Three modules for latest Renesas U55 AI processor

Renesas Electronics has introduced its flagship AI microprocessor designed for edge computing in three different module formats. The 64-bit RZ/G3E MPU features four ARM Cortex-A55 cores clocked at up to 1.8GHz, along with an Ethos U55 neural processing unit (NPU), full HD graphics support, and high-speed connectivity capabilities.

Targeted at industrial applications such as factory equipment, medical monitors, retail terminals, and building automation, the chip is compatible with a SMARC module from Tria, an OSM (Size-M) from ARIES Embedded, and an OSM (Size-L) from MXT. These modules are intended to streamline hardware design, enabling developers to concentrate on implementing AI models on a Linux-based stack.

According to Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing at Renesas, "The RZ/G3E leverages the established performance of the RZ/G series by incorporating an NPU for AI processing. By utilizing the same Ethos-U55 NPU found in our recently announced RA8P1 microcontroller, we are broadening our AI embedded processor portfolio and providing a scalable pathway for AI development. These enhancements cater to the requirements of next-generation HMI applications encompassing vision, voice, and real-time analytics with robust AI capabilities."

The RZ/G3E boasts two lanes of PCI Express 3.0 offering speeds of up to 8Gbit/s, USB 3.2 Gen2 supporting 10Gbit/s, and dual-channel Gigabit Ethernet for cloud services, storage, and 5G modules. It is designed to operate within an extended temperature range of -40°C to 125°C, making it suitable for industrial environments. The chip is available in a 15mm square 529-pin FCBGA or a 21mm square 625-pin FCBGA package.

With a power consumption of around 50mW and approximately 1mW in deep standby mode, the processor supports DDR self-refresh mode to preserve memory data, facilitating quick wake-up for running Linux applications.

Linux Software Support

Renesas provides the Verified Linux Package (VLP) based on the reliable Civil Infrastructure Platform, offering over 10 years of maintenance support, with 15 years of support for the chip itself. For users in need of the latest versions, Renesas supplies Linux BSP Plus, which includes support for the latest LTS Linux kernel and Yocto. Additionally, Ubuntu by Canonical and Debian open-source OS are available for server or desktop Linux environments.

Renesas has integrated the RZ/G3E with other compatible devices to create the Full HD Dual-Display HMI Platform and Digital Otoscope, showcasing the versatility and potential applications of this advanced AI microprocessor.