Transistors — the tiny on-off switches inside microchips — have gotten smaller and smaller over the years, increasing computing power and enabling smaller devices. During that time, the copper wires that connect these switches have likewise shrunk.However, smaller, thinner wires create a big problem, said Daniel Gall, professor of materials science and engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.“The job of the wire is to conduct electrons — electricity. Imagine a wire as a crowded hallway that the electrons have to get through. The narrower the hallway, the more the electrons bump into things and scatter. We call that resistance,” Gall explained.As the wires in chips get smaller and thinner, resistance increases, and efficiency goes down.“Today, resistance is the biggest barrier to more efficient chips,” Gall said.Thanks to a new, three-year&nbsp;<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/news/nsf-partners-invest-45-million-future" target="_blank">$1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation</a>, Gall will lead collaborators at RPI, Notre Dame University, and Cornell University on a hunt for new materials that can be made even smaller than current copper wires while offering far less electrical resistance.Discovery of such materials may one day lead to smaller, faster, more energy-efficient computer chips, Gall said.The grant will also support a workforce development initiative that will connect hundreds of students and leaders at historically Black colleges and universities, minority-serving institutions, and community colleges; semiconductor experts at research intensive universities; and microelectronics engineers from chip manufacturing companies.This component of the project will advance semiconductor curriculum, generate immersive industry-led courses, establish a seminar series and, at RPI, launch an interdisciplinary master’s degree program in semiconductors technology.“Right now, the semiconductor industry does not reflect the diversity of the U.S. population. To change that, we need to start in the classrooms of institutions that serve those underrepresented in the semiconductor workforce. We are excited to work with researchers and leaders from 21 historically Black colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions to co-design interactive teaching approaches that foster an immersive learning environment and student mentorship,” said Shayla Sawyer, professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering, who will lead the workforce development component of the project. Sawyer directs the Mercer XLab at Rensselaer, which supports innovative learn-by-doing approaches for students.“No one person or institution alone will be able to effect the changes needed to support a thriving domestic chip industry, which is why RPI is proud to bring together researchers, educators, and students who represent the future of semiconductors in the U.S.,” said Shekhar Garde, dean of Rensselaer’s School of Engineering.<a href="https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/national-science-foundation-future-semiconductors" target="_blank">The project is funded by NSF’s Future of Semiconductors Program</a>, a public-private partnership aimed at accelerating new chip technologies and developing the U.S. chip manufacturing workforce. This program is made possible by the 2022 CHIPS and Science act.

Transistors — the tiny on-off switches inside microchips — have gotten smaller and smaller over the years, increasing computing power and enabling smaller devices. During that time, the copper wires that connect these switches have likewise shrunk.

With New Grant, RPI Works To Shrink Microchips, Expand Semiconductor Workforce

Microcontrollers and microprocessors are fundamental components in electronics and computing. Both play crucial roles in operating various devices, from smartphones to embedded systems in automobiles and home appliances. This article studies their differences in architecture, performance, and more.

Microcontroller vs Microprocessor: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Differences and Applications

Single board computers (SBCs) are complete computers built on a single circuit board, with a microprocessor, memory, input/output, and other features required of a functional computer. SBCs are small, high-performance, adaptable, and easy to program, making them easy to incorporate into projects. Moreover, these devices offer a scenario of operational systems variety for developers to explore. The SBC compatibility with several operating systems enables versatility and a wide range of applications in different fields.In this context, the SBCs, such as the ROCK Series developed by <a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=rock_software" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OKdo</a> in collaboration with <a href="https://radxa.com/" target="_blank">Radxa</a>, have the capacity and compatibility to operate with different operational systems. This article delves into the software ecosystem of ROCK, exploring operating systems, their advantages, and how these devices attend to developers in the constantly evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, it also explores the integration of AI capabilities into SBCs and how this offers advantages for innovative applications.<h1 dir="ltr">Exploring OS Diversity on ROCK SBCs</h1>ROCK SBCs support various operating systems (OS), enabling developers to choose the platform that best suits their project requirements. The supported operating systems include Android, Debian, and Ubuntu.<h2 dir="ltr">Android in ROCK SBCs</h2>Android is an open-source operating system developed by Google and primarily used in smartphones and tablets. However, it can also be used in SBCs. To successfully integrate Android into SBCs, it is essential to meet the hardware requirements, obtain the appropriate drivers, and choose the right system images. With these elements in place, Android can be an excellent choice for many projects, especially those aimed at entertainment and interactivity.<iframe id="637775cdbfab6400084c89f5" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/radxa-x-okdo-rock-4c?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> In SBCs, such as <a href="https://www.okdo.com/c/rock-shop/rock-sbc/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=rock_software" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK</a>, the Android has good performance because this SBC has an ARM processor architecture that supports this system. The advantages of opting for Android on SBC ROCK include a user-friendly interface, support for Android apps from the Google Play Store, and its suitability for entertainment and multimedia apps. Therefore, the developers can use various pre-built applications and libraries.&nbsp;An example of an application using the ROCK with the Android system is that it is possible to build a low-cost digital signage project, occupying a small space and still consuming little energy, being able to be powered from an electric socket or by battery. The ROCK 4 C+ can be used in this application, as it has an Arm Mali T860MP4 graphics processing unit (GPU) and has two micro HDMI ports with support for dual monitors with a resolution of up to 2Kp60 and 4Kp60. In addition, ROCK 4 C+ has high-quality stereo audio output and support for Android 7.1/Android 5.0/Android 10/Android 11.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAxNzc3NjI3MTIxLWltYWdlMy5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">ROCK 4 Model C+. image credit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=rock_software" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">OKdo</a>If you want to use Android on the ROCK series, OKdo has provided a step-by-step <a href="https://www.okdo.com/getting-started/getting-started-with-rock-5b-on-android/" target="_blank">guide</a> to help you get started. The ROCK 3A and the ROCK 4C+ are compatible with Android 11, while the ROCK 5B is already compatible with Android 12. The guide provides a step-by-step process to get you started quickly and easily.<h2 dir="ltr">Debian/Ubuntu Linux</h2>Debian and Ubuntu are general-purpose Linux operating systems widely compatible with various SBCs, such as the ROCK Series, and offer high flexibility. Linux systems have a community that provides extensive support, including forums, documentation, and repositories with a wide selection of software packages. Therefore, developers can find answers to technical challenges and receive continuous support.Debian/Ubuntu Linux are attractive application options, from servers and software development to machine learning projects. They offer access to various packages and development tools, making them a solid choice for diverse projects.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAxNzc3NjUzODQ5LWltYWdlMi5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">ROCK 5 Model A. Image credit: OKdoThe ROCK 5A is a single-board computer fully supporting the Arm architecture v8 instructions for Debian/Ubuntu Linux. It is compatible with 64-bit Linux distributions and comes with official support for Debian and Ubuntu servers and third-party images like Armbian. The latest version of the ROCK 5A runs on kernel 5.10.&nbsp;Suppose you're looking to get started with the ROCK 5A. In that case, OKdo provides a <a href="https://www.okdo.com/getting-started/get-started-with-rock-5a-sbc-on-debian/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=rock_software" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">guide</a> showing you how to install Debian Bullseye on an SD card, allowing you to run a highly functional and sophisticated KDE desktop environment for general SBC use. Once your system is up and running, you can choose from thousands of free, open-source applications to add to your system.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAxNzc3Njc5MjI5LWltYWdlMS5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Official software images for ROCK SBCs. Image credit: OKdo<h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Maximizing OS Versatility for Varied Applications</h1>The software flexibility of ROCK SBCs extends to a wide range of applications, offering versatility in projects. IoT and AI applications are among the main applications for these SBCs, where ROCK offers high processing power at low cost.<h2 dir="ltr">IoT applications</h2>ROCK offers a hardware architecture containing the technical requirements for IoT applications, such as high-performance and robust hardware, different connectivity options, and ample storage capacity. These SBCs come equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, guaranteeing wireless connectivity for IoT devices. Furthermore, GPIO headers and support for I2C and SPI interfaces enable the connection of various sensors and actuators.Thanks to their hardware requirements and software compatibility, IoT applications such as smart homes and industrial automation can be realized using ROCK SBCs. This is possible at a low cost and low power consumption while still achieving high performance despite the SBC's small form factor.<h2 dir="ltr">AI applications</h2>In the context of AI, a technical aspect present in the ROCK 5A that allows for advanced AI applications is the neural processing unit (NPU) present in this SBC. The NPU is a dedicated hardware component designed to accelerate AI-related calculations. The RKNPU2 NPU software stack in the ROCK 5A enables efficient AI inference tasks, supporting high performance and compatibility with AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and Caffe.In contrast, while the ROCK 5A takes advantage of an NPU for AI acceleration, other SBCs, such as the ROCK 4 SE and ROCK 4 C+, have GPU-enabled AI stacks. These GPUs, while less specialized than NPUs, still offer significant processing power for AI workloads. This diversity in AI hardware accelerators allows developers to choose an SBC that aligns with the specific requirements of their project. For example, GPU-enabled AI stacks can be suitable for more general-purpose AI tasks, providing flexibility in the choice of hardware.Integrating AI hardware acceleration into SBCs like the ROCK 5A ensures that AI operations run smoothly and efficiently. This is particularly important for edge computing applications, where real-time or near real-time processing is required. The efficiency achieved through specialized NPUs or GPUs translates into lower power consumption, making these SBCs options for battery-powered AI projects or those with limited resources.AI capabilities, be it through NPUs or GPUs, in SBCs such as the ROCK 5A, ROCK 4 SE, and ROCK 4 C+ allow its use in different applications involving, for example, image recognition, voice processing, and machine learning. Image recognition, for example, can be used in security systems, robotics, and even automated quality control in manufacturing. Voice processing is used for voice assistants and human-machine interaction. Machine learning in SBCs can be used, for example, in data analysis and predictive maintenance. As a result, the versatility of these SBCs in supporting these applications makes them a choice for AI enthusiasts and developers.Therefore, the use of NPU and hardware acceleration in ROCK SBCs increases the capabilities of these compact computing platforms, making it possible to harness the power of artificial intelligence in applications that benefit from efficiency, compactness, and versatility. Furthermore, these SBCs bring low cost and power consumption to applications while maintaining high performance.<h1 dir="ltr">Security, Stability, and Software Patches in ROCK SBCs</h1>Maintaining a secure and reliable computing environment is crucial for system performance and data security, and keeping your software current is essential. Regular software updates and security patches are necessary to ensure that SBCs run optimally. ROCK SBCs attend this and frequently release updates to address vulnerabilities and improve security. These updates are designed to strengthen the system against known threats, providing better protection for data and applications.Additionally, ROCK SBCs are designed to provide users with stability and reliability in hardware and software. Their software ecosystem is carefully selected to ensure compatibility and stability. Whether using a Linux distribution like Ubuntu or Debian or a specialized system like Armbian, you can rely on a consistent software environment that minimizes compatibility issues and maximizes performance. For example, stability is crucial in applications such as industrial automation or critical data processing, and downtime is unfeasible.As well as security and stability, software updates also contribute to performance improvements. Software developers work on optimizing the code and introducing new features, and regular software updates ensure the SBC runs efficiently. Newer kernels, drivers, and libraries are integrated into the software stack, improving compatibility and allowing the ROCK SBC to use the latest hardware advances. Therefore, as the hardware evolves, the software must keep pace.<h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>The software landscape of <a href="https://www.okdo.com/c/rock-shop/rock-sbc/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=rock_software" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK SBCs&nbsp;</a>is not only diverse but also technically solid. Developers have the flexibility to choose the OS that best suits their project's technical requirements, and they can harness the full potential of IoT and AI capabilities for innovative applications. With ongoing software support focusing on stability and security, ROCK SBCs provide a robust foundation for projects in the constantly evolving world of technology.<h1 dir="ltr">References</h1><ol><li dir="ltr">OKdo. “<a href="https://www.okdo.com/c/rock-shop/rock-sbc/" target="_blank">ROCK Single Board Computers</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Teresa Reidt, 2023. “<a href="https://emteria.com/blog/radxa-rock-4se-vs-raspberry-pi-4b" target="_blank">Radxa ROCK 4SE: Compared with Raspberry Pi 4B and other ROCK 4 models</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Electronics Media, 2023. “<a href="https://www.electronicsmedia.info/2023/02/06/rock-5a-single-board-computer/" target="_blank">OKdo &amp; RS Launced Next-Generation ROCK 5A Single Board Computer</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Teresa Reidt, 2022. “<a href="https://emteria.com/blog/rockpi-4b" target="_blank">ROCK Pi Android: Run Android on ROCK Pi 4</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Utmel Electronic, 2021. “<a href="https://www.utmel.com/blog/categories/integrated%20circuit/neural-processing-unit-npu-explained" target="_blank">Neural Processing Unit (NPU) Explained</a>”</li></ol>

