CNX Software - Embedded Systems News

September 30, 2024September 30, 2024 by Sayantan Nandy - 5 Comments

The Things Indoor Gateway Pro: A Managed LoRaWAN Solution with ESP32 and Semtech SX1302

The Things Indoor Gateway Pro with dual external antenna

The Things Industries first introduced the Things Indoor Gateway, an affordable multi-channel LoRaWAN gateway designed for IoT networks in 2019. While low-cost single-channel gateways like Dragino OLG01, priced as low as $83.50, were available, they often struggled with connectivity in shared environments. The Things Indoor Gateway, priced around $111, offered a reliable solution for large-scale IoT deployments. Building on this success, the company has now launched the next-generation Things Indoor Gateway Pro. This managed LoRaWAN gateway is designed for seamless IoT network installation, featuring zero-touch provisioning, full cloud management, and flexible connectivity options including LTE, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi with automated failover. With advanced device management tools such as mTLS, FOTA, and secure boot, the Things Indoor Gateway Pro is a future-ready solution tailored for evolving IoT needs. Previously, we explored a variety of LoRaWAN gateways, including the AgroSense LoRaWAN for high-precision agriculture, the WisGate Soho Pro RAK7267 for greenhouse monitoring, […]

September 30, 2024September 29, 2024 by Debashis Das - No Comments

u-blox X20 all-band GNSS module offers centimeter-level accuracy, u-blox F9 pin-to-pin compatibility

u-blox has recently launched the X20 all-band GNSS module with an integrated L-band receiver that supports all available GNSS satellite signals (L1/L2/L5/L6) and can provide centimeter-level accuracy globally. The module also includes PPP (Precise Point Positioning) correction on top of RTK (Real-time Kinematic) and features like end-to-end security functions, advanced jamming/spoofing detection, and other software features. These features make this device useful for industrial automation, automotive, UAVs, and ground robotics applications. Multi-band GNSS receivers using L1, L2, L5, and the new L6/E6 band frequencies enhance accuracy, reliability, security, and other benefits. That includes better PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) and RTK performance, access to global precise point positioning (PPP) services like Galileo HAS, faster convergence times in PPP for industrial and automotive use, and access to regional PPP services like MADOCA-PPP. Additionally, it helps comply with regional regulations like AIS-140 for NavIC in India and improves jamming and spoofing immunity […]

September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 18 Comments

Radxa X4 review – An Intel N100 alternative to Raspberry Pi 5 tested with Ubuntu 24.04

We already looked at the Radxa X4 kit featuring an Intel N100 SBC with a design similar to the Raspberry Pi 5 and accessories including a Radxa Power PD 30W power adapter, an NVMe SSD, and a USB-C to USB-C cable, in the first part of the review, before installing Ubuntu 24.04 on the board.

In the second part of the review, we will test Ubuntu 24.04 in more detail with some benchmarks and power consumption measurements to show how well it works (or not) compared to a Raspberry Pi 5. We will also test the 40-pin GPIO header on the Radxa X4 controlled through a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller.

September 28, 2024 by Sayantan Nandy - No Comments

Raytac AN7002Q – A smaller nRF7002 Wi-Fi 6 module for industrial IoT applications

IoT solutions company Raytac has introduced the AN7002Q Wi-Fi 6 module series, which integrates Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF7002 chipset and is designed for Industrial IoT, smart home, healthcare, consumer electronics, and automotive applications. They can be paired with Raytac’s MDBT53 Bluetooth LE modules based on the nRF5340 multiprotocol SoC, supporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE solutions. The AN7002Q is a low-power Wi-Fi 6 module supporting dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation with a maximum PHY data rate of 86 Mbps (MCS7). It is compatible with IEEE 802.11ax, a/b/g/n/ac standards, and connects to a host SoC or MCU via SPI or QSPI interfaces. The module also supports coexistence with Bluetooth LE, Thread, and Zigbee systems, making it ideal for IoT applications. Previously, we covered the Abluetech PTR7002, a low-power wireless module based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF7002. The PTR7002 has a slightly larger size and offers more GPIO options, while the AN7002Q […]

September 27, 2024September 27, 2024 by Debashis Das - No Comments

NXP i.MX RT700 dual-core Cortex-M33 AI Crossover MCU includes eIQ Neutron NPU and DSPs

