrollers, designed to deliver impeccable performance and robust security for devices harnessing the power of machine learning (ML) at the edge.
Elevated ML Performance
At the heart of the new PSoC Edge family lies a standout feature: the onboard ML hardware acceleration. This exceptional capability is bolstered by the inclusion of Cortex-M55-enabled DSP support and an Ethos-U55 NPU and further enriched by the incorporation of Infineon’s proprietary neural network hardware accelerator, NNLite. These collective enhancements empower the PSoC Edge family to excel in diverse applications that demand responsive computing and precise control. Furthermore, a groundbreaking “Autonomous Analog” feature equips designers with the flexibility to execute multifaceted, always-on sensing and audio processing for IoT applications.
For developers eager to embark on this innovative journey, the ModusToolbox and Imagimob Studio Edge AI software serve as indispensable tools for streamlining the development process, ushering in a new era of end-to-end ML development. The exceptional processing prowess is complemented by on-chip memory, featuring non-volatile RRAM and fortified by secure, high-speed external memory support. Remarkably, Infineon has architected the PSoC Edge with scalability as a paramount consideration, permitting designers to repurpose software resources and thereby expedite time-to-market while concurrently curtailing development costs.
Robust Security, Limitless Potential
In its commitment to safeguarding data integrity, the PSoC Edge family extends embedded security options through Infineon’s Edge Protect technology, ensuring the protection of data generated or stored onboard. Infineon envisions an array of applications ripe for harnessing the capabilities of the PSoC Edge family, encompassing smart home devices, wearables, and cutting-edge human-machine interaction designs. Beyond these predefined niches, creative designers can unleash the potential of PSoC Edge MCUs in any domain demanding on-chip ML acceleration. For instance, in the realm of IoT, ML features can dynamically adapt to environmental variables, while robotics can harness ML prowess to elevate efficiency and performance in autonomous devices.
Enabling Edge Evolution
As the technology landscape evolves, steering towards the decentralization of computing power in favor of edge devices over traditional centralized servers, groundbreaking innovations like the PSoC Edge family redefine the paradigm by delivering enhanced potency and fortified security to personal devices. Notably, the PSoC Edge family is presently available to early-access customers, paving the way for developers to assess the performance amplification brought forth by on-chip ML acceleration and the Autonomous Analog signal chains.
The Autonomous Analog feature of the PSoC Edge family allows designers to constantly monitor analog inputs without requiring high power consumption. Source: Infineon
Conclusion:
Infineon’s PSoC Edge MCU family marks a significant leap in edge intelligence, catering to the growing demand for computing power at the edge. With its robust ML acceleration and security features, it unlocks a world of possibilities across various domains. As the industry gravitates towards decentralization, these innovations position Infineon favorably in the evolving market, ushering in a new era of edge computing.