Learn how SBCs take advantage of the different operating systems and ensure stability and robustness in different applications


Navigating the Software Landscape of Cutting Edge SBCs

The practice of keeping time hinges on stable oscillations. In a grandfather clock, the length of a second is marked by a single swing of the pendulum. In a digital watch, the vibrations of a quartz crystal mark much smaller fractions of time. And in atomic clocks, the world’s state-of-the-art timekeepers, the oscillations of a laser beam stimulate atoms to vibrate at 9.2 billion times per second. These smallest, most stable divisions of time set the timing for today’s satellite communications, GPS systems, and financial markets.A clock’s stability depends on the noise in its environment. A slight wind can throw a pendulum’s swing out of sync. And heat can disrupt the oscillations of atoms in an atomic clock. Eliminating such environmental effects can improve a clock’s precision. But only by so much.A new MIT study finds that even if all noise from the outside world is eliminated, the stability of clocks, laser beams, and other oscillators would still be vulnerable to quantum mechanical effects. The precision of oscillators would ultimately be limited by quantum noise.But in theory, there’s a way to push past this quantum limit. In their study, the researchers also show that by manipulating, or “squeezing,” the states that contribute to quantum noise, the stability of an oscillator could be improved, even past its quantum limit.“What we’ve shown is, there’s actually a limit to how stable oscillators like lasers and clocks can be, that’s set not just by their environment, but by the fact that quantum mechanics forces them to shake around a little bit,” says Vivishek Sudhir, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at MIT. “Then, we’ve shown that there are ways you can even get around this quantum mechanical shaking. But you have to be more clever than just isolating the thing from its environment. You have to play with the quantum states themselves.”The team is working on an experimental test of their theory. If they can demonstrate that they can manipulate the quantum states in an oscillating system, the researchers envision that clocks, lasers, and other oscillators could be tuned to super-quantum precision. These systems could then be used to track infinitesimally small differences in time, such as the fluctuations of a single qubit in a quantum computer or the presence of a dark matter particle flitting between detectors.“We plan to demonstrate several instances of lasers with quantum-enhanced timekeeping ability over the next several years,” says Hudson Loughlin, a graduate student in MIT’s Department of Physics. “We hope that our recent theoretical developments and upcoming experiments will advance our fundamental ability to keep time accurately, and enable new revolutionary technologies.”Loughlin and Sudhir detail their work in an open-access&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-42739-9" target="_blank">paper published in the journal&nbsp;Nature Communications</a>.<h2>Laser precision</h2>In studying the stability of oscillators, the researchers looked first to the laser — an optical oscillator that produces a wave-like beam of highly synchronized photons. The invention of the laser is largely credited to physicists Arthur Schawlow and Charles Townes, who coined the name from its descriptive acronym: light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.A laser’s design centers on a “lasing medium” — a collection of atoms, usually embedded in glass or crystals. In the earliest lasers, a flash tube surrounding the lasing medium would stimulate electrons in the atoms to jump up in energy. When the electrons relax back to lower energy, they give off some radiation in the form of a photon. Two mirrors, on either end of the lasing medium, reflect the emitted photon back into the atoms to stimulate more electrons, and produce more photons. One mirror, together with the lasing medium, acts as an “amplifier” to boost the production of photons, while the second mirror is partially transmissive and acts as a “coupler” to extract some photons out as a concentrated beam of laser light.Since the invention of the laser, Schawlow and Townes put forth a hypothesis that a laser’s stability should be limited by quantum noise. Others have since tested their hypothesis by modeling the microscopic features of a laser. Through very specific calculations, they showed that indeed, imperceptible, quantum interactions among the laser’s photons and atoms could limit the stability of their oscillations.“But this work had to do with extremely detailed, delicate calculations, such that the limit was understood, but only for a specific kind of laser,” Sudhir notes. “We wanted to enormously simplify this, to understand lasers and a wide range of oscillators."<h2>Putting the “squeeze” on</h2>Rather than focus on a laser’s physical intricacies, the team looked to simplify the problem.“When an electrical engineer thinks of making an oscillator, they take an amplifier, and they feed the output of the amplifier into its own input,” Sudhir explains. “It’s like a snake eating its own tail. It’s an extremely liberating way of thinking. You don’t need to know the nitty gritty of a laser. Instead, you have an abstract picture, not just of a laser, but of all oscillators.”In their study, the team drew up a simplified representation of a laser-like oscillator. Their model consists of an amplifier (such as a laser’s atoms), a delay line (for instance, the time it takes light to travel between a laser’s mirrors), and a coupler (such as a partially reflective mirror).The team then wrote down the equations of physics that describe the system’s behavior, and carried out calculations to see where in the system quantum noise would arise.“By abstracting this problem to a simple oscillator, we can pinpoint where quantum fluctuations come into the system, and they come in in two places: the amplifier and the coupler that allows us to get a signal out of the oscillator,” Loughlin says. “If we know those two things, we know what the quantum limit on that oscillator’s stability is.”Sudhir says scientists can use the equations they lay out in their study to calculate the quantum limit in their own oscillators.What’s more, the team showed that this quantum limit might be overcome, if quantum noise in one of the two sources could be “squeezed.” Quantum squeezing is the idea of minimizing quantum fluctuations in one aspect of a system at the expense of proportionally increasing fluctuations in another aspect. The effect is similar to squeezing air from one part of a balloon into another.In the case of a laser, the team found that if quantum fluctuations in the coupler were squeezed, it could improve the precision, or the timing of oscillations, in the outgoing laser beam, even as noise in the laser’s power would increase as a result.“When you find some quantum mechanical limit, there’s always some question of how malleable is that limit?” Sudhir says. “Is it really a hard stop, or is there still some juice you can extract by manipulating some quantum mechanics? In this case, we find that there is, which is a result that is applicable to a huge class of oscillators.”

Clocks, lasers, and other oscillators could be tuned to super-quantum precision, allowing researchers to track infinitesimally small differences in time, according to a new MIT study. Image: MIT News; iStock

More stable clocks could measure quantum phenomena, including the presence of dark matter.

