We first covered zGlue Integration Platform (ZiP) in 2018 when the company introduced its chip-stacking technology with a fitness tracker based on ZGZL1BA ZiP equipped with chips from Dialog Semiconductor, Analog Devices, Macronix, MCube and others.
The concept is similar to SiP (System-in-Package), but zGlue claims the costs and lead times are much lower with the technology. Earlier this year, ZiP was back in the news thanks to Antmicro GEM custom RISC-V/Arm ASIC, and today, I was informed about zGlue Omnichip devkit 2 that is equipped with a ZiP of the same name, and that can be used to evaluate the technology.
zGlue OmniChip ZiP
zGlue OmniChip ZiP is a multichip module with the following ICs (aka Chiplets) and specifications:
- Nordic Semiconductor nRF52832 Cortex-M4F microcontroller with Bluetooth LE and NFC connectivity
- Texas Instruments BQ25120AYFPR battery charger, buck regulator
- Maxim Integrated MAX86140ENP+ optical pulse oximeter
- Texas Instruments TMP108AIYFFR temperature sensor
- Bosch Sensortec BMM150 magnetometer
- mCube MC3672 accelerometer
- SiTime SIT1552AC 32 kHz TCXO oscillator
- Smart Fabric with GPIO Expander, Capacitor, Programmable Resistors, Boost Converter, LED Drivers, LDOs
- Packages – 12 x 12 x 1.1mm QFN-100 or 6.6 x 9.5 x 1.1mm LGA-96
It’s a Bio/Fitness chip designed for wearables needing features such as motion detection, direction detection, heart rate monitoring, footstep counting, temperature sensing as well as NFC and/or BLE connectivity. The chip is customizable/programmable through the “smart fabric controller”, and I understand you’d be able to remove/add sensors or other chips are needed if you have small volume applications.
You’ll find more details about the module, including a datasheet, on the product page. Chips can be pre-ordered as well with price starting at $500 for 10 pieces ($50/piece).
Omnichip Devkit 2
The company integrated Ominichip ZiP multichip module into a development kit with the following key features:
- zGlue OmniChip ZiP with Bluetooth/NFC Cortex-M4 SoC, sensors, battery charger, and other components as described above
- USB – 1x Micro USB port for power and programming
- Expansion – Various headers to access programmable I/Os
- Debugging – JTAG header and serial console via micro USB port
- Misc – 2x user buttons
- Power Supply – 5V via micro USB port or 2-pin battery header
- Dimensions – TBD
Note that’s the second version of Omnichip Devkit, and appears to replace the earlier larger version. The module can be programmed, notably the routing and behavior of pins, through zGlue Chipbuilder. You’ll find documentation on the product page, and video getting started guide using the first version of the kit below.
The board is can be pre-order for $69 on the product page, but you’ll also find it for $59 on GroupGets.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress
