Neural Processor Integrated in Bluetooth and Matter Wireless MCU

Alif Semiconductor has recently unveiled an exciting new product that combines cutting-edge technology in a compact form factor. The company has integrated an Arm Ethos-U55 neural processor with a Bluetooth Low Energy radio in a microcontroller designed for AI and machine learning applications. This innovative device, named Balletto, is housed in a tiny WLCSP package, making it ideal for a variety of space-constrained devices.

"Balletto opens up new possibilities for manufacturers to incorporate AI/ML functionalities such as speech recognition, adaptive noise cancellation, vocal targeting, and beam forming in products like true wireless stereo earbuds and lifestyle wristbands," explained a representative from Alif Semiconductor. This integration of advanced processing capabilities with wireless connectivity enables enhanced user experiences and improved performance in a range of consumer electronics.

The heart of Balletto is the Cortex-M55 CPU, which boasts an impressive EEMBC CoreMark score of 704 at 160MHz. Alif Semiconductor has also implemented the Arm Helium M-profile vector extension in the processor, delivering a significant 500% increase in DSP performance. With 2Mbyte of tightly-coupled memory and a processing power of 46Gop/s, the Ethos-U55 neural processor within Balletto excels in audio encoding-decoding tasks, including support for the LC3 codec used in BLE Auracast audio technology.

In addition to its powerful processing capabilities, Balletto supports concurrent operation of Bluetooth LE 5.3 and Thread through a single on-chip antenna. This feature makes the microcontroller well-suited for applications in home automation networks and systems that adhere to the Matter protocol. The device offers a receive sensitivity of -101dBm and includes dual power amplifiers, providing flexibility for optimizing range or power consumption based on specific requirements.

Furthermore, Balletto incorporates a range of advanced features to enhance security and connectivity. It includes a secure enclave with a dedicated processor and memory for root-of-trust and chain-of-custody functions, a 2D GPU for graphics processing, and interfaces for camera and display connectivity. Digital interfaces such as I3C, USB, CAN-FD channels, and Octal SPI, along with analogue signal processing components like ADCs and a DAC, further expand the device's versatility and compatibility with various applications.