Floyd GPGPU edge AI computing platform reaches UK

The Floyd carrier board features interface circuitry, input/output (I/O) connectors for all module features, camera interfaces, power supply and additional I/O that allow engineers to make full use of the computing power of the NVIDIA Jetson Nano or NVIDIA Jetson Xavier MX modules. The board includes two PoE Gigabit Ethernet ports, three MIPI/CSI 2/4-lane connectors and one USB 3.0 port for camera inputs, as well as miniCard, M.2, and Micro SD sockets for I/O expansion and storage.

The Floyd is available in two versions — a lower cost version that is compatible with NVIDIA Jetson Nano, and another for more complex applications that uses the NVIDIA Jetson Xavier MX module. The full feature MX models incorporate dual Ethernet ports with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support using an external power injector, two multi-protocol serial ports, dual HDMI displays and a PCIe / USB minicard socket.

The lower-cost Nano models do not feature the PCIe switch needed for the higher cost model’s additional I/O, which allows a full PCIe x4 link to the M.2 socket for potentially higher flash memory read/write speeds.

“GPGPUs are increasingly important in modern embedded applications,” said Martin Frederiksen, managing director of Recab UK. “Not only does the computing power afforded by these systems allow for enhanced image processing, it also supports intensive processes such as artificial intelligence and machine learning — both of which are becoming more widely used in defence and transport environments.

“At Recab UK, we have a wealth of experience in developing embedded systems for harsh operating environments. The Floyd is an ideal offering in this space, not only because of its own computing capabilities but also because of its versatility. With the Floyd’s I/O capabilities and extended operating temperature of -25 to +80 degrees, alongside the high performance and efficiency of the NVIDIA Jetson modules, we’re able to develop high computing performance, low energy use systems that meet a range of project budgets.”

Alongside the availability of the carrier board, Recab UK can also provide Diamond Systems’ Jetbox-Floyd GPGPU system for UK projects. The Jetbox-Floyd is a complete GPGPU system based on the Floyd carrier board and features an NVIDIA Jetson Nano or NX module, with a Linux operating system pre-configured to support the extensive I/O of the Floyd board.

The Jetbox-Floyd enhances the applicability of the Floyd carrier board and its expansion options for two additional DB9 connectors (serial port, GPIO, and/or CAN) as well as up to two SMA type antenna connectors for an installed M.2 or Minicard module. Similar to other systems from Diamond Systems, Jetbox-Floyd was built to operate at extended temperatures between -25 to +80^oC to meet the full capabilities of the Jetson modules.