#Sweden #Malmö #Virtium #RZ/G3E #SOM

Introduction

In the realm of industrial systems, the demand for advanced human-machine interface (HMI) solutions has skyrocketed. Virtium Embedded Artists have stepped up to the challenge with the release of their new RZ/G3E SOM. This innovative system-on-module (SOM) is designed to integrate seamlessly into intricate industrial and medical applications, providing essential computing power, connectivity options, and superior graphical capabilities.

Key Features of the RZ/G3E SOM

The RZ/G3E SOM is built around the Renesas RZ/G3E application processor, featuring a robust architecture that includes quad Arm Cortex-A55 CPU cores alongside a single Cortex-M33 CPU. This thoughtfully engineered combination allows for a high-performance compute engine capable of supporting various demanding applications.

Display and Graphics Capabilities: One of the standout features of the RZ/G3E SOM is its ability to manage dual Full HD displays. Developers can utilize interfaces such as MIPI-DSI, dual LVDS, and digital RGB. This versatility is further enhanced with support for H.264 and H.265 video codecs, as well as a dedicated 3D graphics controller, which is crucial for rendering complex visual elements in HMI applications.

Connectivity Options: In today's fast-paced industrial environments, high-speed connectivity is paramount. The RZ/G3E SOM addresses this need with a range of interfaces, including a dual-data lane PCIe Gen 3 interface, a single USB 3.2, and dual USB 2.0 interfaces, along with a dual Gigabit Ethernet controller. This extensive connectivity ensures that devices can communicate effectively within an interconnected industrial ecosystem.

Accelerating Development Times

For developers keen on utilizing the RZ/G3E processor, the RZ/G3E SOM presents an efficient, ready-made hardware implementation in a compact 82mm x 50mm footprint, compatible with an MXM3 connector. This configuration significantly cuts down on development time, allowing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring their products to market more swiftly.

Moreover, Virtium provides a development kit that serves as a reference design, enabling designers to rapidly prototype their applications while validating new concepts. This kit smartly lays out the necessary interfaces required for developers to tailor their own carrier boards.

Embedded Software Support

To further assist developers, the RZ/G3E SOM allows for diverse embedded software options. Users can choose from three distinct versions of the Linux® operating system: Linux BSP Plus, the Verified Linux Package, or a Software Development Kit. Each option caters to different support levels concerning kernel updates and maintenance, offering flexibility based on project requirements.

AI Processing Capabilities

Recognizing the growing importance of artificial intelligence in industrial applications, the RZ/G3E SOM comes equipped with two options for local AI processing. The integrated Arm Ethos™-U55 neural processing unit (NPU) allows for an inference performance of 0.5 TOPS, making it suitable for entry-level applications including vision, voice, and sensor-based AI.

For developers looking for higher AI processing power, a version of the SOM featuring the DeepX DX-M1 AI accelerator is available, providing up to 25 TOPS for more sophisticated inference applications. This range of options enables developers to select a solution that aligns perfectly with their project's complexity and requirements.

Availability and Pricing

Virtium Embedded Artists has opened order requests for the RZ/G3E SOM through its website and select distributors such as Arrow, Avnet, and Future Electronics. The shipment for the SOM is anticipated to commence in November 2025. This timing positions the RZ/G3E SOM as a timely solution for OEMs aiming to enhance their products with cutting-edge HMI capabilities.

Conclusion

With its robust feature set tailored for demanding applications, the RZ/G3E SOM by Virtium Embedded Artists is poised to transform the landscape of industrial and medical equipment. This SOM not only simplifies the design process but also elevates the potential for innovation in HMI applications. As industries continue to evolve, solutions like the RZ/G3E will be pivotal in driving advancements in technology and user interactions.

For more details, you can visit Virtium's website or reach out to their sales team for inquiries.