Syslogic expands lineup: Three AI rugged computers

Now, Syslogic is following up with three embedded systems based on the new NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX system-on-module (SoM).

Jetson Orin NX opens up new possibilities

The latest member of the NVIDIA Jetson product family, the Jetson Orin NX 16GB has 100 TOPS of AI computing power and 16GB RAM. This is three times the performance of the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier. The SoM is smaller than a credit card and impresses with a low power consumption of 10 to 25W. This combination of form factor, performance and energy efficiency opens the door for a new generation of autonomous edge devices.

Syslogic is introducing three rugged computers based on the new Jetson Orin NX module for use in demanding environmental conditions. The first is the extremely compact Rugged Computer RPC RS A4NX, which will be available starting at the end of March 2023. In Q2 2023, Syslogic will release the larger Rugged Computer RPC RML A4NX, available in two versions – one with PoE and one with GMSL interfaces. This allows a wide range of sensors, such as lidar, radar, and cameras, to be connected to the embedded systems in order to implement sophisticated computer vision applications.

NVIDIA software reduces development effort

With the integrated NVIDIA Ampere- GPU, the Rugged Computer RPC RS A4NX processes data from multiple high-resolution sensors virtually in real time. Accordingly, the devices are suitable for demanding edge AI applications in robots and autonomous machines.  

The Jetson AGX Orin Developer Kit with software emulation for the Jetson Orin NX 16GB module uses the same Jetson software stack as all the Jetson Orin modules. This allows software development to start early with a developer kit and then be seamlessly finalised in the production device. The Jetson Orin NX in addition shares the software environment with Jetson Xavier modules, so developments that have already been implemented on previous-generation modules can be easily adopted.

The software stacks include application-specific frameworks such as NVIDIA Isaac for robotics, DeepStream for intelligent video analytics, and Riva for conversational AI. In addition to application-specific frameworks, NVIDIA pretrained models and the TAO toolkit significantly reduces application development effort by enabling developers to leverage existing resources rather than starting from scratch.

ROS2-compatible

The new Syslogic embedded computers come with pre-installed JetPack 5 with Linux Kernel 5.10. This makes it easy to utilise the ROS2 middleware, which has established itself as the ideal tool for computer vision applications. ROS2 is used to control and coordinate a large number of nodes. The middleware is modular and has functions for sensor processing and evaluation, as well as for controlling actuators. NVIDIA also provides a collection of hardware-accelerated packages in Isaac ROS for ROS developers to build high-performance solutions on the NVIDIA Jetson platform.

Robust for tough field operation

The rugged computer RPC RS A4NX is certified to IP67. Syslogic has combined the NVIDIA module with a specially designed carrier board that fulfils the same high shock and vibration requirements as the rest of the device. To protect the electronics against moisture, humidity, and dust, the embedded computer features a robust housing with screw-on M12 connectors. Furthermore, a Gore vent ensures pressure equalisation inside the device. This makes the rugged computer one of the world’s most robust devices currently available based on NVIDIA Jetson.

Michael Jung, Product Manager at Syslogic, says: “With the RPC RS A4NX, we offer a device that is as rugged as it is compact. Syslogic ensures that the new Jetson module can play to its strengths even under harsh environmental conditions.”

For applications that explicitly call for PoE or GMSL, Syslogic has the previously mentioned RPC RML A4NX coming up. With these three new devices, Syslogic can further expand its market position for intelligent edge devices.

AI rugged computer RPC RS A4NX technical specifications

• NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16GB
• 2x Gbit Ethernet
• 1x CAN 2.0A/B, CAN FD support, isolated
• 1x USB 3.1 (Type-A, IP67 rated)
• Digital I/Os
• LTE, GNSS & Wi-Fi (optional)
• NVMe SSD storage up to 2TB
• 9-45VDC input with Power Ignition Controller