With a quantum "squeeze," clocks could keep even more precise time, MIT researchers propose

Precision agriculture uses technology and automation to optimize crop production, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. It enables farms to make informed decisions based on real-time data and historical trends, maximizing crop quality while minimizing resource usage and environmental impact. As technological advances, the precision agriculture scope expands. The integration of SBCs enables the management of various sensors and devices critical to precision farming, but also makes it possible to handle data processing for smart agriculture and farming automation.This article explores how SBCs can be used to improve precision agriculture applications, integrating automation and autonomous operational processes.<h2 dir="ltr">Benefits and Challenges of SBCs in Precision Agriculture</h2>Due to their flexibility and processing capabilities, SBCs can provide several aspects of precision agriculture applications:<ul><li dir="ltr">Increased Efficiency: SBCs optimize environmental conditions, enabling the integration of IoT applications and AI for efficient farming.</li><li dir="ltr">Control and Automation: SBCs can manage various aspects of indoor farming systems, from climate control to nutrient management.</li><li dir="ltr">Cost-effectiveness: SBCs are cost-effective, with compact sizes and low power consumption making them increasingly popular for battery-based applications.</li></ul>However, depending on the the location and application, concerns may rise related to communication and data security:<ul><li dir="ltr">Real-time Challenges: Real-time farming relies on reliable networks and low latency, which can be challenging to achieve in remote rural areas [3].</li><li dir="ltr">Security Concerns: Protecting agricultural data and automated systems from cyber threats is a growing concern, especially as the industry becomes more connected.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">SBCs in Action</h2><h3 dir="ltr">Data collection</h3>Data play a central role in decision-making in precision agriculture. Sensors are placed strategically in fields and on equipment to monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and nutrient levels. The table below lists sensors that can be used in precision agriculture applications.<div dir="ltr" align="left" id="isPasted"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Purpose</h2></td><td><h2>Application</h2></td><td><h2>Sensors examples</h2></td><td><h2>Sensor type</h2></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Management of Crop</td><td>Growth</td><td>Parrot Sequoia</td><td>Multispectral</td></tr><tr><td>Pest detection</td><td>FLIR Blackfly23S6C</td><td>Cameras</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">Substrate monitoring</td><td rowspan="2">Moisture and temperature of soil&nbsp;</td><td>DS18B20</td><td>Digital temperature&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>VH400</td><td>Soil moisture&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>Chemical elements such as nitrate, nitrogen</td><td>SEN0244</td><td>Total dissolved solids (TDS)&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="13">Environment monitoring</td><td rowspan="2">Humidity and temperature of air</td><td>DHT11</td><td>Temperature and humidity</td></tr><tr><td>DHT22</td><td>Temperature and humidity</td></tr><tr><td>Solar radiation</td><td>SQ-110</td><td>Solar radiation</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">CO2&nbsp;concentration</td><td>MG-811</td><td>CO2&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>MQ135</td><td>Measures the level of NH3, NOx, alcohol, Benzene, smoke, and CO2 in air.</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="3">Rain</td><td>YF-S402</td><td>Water flow</td></tr><tr><td>YL-83</td><td>Water detector</td></tr><tr><td>SE-WS700D</td><td>Weeding control</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Wind speed and direction</td><td>WS-3000</td><td>Ambient weather</td></tr><tr><td>SEN08942</td><td>Wind speed, wind direction, and rainfall</td></tr><tr><td>Atmospheric pressure</td><td>MPL3115A2</td><td>Piezoresistive absolute pressure</td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2">Luminosity</td><td>BH1750</td><td>&nbsp;Digital Light sensor</td></tr><tr><td>TSL2561</td><td>Digital Luminosity, Lux, Light</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Table 1: Sensors and their application in farming.However, acquiring the data is only part of the process. SBCs act as the central control unit for these sensors, enabling real-time data collection and analysis. Thus, there is the possibility of processing the data locally or performing the transmission to a cloud-based platform. As new SBCs provide more processing power and are ready to execute machine learning, farmers rely less on high-speed data transmission to analyze data in real-time by cloud solutions. As a result, farmers can quickly respond to changing crop conditions, making precise adjustments to farming processes, such as irrigation.<h3 dir="ltr">Agricultural systems automation</h3>SBCs can also play a crucial role in automating processes in precision agriculture. By enabling autonomous vehicles and robots, SBCs allow farmers to equip them with sensors and cameras that collect data on crop growth and environmental conditions. For instance, autonomous tractors can be used to plant and harvest crops. At the same time, drones can monitor crop health, detect pests and diseases, and even spray pesticides on the affected areas. In addition, SBCs can also automate irrigation systems, fertilizer application, and other aspects of crop management, reducing the manual labor need and improving efficiency [3,4,5].These automation applications are economically viable for medium and large farms, and even small farms can benefit from automation. Thanks to the computing power of SBCs, a single SBC can execute several tasks, making it possible for small farmers to take advantage of automation benefits. Automating fertilizer and irrigation management reduces costs and errors, resulting in timely actions and minimal crop losses, for example.<h3 dir="ltr">Agricultural data analysis</h3>SBCs run on operating systems like Linux, providing access to a vast library of advanced open-source software. They can handle substantial volumes of data from multiple sensors in real time, supporting precision agriculture decision process. The data can be analyzed locally using big data analytics and machine learning algorithms, running the software analysis using the SBC's processing power. For example, machine learning algorithms can be used to analyze soil data and recommend the optimal amount of fertilizer to apply to each crop, or to predict the likelihood of a pest outbreak based on weather patterns and other environmental factors. As a result, advanced data analysis applications can run locally, providing farmers with insights.<h2 dir="ltr">Use case: SBCs for Irrigation</h2>Water is a crucial component of agriculture and is normally the first aspect approached by agriculture precision. In this section, you will find a case study using SBCs in an irrigation system.<h3 dir="ltr">Setting up IoT sensors</h3>First, it is necessary to set up the sensors and to cover broad crop field areas, it is required to use IoT devices with wireless transmission. One option is to use sensors like the DHT11 for temperature and humidity and FC-28 for soil moisture. They can be connected to ESP8266 boards to transfer the acquired data, which use Wi-Fi and MQTT to transfer the data.<h3 dir="ltr">Using SBCs for data management and automation</h3>Besides acquiring the data, it is necessary to have a server to receive and process it. SBC models like the ROCK 4 SE serve as data hubs. These SBC models are robust and versatile, featuring a high-performance Hexa-core Rockchip RK3399-T processor and 4GB 64bit LPDDR4 RAM. Furthermore, it is equipped with a Dual Arm Cortex-A72 CPU, Quad-core Cortex A53, and Arm Mali T860MP4 GPU. In addition, you can also create user-friendly interfaces for real-time monitoring using tools like <a href="https://nodered.org/" target="_blank">NodeRed</a> and <a href="https://www.influxdata.com/" target="_blank">InfluxDB</a>.The system can go beyond data collection and monitoring. The ROCK 4 SE's processing capabilities can automate irrigation based on the received data. For instance, if some regions of the field show soil moisture levels below a specified threshold, the system can trigger the irrigation pumps only for those zones if this possibility exists. As a result, energy and water usage would be optimized.<h3 dir="ltr">Future enhancements</h3>To further increase the project capabilities, you could integrate it into the cloud and add machine learning algorithms. The cloud integration would facilitate the system management access from anywhere. While the machine learning algorithms could improve the water and energy used based on the historical data.&nbsp;<iframe id="639e88944155b50008d4cdf8" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/okdo-x-radxa-rock-5-model-b?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe><h2 dir="ltr">Future Outlook in SBC-Powered Precision Agriculture</h2>The future of precision agriculture supported by SBCs is promising, with many innovations on the horizon. As SBCs increase the capability of handling artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, more advanced and complex data analysis can be made, providing farmers with increasingly precise insights into crop management. Regarding robotics and automation, new machines are expected to replace work in repetitive farming tasks, and drones equipped with SBCs are expected to provide more accurate crop monitoring, improving pest detection and disease prevention.&nbsp;Besides the conventional crop farms, SBCs can increase process automation and optimization of vertical farming, helpint it to gain more traction, controlling indoor luminosity, for example. Moreover, combining new IoT and sensor devices with SBC management can improve livestock farming, optimizing feed consumption and reducing disease incidence by closely monitoring each animal and requiring treatment as soon as an anomaly is detected.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>SBCs are essential supporting devices of modern precision agriculture. Their ability to process and analyze data in real-time and their role in automation make them indispensable tools for farmers striving for sustainable and efficient crop production. As the agricultural sector evolves, SBCs will gain traction, boosting new precision farming applications.<h2 dir="ltr">The ROCK series powering precision Agriculture</h2><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="8f00c95e-d481-406f-9796-e1d2ff18e0a9">OKdo's smart agriculture solutions are at the forefront of modernizing farming practices using IoT technology. A key component of their smart farming technology is the <a href="https://www.okdo.com/smart-agriculture/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_precision_agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ROCK 4 Model C+ 4GB SBC</a>. This powerful <a href="https://www.okdo.com/p/okdo-rock-4-model-se-4gb-single-board-computer-rockchip-rk3399-t-arm-cortex-a72-cortex-a53/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_precision_agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">single board computer&nbsp;</a>is equipped with a Rockchip RK3399T SoC, making it ideal for smart agriculture applications. It features 4GB 64bit RAM, an eMMC socket, integrated fan control, and dual microHDMI ports supporting up to 4Kp60 resolution. Additionally, it includes Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and wireless LAN capabilities. This hardware is specifically designed to support the demands of smart agriculture, providing the processing power and connectivity required for efficient and sustainable farming operations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.okdo.com/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_campaign=rock&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_content=sbcs_precision_agriculture" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Learn more here.</a></div><h2 dir="ltr">References</h2>[1] McFadden, Jonathan, Eric Njuki, and Terry Griffin. "Precision Agriculture in the Digital Era: Recent Adoption on US Farms." (2023).[2] Tycoonstory. “<a href="https://www.tycoonstory.com/iot-in-precision-agriculture-advancements-and-benefits-for-modern-farming/" target="_blank">What is IoT Precision Agriculture and How is it Different from Traditional Agriculture?</a>“[3] AgriTech Tomorrow “5 Challenges For Precision Agriculture To Face”. 2020[4] Abu, N. S., et al. "Internet of things applications in precision agriculture: A review." Journal of Robotics and Control (JRC) 3.3 (2022): 338-347.[5] Raj, E.F.I., Appadurai, M., Athiappan, K. (2021). Precision Farming in Modern Agriculture. In: Choudhury, A., Biswas, A., Singh, T.P., Ghosh, S.K. (eds) Smart Agriculture Automation Using Advanced Technologies. Transactions on Computer Systems and Networks. Springer, Singapore.&nbsp;[6] Mathe, Sudha Ellison, et al. "A survey of agriculture applications utilizing raspberry pi." 2022 International Conference on Innovative Trends in Information Technology (ICITIIT). IEEE, 2022.[7] Gsangaya, K. R., et al. "Portable, wireless, and effective internet of things-based sensors for precision agriculture." International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 17 (2020): 3901-3916.[8] &nbsp;Sebastian. “<a href="https://admantium.medium.com/iot-sensor-project-esp8266-with-dht11-sensor-sends-data-to-mqtt-a0e7e101f095" target="_blank">IOT Sensor Project: ESP8266 with DHT11 Sensor sends Data to MQTT</a>”.[9] Jia, Weibing, and Zhengying Wei. "Raspberry Pi-Embedded Intelligent Control System for Irrigation and Fertilization Based on deep learning." Journal of Physics: Conference Series. Vol. 2504. No. 1. IOP Publishing, 2023.[10] askSensors. “<a href="https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Connect-Soil-Moisture-Sensor-and-ESP8266-to/" target="_blank">How to Connect Soil Moisture Sensor and ESP8266 to the AskSensors IoT Cloud</a>”.