NXP i.MX RT700 AI crossover MCU block diagram

NXP has recently announced the release of NXP i.MX RT700 RT700 AI crossover MCU following the NXP i.MX RT600 series release in 2018 and the i.MX RT500 series introduction in 2021. The new i.MX RT700 Crossover MCU features two Cortex-M33 cores, a main core clocked at 325 MHz with a Tensilica HiFi 4 DSP and a secondary 250 MHz core with a low-power Tensilica HiFi 1 DSP for always-on sensing tasks. Additionally, it integrates a powerful eIQ Neutron NPU with an upgraded 7.5 MB of SRAM and a 2D GPU with a JPEG/PNG decoder. These features make this device suitable for applications including AR glasses, hearables, smartwatches, wristbands, and more. NXP i.MX RT700 specifications: Compute subsystems Main Compute Subsystem Cortex-M33 @ up to 325 MHz with Arm TrustZone, built-in Memory Protection Unit (MPU), a floating-point unit (FPU), a HiFi 4 DSP and supported by NVIC for interrupt handling and SWD […]

September 27, 2024 by Sayantan Nandy - No Comments

AAEON SRG-CM4 IoT gateway features Raspberry Pi CM4 SoM for industrial applications

AAEON SRG-CM4 is an IoT gateway based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) with 1GB to 8GB of RAM and 8GB to 32GB of eMMC storage, all powered by the Broadcom BCM2711 quad-core Cortex-A72 SoC. The gateway features a modular chassis, maintaining the compact size and industrial-grade features typical of AAEON’s edge gateway products, making it ideal for various embedded applications. In terms of connectivity, the SRG-CM4 offers two switchable serial ports supporting RS-232/422/485, with an optional isolated RS-485 port, CAN 2.0 A/B, and two isolated DI/DO. Additional interfaces include two Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI 1.4 video output. The device operates within a wide temperature range of -20°C to 70°C and supports a DC 9V to 36V power input, ensuring reliability in industrial environments. We previously covered the reComputer R1025-10, a Raspberry Pi CM4-based DIN Rail industrial gateway with optional wireless […]

Rockchip RK3568/RK3588 and Intel x86 SBCs

September 27, 2024September 26, 2024 by Debashis Das - No Comments

ADLINK AVA-1000 is a rugged EN50155-compliant T2G gateway for railway and industrial applications

The ADLINK AVA-1000 T2G gateway is a rugged, EN50155-compliant T2G (Train-to-Ground) gateway designed for railway and industrial environments. Powered by a choice of NXP i.MX8M Plus Quad Cortex-A53 processor or an Intel Processor N50 Alder Lake-N processor. The i.MX8M Plus model is equipped with up to 8GB LPDDR4 and a 64GB eMMC flash whereas the Alder Lake variant features up to 4GB LPDDR5 memory and a 32GB eMMC flash. In terms of connectivity, the gateway features three M12 GbE ports and supports a wide range of options including 5G, WiFi 6, and GNSS. The AVA-1000 T2G gateway’s fanless design, wide operating temperature range, and 24-110V DC input ensure reliable operation in industrial environments. Additionally, its compliance with EN50155 and other industrial standards makes it ideal for various industrial applications. AVA-1000 T2G gateway specifications System Processor (multiple options) NXP i.MX8M Plus quad-core Cortex-A53 processor @ up to 1.8 GHz with Cortex-M7 […]

September 26, 2024 by Sayantan Nandy - 12 Comments

MYiR Tech MYC-LD25X – A compact STM32MP25 system-on-module running Debian 12

MYiR Tech’s MYC-LD25X is a compact 39x37mm system-on-module built around the STMicro STM32MP25 dual-core Cortex-A35 SoC running at 1.5GHz with a Cortex-M33 core, and an NPU capable of 1.35 TOPS. The module comes with up to 2GB LPDDR4 RAM, 8GB eMMC storage, and a range of connectivity options, including Gigabit Ethernet, USB, CAN FD, UART, and SPI. Designed for industrial HMI, edge computing, energy systems, and automation, the MYC-LD25X is suitable for high-performance applications in these fields. Previously, we covered other development boards from MYiR, including the MYD-J7A100T, MYD-YG2UL, MYD-YG2LX, and MYD-J1028X. We also wrote about other STM32MP25-based system-in-package and system-on-module namely the Digi ConnectCore MP25 and Octavo OSD32MP2. Feel free to check them out if you’re interested. MYC-LD25X STM32MP25-based System-On-Module MYC-LD25X specifications: SoC – STMicro STM32MP257D processor CPU – Dual-core Arm Cortex-A35 64-bit RISC core operating at up to 1.5 GHz MPU – 32-bit Arm Cortex-M33 RISC core clocked at […]