Advantech’s new SMARC 2.1 computer-on-module ROM-6881

With up to 6.0 TOPS of AI inference capability, it excels in complex tasks. The ROM-6881 also supports high-resolution video with 8K@30fps video encoding and 8K@60fps decoding, ensuring efficient, high-quality display and resolution. This module enhances Edge IoT applications in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), medical fields, surveillance, robotics, and beyond.

Optimising Edge AI for efficiency and low power consumption

The ROM-6881 is powered by the Rockchip flagship processor RK3588. It features a robust configuration with a total of eight processing cores (4 x Arm Cortex-A76 and 4 x Arm Cortex-A55) that can reach speeds of up to 2.4GHz. All eight cores are built using an advanced 8nm process, providing a 300% increase in performance over the previous RK3399 processor. This ensures optimal computing power tailored for platform management and a diverse range of feature-rich applications. Specifically designed for Edge AI applications, the RK3588 integrates a 6-TOPs NPU accelerator, giving it impressive AI computing capabilities. This versatility simplifies various Edge AI inference tasks, ensuring optimal performance and flexibility for a wide array of applications.

Enhancing display and resolution for medical applications

The ROM-6881 supports 8K@60fps H.265 and VP9 decoding, as well as 8K@30fps encoding capabilities. Its integrated 3D GPU ensures efficient, high-quality 3D rendering and display of panoramic content. Additionally, the ROM-6881 is equipped to handle four MIPI CSI cameras, two USB 3.0, and three USB 2.0 signals, enabling access to multiple cameras simultaneously. Moreover, the module features a rich array of display interfaces including HDMI, DP, LVDS/DSI, and eDP for up to four screens. The ROM-6881 is well-suited for medical equipment such as endoscopes, hemodialysis, and AI-based in vitro diagnostics (IVD) systems.

Versatile interfaces for AMR applications

Industrial robots and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) often demand solutions that provide high data throughput, low latency, minimal power consumption, and cost efficiency. The ROM-6881 stands out as a prime choice for versatile robotic solutions. It features a variety of interfaces including two gigabit ports, two USB 3.0 ports, three USB 2.0 ports, SATA, and UARTs, making it simple to integrate peripherals such as LiDAR, motors, IMUs, and cameras to maximise AMR efficiency. Moreover, the ROM-6881’s four PCIe 3.0 slots provide flexible expansion, allowing for enhancements in wired networks and the addition of FPGA, Wi-Fi 6, and 5G modules.

Flexible OS for Edge AI and robot-oriented software integration

The ROM-6881 supports multiple operating systems, including Debian and Android. To facilitate advanced Edge AI development, users can leverage the RKNN Toolkit developed by Rockchip. This toolkit handles AI model conversions as well as inference and performance within an Ubuntu PC environment. For robotics applications, the ROM-6881 efficiently runs the Robot Operating System (ROS2), providing a flexible framework for the development of robotic applications. This allows developers to swiftly initiate and advance their projects on this platform.

The new Advantech SMARC 2.1 Computer-on-Module ROM-6881 is available now.