How Single Board Computers (SBCs) have automated and reduced costs in modern agriculture

Precision Agriculture with Single Board Computers

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a transformative force across all sectors of the economy, and industrial engineering is no exception. This technological frontier reshapes how industries approach efficiency, maintenance, and automation. In response, Seeed Studio has recently launched its ReComputer Industrial series of artificial intelligence (AI) devices. Revealed on September 29th, these devices represent a significant advancement in industrial AI capabilities.<a href="https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2022/09/30/seeed-studio-announces-recomputer-based-on-new-nvidia-jetson-orin-nano-to-accelerate-edge-ai-from-development-to-production/#:~:text=,as%20announced%20at%20NVIDIA%20GTC" target="_blank">1</a>&nbsp;Incorporating NVIDIA®&nbsp;Jetson Xavier NX, Orin Nano, and Orin NX modules and leveraging the NVIDIA Ampere™ GPU architecture offer AI computational performance from 20 TOPS to 100 TOPS. As of May 16, 2023, Seeed Studio continues to enhance these devices, emphasizing its commitment to evolving AI solutions.Integrating AI into industrial operations marks a shift towards enhanced efficiency, precision, and automation. ReComputer Industrial series devices combine robust performance with industrial adaptability. They come equipped with the Jetpack 5.1 SDK, featuring NVIDIA technologies and CUDA-X accelerated libraries, ready for complex AI tasks, including video analytics and natural language processing. Their fanless construction guarantees consistent performance even in extreme conditions, reducing the likelihood of component failure due to dust and other environmental factors.Engineers aiming to incorporate AI into industrial systems will find that the ReComputer Industrial series AI devices fulfill stringent technical specifications and comply with industry certifications such as FCC, CE, RoHS, and UKCA. This compliance is essential for applications across various sectors, including smart cities, security, industrial automation, smart factories, and medical imaging.<h3 dir="ltr">Technical Specifications</h3>The Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial series AI devices are equipped with an NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX, Orin Nano, or Orin NX module, which is at the core of the module's functionality. These modules are part of the NVIDIA Ampere GPU architecture, offering AI performance that ranges from 20 TOPS to 100 TOPS. The devices' hardware is designed to operate reliably in a temperature range from -20°C to 60°C, suitable for challenging industrial environments.On the software front, the ReComputer devices come with the Jetpack 5.1 SDK pre-installed. This software development kit includes NVIDIA technologies, and CUDA-X accelerated libraries, ensuring compatibility with various AI applications. The devices support various industry-standard interfaces, including RJ-45 GbE, RS-232/RS-422/RS-485, USB 3.2, DI/DO, CAN, and TPM2.0 (module optional), providing versatile connectivity options for different industrial needs.The ReComputer's fanless design is a testament to its robust construction and ability to reduce maintenance needs and extend the device's operational lifespan by minimizing the risk of dust and contaminant ingress.For further details and specifications, visit the <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/seeed-studio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">datasheets&nbsp;</a>provided by Seeed Studio and Mouser Electronics.<h2 dir="ltr">Importance of Technology</h2>AI in modern industrial applications enhances efficiency, precision, and innovation. AI's role is to interpret vast data streams, optimize operations, and facilitate predictive maintenance, thereby reducing downtime and extending the life of industrial equipment.&nbsp;ReComputer devices, such as the ReComputer J1020 v2, embody this integration by providing a compact, powerful edge AI solution that brings AI's capabilities directly to the industrial forefront.Dedicated AI devices built with modules like the NVIDIA Jetson Nano are tailored to fit seamlessly into the larger AI ecosystem. They offer a robust platform for developing and deploying AI applications, with features such as CUDA cores for processing and pre-installed JetPack systems for ease of use. The ReComputer series, with its rich set of IOs and extensive support for AI frameworks, stands as a testament to the harmonious synergy between hardware and AI software, enabling a new wave of intelligent industrial solutions.In industrial settings, the benefits of using dedicated AI devices are manifold. They provide a localized, high-performance computing solution that can process and analyze data at the source, significantly reducing latency compared to cloud-based systems. This edge processing capability is crucial for time-sensitive applications where rapid decision-making is paramount. Moreover, these devices are designed with industrial-grade components, ensuring reliability and durability in harsh environments, essential for continuous operations in sectors such as manufacturing and logistics.The ReComputer devices, with their scalable and flexible architecture, empower industries to deploy complex AI models and machine learning frameworks directly on the factory floor, leading to improved quality control, safety, and productivity. By leveraging the computational power of AI at the edge, industries can unlock new potentials and drive innovation, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzAwODEyODA3MDcyLWN1c3RvbWVycy1ibXctZmVhdHVyZWQtMTYwMHg4MTMuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The ReComputer devices can enable applications such as large-scale immersive learning. Image credit: BMW.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr">Key Features</h3>The Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial series AI devices are engineered to deliver robust AI performance with onboard processing capabilities vital for modern industrial applications. These devices leverage the NVIDIA Ampere GPU architecture and 64-bit operating capabilities, offering AI performance from 20 TOPS to 100 TOPS depending on the module selected. This performance is critical for applications requiring real-time processing, such as in smart cities, security, and industrial automation.Connectivity features a range of interfaces, including RJ-45 GbE, RS-232/RS-422/RS-485, DI/DO, CAN, USB 3.2, and TPM2.0 (optional module). Such connectivity options ensure seamless integration into existing industrial networks and facilitate communication with various peripherals and sensors.Scalability and modularity are also key features of the ReComputer series. With different NVIDIA Jetson modules, such as the Orin NX and Xavier NX, developers can select the appropriate computing power needed for their specific applications. This modularity allows for tailored solutions that scale with the evolving demands of industrial AI tasks.Energy efficiency and power consumption are critical considerations in industrial settings. The ReComputer devices are designed with a passive heatsink for efficient cooling without a fan, conserving energy and reducing the risk of component failure due to dust or other environmental contaminants. The devices operate within a power envelope conducive to continuous operation in a wide range of industrial environments, from -20°C to 60°C.<h2 dir="ltr">Applications and Use Cases</h2>The Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial AI Devices are designed to cater to a wide range of applications, leveraging their AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and innovation in various sectors. Here are some key use cases:<h3 dir="ltr">Video Analytics</h3>&nbsp;The ReComputer devices can perform object recognition, tracking, and classification, making them suitable for security systems, traffic monitoring, and smart city applications. These capabilities are essential for modern surveillance and monitoring systems, where real-time data processing and analysis are crucial.<h3 dir="ltr">Natural Language Processing</h3>With their advanced AI performance, these devices can handle speech recognition or language translation tasks. This application is particularly relevant in customer service automation, multilingual communication systems, and interactive voice response (IVR) systems.<h3 dir="ltr">Medical Imaging</h3>The ReComputer Industrial AI Devices can analyze medical images, assisting in diagnosis or treatment planning. This application is crucial in healthcare, where accurate and fast analysis of medical imagery can significantly impact patient care and outcomes.<h3 dir="ltr">Traffic Management</h3>In the realm of smart city applications, these devices can be used for license plate detection, car detection, and pedestrian detection. This technology is vital for enhancing traffic flow, ensuring road safety, and managing city infrastructures more effectively.<h3 dir="ltr">Industry 4.0 Applications</h3>Within industrial settings, applications like helmet detection, hard hat detection, and custom personal protective equipment (PPE) detection are possible. Additionally, visual anomaly detection using technologies like NVIDIA Deepstream IoT can be employed for quality control and monitoring.<h3 dir="ltr">Retail Sector</h3>The devices can be used for sentiment analysis and detection of retail store items. These applications can enhance customer experience, inventory management, and in-store analytics.<h3 dir="ltr">Robotics</h3>In robotics, the ReComputer series applies to tasks requiring sophisticated machine vision and AI processing, such as object detection and advanced navigation systems.<h3 dir="ltr">Industry Automation and Smart Factories</h3>The devices are ideal for industrial automation, enabling digital transformation across smart factories. They support applications like object detection, which is key in process control and quality inspection.<h2 dir="ltr">Integration with Other Systems</h2>The Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial series is designed to be highly compatible with a range of industrial protocols and standards, making it a versatile choice for integration into various systems. The hardware features industry interfaces such as RJ-45 GbE, RS-232/RS-422/RS-485, DI/DO, CAN, USB3.2, and TPM2.0 (module optional), facilitating connectivity with a wide array of sensors, actuators, and other peripherals. This ensures that the ReComputer can serve as the intelligent core for many industrial applications, from smart cities and security to industrial automation and smart factories.The ReComputer series is also equipped with software compatibility, including pre-installed Jetpack 5.1 SDK, which encompasses CUDA-X accelerated libraries and other NVIDIA technologies. This software suite provides a comprehensive development environment and supports AI platforms that are continually updated, ensuring that the ReComputer remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Including NVIDIA DeepStream SDK, NVIDIA TAO Toolkit, and NVIDIA Riva Speech AI applications allows for AI-based multi-sensor processing, model training acceleration, and speech recognition, which are essential for modern AI tasks.Moreover, the ReComputer Industrial series' potential for cloud integration is significant, with its support for intelligent video analytics, computer vision, sound AI, fleet management, and cloud-native deployment. This makes it an ideal platform for edge computing applications where real-time data processing and analytics are critical.The Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial series stands out for its robust compatibility with industrial protocols, ability to interface seamlessly with a range of peripherals, and capacity for integration with cloud platforms and services, making it a powerful and flexible solution for industrial AI applications.<h2 dir="ltr">Safety and Reliability</h2>Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial series AI devices are designed with safety and reliability at the forefront, ensuring they are well-suited for the demanding conditions of industrial environments. The devices feature a fanless design with a passive heatsink, which contributes to their durability by reducing the risk of failure due to moving parts and allowing them to operate effectively in a temperature range from -20°C to 60°C. This design also mitigates the ingress of dust and other contaminants, enhancing the longevity of the devices.The ReComputer Industrial series AI Devices are built to withstand vibrations up to 3Grms from 5Hz to 500Hz, random, for 1 hour per axis. This makes them robust enough to handle the mechanical stresses in industrial settings.Certification and compliance are also key aspects of the ReComputer series. The devices comply with industry standards, including FCC, CE, RoHS, and UKCA certifications. These certifications indicate the devices' adherence to quality and safety standards, essential for industrial applications.The Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial AI Devices provide a reliable and secure solution for industrial AI applications by integrating these built-in safety features, ensuring durability, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.<h2 dir="ltr">Development and Customization</h2>The Seeed Studio reComputer Jetson series equips developers with a powerful AI development platform featuring Ubuntu 18.04 LTS and NVIDIA JetPack 4.6 pre-installed on a 16 GB eMMC. Depending on the specific model, developers can swiftly initiate projects by connecting standard peripherals and powering the device through its Type-C or DC interface.Upon first boot, developers configure the system by setting the language, keyboard layout, network connection, and user credentials. The reComputer J1010 and J1020 models support various power modes, with the MAXN mode recommended for maximum performance.When a system reinstall is necessary, Seeed Studio's comprehensive wikis facilitate the process on A20X carrier boards and the reComputer J1010 Carrier Board. These guides offer step-by-step instructions for using NVIDIA SDK Manager or command lines, catering to diverse project needs.Developers facing limited eMMC space have several options to optimize storage: system redeployment to external devices, JetPack component removal, or capacity expansion through external storage, allowing for tailored storage solutions.Seeed Studio provides multiple channels for technical support and community discussion, ensuring developers receive the help they need for a seamless product experience.Designed with a focus on developer needs, the reComputer Jetson series delivers essential tools and resources for effective AI development, offers customization to meet unique industrial demands, and fosters a collaborative development community.<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>The ReComputer Industrial series devices by Seeed Studio mark a significant milestone in the industrial AI landscape, offering engineers a robust platform for innovation and application development. These devices provide the necessary computational power, connectivity, and reliability to meet the demands of modern industrial environments. Engineers are encouraged to delve into the capabilities of the ReComputer series, leveraging its versatility and power to drive advancements in industrial automation and AI. With comprehensive support and resources available, the ReComputer devices stand ready to underpin the next wave of industrial AI solutions.<h3 dir="ltr">References</h3>1. <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2023/06/20/how-edge-ai-is-fueling-industry-40-outcomes/#:~:text=Manufacturers%20sit%20atop%20vast%20troves,connected%20to%20the%20data%20source." target="_blank">The role of AI in Industry 4.0, Forbes</a>4. <a href="https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/744/reComputer_Industrial_datasheet-3217813.pdf" target="_blank">Seeed Studio reComputer Industrial datasheet.</a>5. <a href="https://www.mouser.com/" target="_blank">Mouser Electronics</a>6. <a href="https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2023/04/20/innovative-community-projects-that-utilized-grove-vision-ai-module-10-inspiring-stories/" target="_blank">Seeed Studio Blog. (2023, April 20). Innovative community projects that utilized Grove Vision AI Module: 10 inspiring stories.</a>7. <a href="https://docs.edgeimpulse.com/experts/image-projects/object-detection-ubidots-seeed-grove-ai" target="_blank">Edge Impulse Documentation. (n.d.). Object detection Ubidots Seeed Grove AI</a>8. <a href="https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/reComputer_Jetson_Series_Initiation/" target="_blank">Seeed Studio Wiki. reComputer for Jetson Initiation</a>9. <a href="https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2023/05/10/custom-design-your-own-recomputer-powered-by-nvidia-jetson/" target="_blank">Seeed Studio Blog. Custom Design Your Own reComputer Powered by NVIDIA Jetson</a>10. <a href="https://www.seeedstudio.com/blog/2022/09/30/seeed-studio-announces-recomputer-based-on-new-nvidia-jetson-orin-nano-to-accelerate-edge-ai-from-development-to-production/" target="_blank">Seeed Studio Blog. Seeed Studio Announces reComputer Based on New NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano to Accelerate Edge AI from Development to Production</a>

Explore Seeed Studio ReComputer: Industrial AI Devices for Enhanced Efficiency and Automation

Seeed Studio ReComputer Industrial AI Devices for Engineers

In today's ever-evolving technological landscape, optimizing energy consumption in embedded devices is of paramount importance. This article sheds light on the pivotal role of debug UART logs in power profiling and explores how this synergy benefits developers and engineers alike.Debug UART Logs: A Power Profiling AssetBy connecting your embedded device's debug UART to <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/products/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Qoitech's Otii box</a>, you unlock a potent capability – the ability to timestamp log data alongside power consumption measurements. This fusion of debugging and power profiling offers a formidable solution for scrutinizing power consumption during the development and testing phases.Why Debug UART Logs Matter<ol><li>Efficiency Optimization: Real-time insights into your embedded device's behavior, combined with power consumption data, enable you to identify power-hungry hardware components or inefficient firmware code. This knowledge is essential for optimizing your embedded device's energy efficiency, especially when refining hardware and firmware.</li><li>Debugging Power-Related Issues: Synchronized debug UART logs and power measurements facilitate the pinpointing of energy-draining events or operations during development. This simplifies the task of identifying and addressing power-related issues, making debugging more efficient.</li><li>Reduced Development Time: Merging debug and power profiling streamlines development. You can swiftly identify and rectify power issues, resulting in shorter development cycles and faster time-to-market.</li><li>Cost Savings: Effective power management translates to extended battery life for portable embedded devices and reduced electricity costs for mains-powered devices. This can lead to substantial cost savings in the long run.</li></ol>Benefits for IoT and Embedded Professionals<ol><li>Hardware Developers: This technique empowers you to create energy-efficient embedded devices, offering improved user experiences, longer battery life, and reduced environmental impact. It also expedites the identification and resolution of power-related bugs, saving valuable development time.</li><li>Software Developers: Debug UART power profiling can enhance the performance of embedded and application software. Recognize that low-power consumption involves not only hardware but also the entire system and ecosystem, where applications or protocols could be energy drains.</li><li>Product Managers: Ensure that embedded devices meet energy efficiency standards and deliver exceptional performance, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and potentially increased market share.</li><li>Researchers: Utilize this technique for experiments, data collection, and contributing to the advancement of energy-efficient technologies.</li></ol>ConclusionUnderstanding the factors that drain energy provides invaluable insights into your IoT device's operation, enabling informed decisions to develop low-power embedded devices. For a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on implementing this process using Otii Arc/Ace Pro, please consult the <a href="https://www.qoitech.com/docs/quick-start/setup-uart-recording" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Otii documentation</a>.

UART log sync with power measurements with Otii Ace Pro

Understanding what drains energy is a game-changer, whether you're a developer crafting the next IoT breakthrough, fine-tuning an embedded system, or simply interested in gauging the power efficiency of your devices.

Efficient IoT Design: Synchronized UART Logging and Power Measurement

Render of the Mijolnia product. Image: Mijolnia

In response to the OKDo Engineering Challenge provocation, the CEO of Mijolnia, Promise Okwuchukwu, submitted a proposal to use the ROCK SBC in their Mijolnia Prime 1, a rechargeable battery system designed to store solar charge and provide energy to households and businesses.  

OKdo ROCK Challenge: Interview with Promise Okwuchukwu. Bringing energy storage to Africa

<h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Introduction</h1>In an age where data is the new gold, and digital infrastructure forms the backbone of our society, the importance of data security cannot be overstated. Silicon-level security refers to the protective measures embedded at the hardware level of computing devices. It is a fundamental layer that underpins the reliability and trustworthiness of everything from consumer electronics to critical national infrastructure.As we usher in the era of ubiquitous computing, with billions of connected devices exchanging data every second, the stakes for robust security have never been higher. The concept of silicon-level security isn't new; however, the complexity and sophistication of threats it must mitigate have evolved dramatically. Gone are the days when simple perimeter defenses were sufficient. Today's security architects must assume a posture of 'defense in depth', where multiple layers of security measures are integrated into the silicon itself.This proactive approach to security is vital as the functionality and value of devices increasingly hinge on their ability to protect and process sensitive data securely. Whether it's financial transactions, personal information, or state secrets, the common denominator is the silicon that processes and stores this data. Thus, the integrity of silicon-level security mechanisms is a paramount concern, laying the foundation for trust in the digital age.In the following sections, we'll delve into the intricate world of secure interface technologies, unpack the challenges faced by modern System on Chip (SoC) designs, and explore how advancements in technology are paving the way for stronger, more resilient security measures. &nbsp;&nbsp;<h1 dir="ltr">The Backbone of Security: Root of Trust and Cryptography IP</h1>At the heart of silicon-level security is the concept of a 'Root of Trust' (RoT), a set of functions trusted implicitly by the system due to their foundational role in ensuring overall security. The RoT provides a secure starting point for system boot and cryptographic operations and is immune to software-based attacks because it is often implemented in hardware. This secure cornerstone handles critical tasks such as secure boot, secure firmware updates, and cryptographic key management, ensuring that only authenticated code and communications are running on the device.Adjacent to the Root of Trust is the role of Cryptography IP, which includes hardware-based cryptographic engines designed to perform encryption and decryption tasks. These cryptographic modules serve as the workhorses for data protection, enabling secure data storage and transmission, and are essential for functions like secure communications, digital signatures, and user authentication.Both RoT and Cryptography IP are imperative for a secure boot process, which is the first step in a secure chain of events that occur when a device is powered on. During this process, the integrity and authenticity of the software stack are verified using cryptographic checks, establishing a secure execution environment from the outset.To understand their importance, consider the analogy of a bank vault. In this analogy, RoT is the combination to the vault—highly confidential and used to validate the identity of individuals attempting to access the vault. Cryptography IP, on the other hand, is like the reinforced walls and time-locked doors—structural features that enforce security protocols and prevent unauthorized access.These technologies also enable secure end-to-end communication, ensuring that data remains confidential and unaltered during transmission. With the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices, securing data in transit has become as crucial as securing it at rest.Despite their robustness, the implementation of Root of Trust and Cryptography IP is not without challenges. Ensuring that these security measures themselves are impervious to exploitation requires meticulous design and regular updates in response to the evolving threat landscape. In the next section, we will examine the security challenges inherent in modern SoC designs and discuss how these foundational technologies can help mitigate those risks.<h1 dir="ltr">Securing the Core: Challenges in SoC Designs</h1>Modern Systems on Chip (SoCs) are marvels of integration, embedding processors, memory, I/O, and various other functionalities into a single chip. This consolidation brings vast benefits in terms of performance and power efficiency but also introduces a myriad of security challenges that must be navigated carefully.One of the primary challenges is the increased attack surface. The very features that make SoCs powerful—connectivity, configurability, and smart functionalities—also make them more vulnerable to attacks. With more lines of code, there are more potential bugs or backdoors. With more interfaces, there are more points of entry for malicious actors.Additionally, as SoCs become more complex, ensuring that every component is secure from design to decommission becomes harder. This complexity often results in a greater risk of side-channel attacks, where an attacker could infer sensitive information from power consumption, electromagnetic emissions, or even computation time.Supply chain security presents another significant challenge. SoCs are global products, with materials and components sourced from and passing through multiple vendors and countries. Each step in this chain presents an opportunity for malicious actors to introduce vulnerabilities.Moreover, the need for speed in markets means that security can sometimes be an afterthought, leading to vulnerabilities in the rush to get products to market. As a result, rigorous security testing and validation procedures are essential but can be overlooked or undervalued.In dealing with these challenges, the industry has turned to a variety of mitigation strategies. One key approach is the concept of 'security by design', where security measures are considered at every step of the SoC design and manufacturing process. This approach includes using hardware-based security features, like those provided by secure enclaves and trusted execution environments, which can isolate sensitive operations from the main processor to protect them from software attacks.Another strategy is regular security audits and updates. Even after an SoC is deployed, its security posture must be maintained and updated in response to new threats—much like how software is regularly patched.Finally, leveraging advanced fabrication techniques and materials can reduce the physical vulnerabilities of SoCs, making them harder to tamper with or reverse engineer.Navigating these challenges is a complex task, but it is one that is crucial for maintaining trust in technology. In the next section, we discuss how these strategies are put into practice, keeping SoCs secure against an ever-evolving array of threats.<h1 dir="ltr">Building Defenses: Mitigation Strategies for SoC Security</h1>To confront the security challenges in SoC designs, the semiconductor industry has developed a suite of mitigation strategies that bolster the defenses of these complex systems.<ul><li dir="ltr">Secure Architectural Design: The first line of defense is secure architectural design. This includes the incorporation of hardware-based security features such as secure boot, trusted execution environments, and secure key storage. By integrating these elements at the design phase, SoCs are better equipped to handle unauthorized access attempts and ensure that critical operations remain uncompromised.</li><li dir="ltr">Layered Security Approach: A layered security approach is critical for protecting against a wide range of potential attacks. This involves implementing multiple security layers that function together to protect the system. If one layer is breached, the subsequent layers provide an additional level of defense, making it more difficult for an attack to be successful.</li><li dir="ltr">Dynamic Security Measures:&nbsp;Dynamic security measures, such as runtime monitoring and anomaly detection, are also key. These systems can detect and respond to suspicious behavior in real-time, providing a responsive layer of security that adapts to current threats.</li><li dir="ltr">Encryption and Cryptography:&nbsp;Strong encryption and cryptography are indispensable in SoC security, safeguarding data both at rest and in transit. Advanced encryption standards and cryptographic algorithms are implemented to ensure that even if data is intercepted, it remains indecipherable without the appropriate keys.</li><li dir="ltr">Regular Security Audits and Firmware Updates:&nbsp;Ongoing security audits and regular firmware updates ensure that security measures remain up-to-date in the face of evolving threats. This strategy includes the establishment of secure update mechanisms that prevent the installation of malicious firmware.</li><li dir="ltr">Supply Chain Integrity:&nbsp;Protecting the integrity of the supply chain is another critical strategy. This involves measures such as secure manufacturing practices, tamper-evident packaging, and traceability of components to ensure that SoCs are not compromised at any point from fabrication to delivery.</li><li dir="ltr">User Education and Access Control: Lastly, user education and strict access control policies are necessary to prevent inadvertent breaches. Users need to be aware of the security features of their devices and how to use them properly, while access control ensures that only authorized individuals can make changes to the system configuration or access sensitive information.</li></ul>By implementing these strategies, SoC designers and manufacturers can create more secure systems that are resilient in the face of both current and emerging security threats. However, the fast pace of technological change means that vigilance and continuous improvement are mandatory. Security is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process of adaptation and reinforcement.<h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>Silicon-level security stands as a critical pillar in our digital era. Through exploring secure interface technologies, such as Root of Trust and Cryptography IP, we recognize their indispensable role in safeguarding modern SoCs. As we confront security challenges—from side-channel attacks to complex interface vulnerabilities—the need for a robust, multi-layered defense strategy becomes clear.Securing silicon goes beyond a single solution—it's a continuous battle, balancing innovation with vigilance. As technology advances, so must our security strategies, integrating state-of-the-art features and adopting a culture of security-first in design and deployment.The future hinges on our collective effort to ensure the trustworthiness of our digital foundations. In fostering this trust, the commitment to silicon-level security must remain unwavering, uniting stakeholders across the industry to fortify our digital landscape.<h1 dir="ltr">Synopsys' Impact on SoC Security</h1>In the realm of SoC security, <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Synopsys</a> offers critical technologies that sharpen the defenses of silicon interfaces. Their AI and Machine Learning tools not only expedite chip design but also imbue systems with smart threat detection, essential for anticipatory security. Their cloud solutions provide secure integrations essential for IoT devices dependent on cloud data management.Their Design Technology Co-Optimization (DTCO) propels the creation of SoCs resistant to advanced threats by exploring new transistor architectures. Synopsys' emphasis on early-stage security integration through DevSecOps, alongside energy-efficient design practices, further strengthens SoCs against exploits like power analysis attacks.Synopsys also pioneers in fortifying system integrity with its Multi-Die System solutions, safeguarding sensitive operations within SoCs. Their vigilance extends to software security, ensuring open-source components and software supply chains are robust against vulnerabilities from inception.Through innovation and a strategic approach to security, Synopsys plays a pivotal role in the evolution of more secure digital infrastructures, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to the advancement of SoC security.<h1 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">References</h1>[1] Dana Neustadter, Hezi Saar, Michael Posner, ‘How Security for SoC Interfaces Enhances Data Protection’, Synopsis, 4 Oct. 2022, [Online], Available from:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.synopsys.com/blogs/chip-design/soc-interfaces-security-enhance-data-protection.html" target="_blank">https://www.synopsys.com/blogs/chip-design/soc-interfaces-security-enhance-data-protection.html</a>[2] Marco Ciaffi, John Min, ‘Building security into an AI SoC using CPU features with extensions’, Embedded, 12 Apr. 2021, [Online], Available from:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.embedded.com/building-security-into-an-ai-soc-using-cpu-features-with-extensions/" target="_blank">https://www.embedded.com/building-security-into-an-ai-soc-using-cpu-features-with-extensions/</a>[3] Ruud Derwig, Nicole Fern, ‘Techniques for Ensuring Security in Processor-based SoCs’, Synopsis, [Online], Available from: <a href="https://www.synopsys.com/designware-ip/technical-bulletin/ensuring-security-processor-socs.html" target="_blank">https://www.synopsys.com/designware-ip/technical-bulletin/ensuring-security-processor-socs.html</a>[4] Landry J., ‘What Is Hardware Root of Trust?’, Dell, 22 July 2022, [Online], Available from: <a href="https://www.dell.com/en-us/blog/hardware-root-trust/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.dell.com/en-us/blog/hardware-root-trust/</a>

Silicon-level security is crucial in protecting the hardware of computing devices, serving as a foundational layer for data integrity and system reliability in our increasingly digital world.


Silicon-Level Security: A Deep Dive into Secure Interfaces

Decoding the Essentials: A Detailed Overview of Ladder Logic Symbols in Automation

Ladder Logic Symbols: A Comprehensive Guide

With a groundbreaking open-source architecture, RISC-V is paving the way for a new era of computing technology. In this article, we’ll delve into RISC-V’s evolution, its underlying principles and technical aspects, as well as its limitations and future prospects.

Understanding RISC-V: The Open Standard Instruction Set Architecture

In those latter applications, lasers that can emit extremely short pulses—those on the order of one-trillionth of a second (one picosecond) or shorter—are especially useful. Using lasers operating on such small timescales, researchers can study physical and chemical phenomena that occur extremely quickly—for example, the making or breaking of molecular bonds in a chemical reaction or the movement of electrons within materials. These ultrashort pulses are also extensively used for imaging applications because they can have extremely large peak intensities but low average power, so they avoid heating or even burning up samples such as biological tissues.In a paper appearing in the journal Science, Caltech's <a href="https://www.eas.caltech.edu/people/amarandi" target="_blank">Alireza Marandi</a>, an assistant professor of electrical engineering and applied physics, describes a new method developed by his lab for making this kind of laser, known as a mode-locked laser, on a photonic chip. The lasers are made using nanoscale components (a nanometer is one-billionth of a meter), allowing them to be integrated into light-based circuits similar to the electricity-based integrated circuits found in modern electronics."We're not just interested in making mode-locked lasers more compact," Marandi says. "We are excited about making a well-performing mode-locked laser on a nanophotonic chip and combining it with other components. That's when we can build a complete ultrafast photonic system in an integrated circuit. This will bring the wealth of ultrafast science and technology, currently belonging to meter-scale experiments, to millimeter-scale chips."Ultrafast lasers of this sort are so important to research, that this year's Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to a trio of scientists for the development of lasers that produce attosecond pulses (one attosecond is one-quintillionth of a second). Such lasers, however, are currently extremely expensive and bulky, says Marandi—who notes that his research is exploring methods to achieve such timescales on chips that can be orders of magnitude cheaper and smaller, with the aim of developing affordable and deployable ultrafast photonic technologies."These attosecond experiments are done almost exclusively with ultrafast mode-locked lasers," he says. "And some of them can cost as much as $10 million, with a good chunk of that cost being the mode-locked laser. We are really excited to think about how we can replicate those experiments and functionalities in nanophotonics."At the heart of the nanophotonic mode-locked laser developed by Marandi's lab is lithium niobate, a synthetic salt with unique optical and electrical properties that, in this case, allows the laser pulses to be controlled and shaped through the application of an external radio-frequency electrical signal. This approach is known as active mode-locking with intracavity phase modulation."About 50 years ago, researchers used intracavity phase modulation in tabletop experiments to make mode-locked lasers and decided that it was not a great fit compared to other techniques," says Qiushi Guo, the first author of the paper and a former postdoctoral scholar in Marandi's lab. "But we found it to be a great fit for our integrated platform.""Beyond its compact size, our laser also exhibits a range of intriguing properties. For example, we can precisely tune the repetition frequency of the output pulses in a wide range. We can leverage this to develop chip-scale stabilized frequency comb sources, which are vital for frequency metrology and precision sensing," adds Guo, who is now an assistant professor at the City University of New York Advanced Science Research Center.Marandi says he aims to continue improving this technology so it can operate at even shorter timescales and higher peak powers, with a goal of 50 femtoseconds (a femtosecond is one-quadrillionth of a second), which would be a 100-fold improvement over his current device, which generates pulses 4.8 picoseconds in length.<hr>The paper describing the research is titled "<a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj5438" target="_blank">Ultrafast mode-locked laser in nanophotonic lithium niobite</a>" and appears in the November 9 issue of Science. Co-authors are Benjamin K. Gutierrez (MS '23), graduate student in applied physics; electrical engineering graduate students Ryoto Sekine (MS '22), Robert M. Gray (MS '22), James A. Williams, Selina Zhou (BS '22), and Mingchen Liu; Luis Ledezma (PhD '23), an external affiliate in electrical engineering; Luis Costa, formerly at Caltech and now with JPL, which Caltech manages for NASA; and Arkadev Roy (MS '23, PhD '23), formerly of Caltech and now with UC Berkeley .

Lasers have become relatively commonplace in everyday life, but they have many uses outside of providing light shows at raves and scanning barcodes on groceries. Lasers are also of great importance in telecommunications and computing as well as biology, chemistry, and physics research.

Ultrafast Lasers on Ultra-Tiny Chips

Born in the ‘80s, the CAN bus helps in carrying reliable electronic communication within your vehicles. This article delves into the basic principles, architecture, protocols, applications, and limitations of the CAN bus.

Understanding CAN Bus: A Comprehensive Guide

Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, play a crucial role in the global energy transition towards a more sustainable and ecological energy scenario. As the demand for renewable energy grows, so does the need for technologies that can improve the management of these resources and the transformation efficiency. One critical aspect of ensuring the viability of renewable energy projects is applying effective risk management solutions to manage generating equipment, avoiding unwanted interruptions, and optimizing system operation. In this context, single board computers (SBCs) are emerging as compact and versatile computing devices that offer technical advantages in the renewable energy sector, supporting the operation and management of renewable energies.This article explores how SBCs can be used in renewable energy applications, integrating system monitoring and control.<h1 dir="ltr">SBCs in Renewable Energy</h1>SBCs, with their compact size and powerful hardware, offer features that make them attractive for renewable energy applications, where real-time data analysis, monitoring, and control are essential. SBCs differ from conventional computing solutions in providing flexibility, such as being installed where space may be limited presenting different connectivity options with sensors and devices. They are compatible with various operating systems, making them highly customizable and adaptable in the applications. Moreover, the SBCs offer low application costs.<h2 dir="ltr">System monitoring</h2>Continuous monitoring of the performance of renewable energy installations, such as solar farms or wind turbines, is essential to monitor energy generation and ensure the effective use of the system. For this purpose, SBCs communicating with various sensors can be strategically placed throughout these installations to collect data about multiple parameters, including electricity production, equipment temperatures, and weather conditions. This allows grid operators to assess the system's functioning in real-time and promptly identify potential problems.<h2 dir="ltr">Grid balance</h2>The integration of renewable energy into the electric grid introduces fluctuations due to the intermittent nature of these energy sources. SBCs can contribute to grid stability by optimizing the distribution of renewable energy through the data collected and running algorithms for this purpose. These devices can analyze energy supply and demand in real-time, allowing automatic adjustments to energy production from renewable sources or the activation of energy storage systems. The usage of dynamic grid management ensures a reliable energy supply, balance generation and consumption in real-time.<h2 dir="ltr">Predictive maintenance</h2>Conventional systems typically use periodic maintenance programs, which may sometimes be less efficient and potentially costly. In contrast, when integrated with SBCs, equipment can undergo continuous monitoring and have its data analyzed for any potential anomalies. Using machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence, SBCs can accurately predict when maintenance is required. This proactive approach helps reduce downtime, significantly cut maintenance costs, and extend the operational lifetime of renewable energy assets.<h1 dir="ltr">Benefits and Challenges of SBCs in Energy Generation</h1>Due to their flexibility and powerful processing capabilities, SBCs can improve various aspects of renewable energy generation:<ul><li dir="ltr">Energy reliability:&nbsp;SBCs can provide real-time insights into performance and potential equipment issues, contributing to the overall reliability.</li><li dir="ltr">Rapid interventions:&nbsp;Through data analysis and instant alerts, SBCs enable rapid responses to critical events or damage, minimizing energy loss and the impact on profits. For example, overheating of equipment or anomalies in the operation of photovoltaic or wind power generation.</li><li dir="ltr">Cost-effective:&nbsp;The predictive maintenance and optimized network balancing that can be done using SBCs reduce operating and maintenance costs. Furthermore, SBCs have compact sizes and low power consumption.</li></ul>However, there are some challenges in implementing it in renewable energy resources:<ul><li dir="ltr">Initial investment:&nbsp;Implementing SBC-based systems can require significant initial investments in software and integration with existing renewable energy infrastructure.</li><li dir="ltr">Technical expertise:&nbsp;Integrating sensors, data analysis software, and control systems is complex and can present technical challenges, requiring expertise in renewable energy and computing.</li><li dir="ltr">Cybersecurity:&nbsp;As renewable energy systems become more connected, they are susceptible to cyber-attacks, and ensuring the security of SBC-based systems is vital.</li></ul><h1 dir="ltr">Case Study: SBCs for Photovoltaic Generation</h1>SBCs can be utilized in photovoltaic systems to monitor and control energy production. They can collect data from solar panels and control their operation. An SBC, such as ROCK 5B, can receive and process data to help optimize photovoltaic system efficiency and generation. ROCK 5B, developed by <a href="https://www.okdo.com/" target="_blank">OKdo</a> in collaboration with <a href="https://radxa.com/" target="_blank">Radxa</a>, is a state-of-the-art device powered by the Rockchip RK3588 SoC, Arm DynamIQ Quad Cortex-A76 @ 2.2/2.4 GHz. It features a safe shutdown on/off button and is compatible with various operating systems, including Linux and Android, for enhanced application flexibility. The ROCK 5B has extensive storage capacity, with both 8 and 16 GB of RAM options as well as a high-speed eMMC socket for eMMC modules - ideal for storing operating systems and data. Additionally, it has high compatibility with SBC accessories via the 40-pin GPIO expansion connector.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk5MjY5NDg5NDE1LWltYWdlMi5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">ROCK 5B. Image credit: OKdo.Photovoltaic systems use current and voltage sensors to monitor energy generation. Some of the popular sensors available in the market include the ACS712 for measuring electric current and the INA219 for measuring the voltage of the panel array. Real-time monitoring of photovoltaic performance is possible with these sensors, which provide valuable information for control and preventive maintenance. Temperature sensors such as PT100 and solar radiation sensors like LI-200R can be used to monitor the operating conditions of solar panels and optimize system efficiency. For example, photovoltaic generation is directly related to the solar irradiation incident on the solar panels, making irradiation an excellent metric for monitoring energy generation. The relationship between the two on a clear day is illustrated in the figure below.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjk5MjY5NTE1NTk1LWltYWdlMS5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Example of photovoltaic generation vs solar irradiation. Image credit: [9]Additionally, a web server like Apache can remotely monitor the solar energy system. The data collected and processed by the SBC can be easily accessible to interested parties, such as solar power plant operators and owners.<h2 dir="ltr">Other applications</h2>Wind turbine operators can utilize SBCs to monitor vibrations, temperature, and energy production continuously. With this information, the maintenance algorithms can provide valuable insights for predictive maintenance and reduce downtime.&nbsp;<iframe id="639e88944155b50008d4cdf8" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/okdo-x-radxa-rock-5-model-b?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="false" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>Another potential application of SBCs would be in smart grids, which can be employed to manage energy storage and distributed energy resources. By optimizing energy distribution and storage, this technology would enable demand response and efficient energy supply.<h1 dir="ltr">Future Perspectives on Using SBCs in Renewable Energy Systems</h1>As technology advances, the role of SBCs in the renewable energy sector is set for considerable expansion. With the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) becoming increasingly prevalent, SBCs can serve as a promising element in increasing the efficiency and safety of renewable energy systems. The technical characteristics of SBCs position them as a powerful device for ensuring the viability and sustainability of renewable energy solutions.<h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>SBCs contribute to harnessing the potential of renewable energy by enabling real-time monitoring, grid balancing, and predictive maintenance. These devices offer flexibility and economy, benefiting reliability, rapid response to problems, and cost savings. Although there are challenges, SBCs show great potential for the future as technology develops, supporting more efficient and sustainable renewable energy systems.<h1 dir="ltr">References</h1><ol><li dir="ltr">Philip Hirschhorn and Tom Brijs, 2021. “<a href="https://www.bcg.com/publications/2021/addressing-variable-renewable-energy-challenges" target="_blank">Rising to the Challenges of Integrating Solar and Wind at Scale</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">IRENA, 2015. “<a href="https://www.irena.org/-/media/Files/IRENA/Agency/Publication/2015/IRENA_Baseload_to_Peak_2015.pdf" target="_blank" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">From Baseload to Peak: renewables provide a reliable solution</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Kabeyi Moses Jeremiah Barasa and Olanrewaju Oludolapo Akanni, 2022. “<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2021.743114" target="_blank">Sustainable Energy Transition for Renewable and Low Carbon Grid Electricity Generation and Supply</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Johns Hopkins University, 2021. “<a href="https://energy.sais.jhu.edu/articles/the-future-of-sustainable-energy/" target="_blank">The Future of Sustainable Energy</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Hadi Ganjineh, 2021. “<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/11/30/how-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-are-transforming-the-future-of-renewable-energy/?sh=7f961d5e541b" target="_blank">How Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Are Transforming The Future Of Renewable Energy</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Nicolas Sarmiento Sierra, 2023. “<a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/enhancing-electrical-grid-management-with-emerging-sbc-technology" target="_blank">Enhancing Electrical Grid Management with emerging SBC technology</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">R H P Putra and D Wahyudin and T Sucita, 2018. “<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1757-899X/384/1/012041" target="_blank">Designing Energy and Power Monitoring System on Solar Power Plant Using Raspberry Pi</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Hamzah Eteruddin and David Setiawan and Atmam, 2020. “<a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/469/1/012051" target="_blank">Web Based Raspberry Monitoring System Solar Energy Power Plant</a>”</li><li dir="ltr">Muhammad Qamar Raza, Mithulananthan Nadarajah and Chandima Ekanayake, 2016. “<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305321699_On_recent_advances_in_PV_output_power_forecast" target="_blank">On recent advances in PV output power forecast</a>”</li></ol>

How single board computers (SBCs) are shaping and helping to manage and mitigate risks in renewable energy


Impact of SBCs in Renewable Energy

The world of materials science is constantly discovering or fabricating materials with exotic properties. Among them are the multiferroics, a unique class of materials that can be both magnetized and polarized at the same time, which means that they are sensitive to both magnetic and electric fields.Having both these properties in a single material has made multiferroics very interesting for research and commercial purposes with potential applications from advanced electronics to next-generation memory storage. By understanding and harnessing the properties of multiferroics, researchers aim to develop more efficient, compact, and even energy-saving technologies.Now, an international research collaboration has uncovered some fascinating properties for the multiferroic Manganese-doped Germanium Telluride (Mn-doped GeTe); the “doped” part of the name simply means that a small amount of manganese (Mn) atoms has been introduced into the germanium telluride (GeTe) crystal structure to modify its properties. The work holds promise for the future of energy-efficient computing but also offers a deeper understanding of the collective behaviors in multiferroic materials.The project was led by Professors Hugo Dil at EPFL, Gunther Springholz at Johannes Kepler University Linz, and Jan Minár at the University of West Bohemia.Mn-doped GeTe is known for its unique ferroelectric and magnetic properties. But the new study has now found that it also possesses a magnetic order distinct from typical ferromagnets, such as iron, which align with a magnetic field. Instead, the scientists found that Mn-doped GeTe exhibits the characteristics of a ferrimagnet.What is a ferrimagnet? Unlike “normal” magnets like the ones we stick to our fridges, a ferrimagnet is more like two magnets with slightly different strengths superimposed on top of each other. The discovery that Mn-doped GeTe behaves like this means that we now have more flexibility to control the direction of magnetization – an essential feature for a number of technologies.This proved to be important, as it allowed the scientists to develop a method for enhancing the efficiency of switching magnetization direction by an astounding six orders of magnitude. Instead of doing this in the traditional way of applying a large current pulse to Mn-doped GeTe, they instead used a small, constantly fluctuating (AC) electrical current, followed by a tiny current nudge at just the right moment – a bit like pushing a swing at the right time to make it go higher with less effort. The researchers named this phenomenon “stochastic resonance”.This tiny “nudge” caused a change that spread quickly throughout Mn-doped GeTe, like a ripple in a pond. This happened because the material behaves a bit like a solid and a bit like a liquid – essentially a glass: a change in one part causes a chain reaction that changes other parts.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1699111002629-694296ca.jpg" style="width: 766px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The method for magnetic switching on Mn-doped GeTe. Credit: Hugo Dil (EPFL)To put in a more technical way, the magnetic switch propagated swiftly across the Mn-doped GeTe through collective excitations, which are coordinated collective movements of a large number of electron spins within the material. “This is possible because the system forms a correlated spin glass, where the local magnetic moments are in a glassy state, similar to atoms in an old-fashioned window,” says Hugo Dil. “If one spin is forced to change its orientation, this information will travel like a wave through the sample and cause the other magnetic moments to also switch.”He adds: “For technological applications, this increase in switching efficiency is of course very interesting. It can eventually lead to computers that need less than one-millionth of the currently required energy to switch a bit. However, as a physicist, what really intrigues me is the collective behavior. We are now planning space- and time-resolved experiments to follow how these excitations spread and how we can control them.”Full list of contributors<ul><li>EPFL</li><li>Paul Scherrer Institut</li><li>Johannes Kepler Universität</li><li>New Technologies-Research Center University of West Bohemia</li><li>Masaryk University</li><li>P. J. Šafárik University</li><li>Slovak Academy of Sciences</li><li>CY Cergy Paris Université</li><li>Institute of Physics ASCR, v.v.i</li><li>Charles University</li></ul>ReferencesJuraj Krempaský, Gunther Springholz, Sunil Wilfred D’Souza, Ondřej Caha, Martin Gmitra, Andreas Ney, C. A. F. Vaz, Cinthia Piamonteze, Mauro Fanciulli, Dominik Kriegner, Jonas A. Krieger, Thomas Prokscha, Zaher Salman, Jan Minár, J. Hugo Dil. Efficient magnetic switching in a correlated spin glass. Nat. Comm. 14, 6127 (2023). DOI:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-41718-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10.1038/s41467-023-41718-4</a>

Dr Cinthia Piamonteze and Dr Juraj Krempasky working on an experiment of the study at the Paul Scherrer Institut. Credit: Dominik Kriegner (FZU)

A research collaboration co-led by EPFL has uncovered a surprising magnetic property of an exotic material that might lead to computers that need less than one-millionth of the energy required to switch a single bit.

Strange magnetic material could make computing energy-efficient

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computing

Printed Circuit Board with Surface Mounted Devices

This article delves into the various types of SMD components, detailing their sizes, functions, soldering techniques, selection guidelines, and applications.

computing

Technical Guides

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