SOM fast tracks IIoT, robotics and comms development

Featuring best-in-class real-time and low-latency processing, this new SOM targets industrial IoT and industrial machinery applications. 

The AM64x SOM is aimed at applications that require a combination of precise real-time processing and application processing, and comes equipped with two Cortex A53 cores for OS-level and applications processing, up to four Cortex R5F cores for real-time computing, servo control and functional safety, and an isolated Cortex M4 MCU channel for error monitoring. This SOM also packs a ton of innovative features that make it excellent for mission-critical applications, such as an integrated MCU subsystem and diagnostic libraries, inline ECC, an isolated Cortex-M4 core that can work independently from the SoC, secure boot with hardware-enforced root of trust and more.

Architected using TI’s efficient 16nm FinFET production technology, these new TI AM64x processor-based SOMs consume little power, support fanless designs, and are robust to extreme environments ranging from -40°C to 85°C. Measuring in at just 47 x 30mm in size, these SOMs pack far more than the AM64x processor, including onboard eMMC storage, a sub-1GHz MCU for radio communication, and up to three gigabit Ethernet physical layer transceivers. 

To maximise the AM6442 processor’s multi-protocol industrial ethernet support, the SOM leverages two built-in gigabit industrial communications subsystems (PRU-ICSSG) that support industrial ethernet protocols such as Profinet IRT, Profinet RT, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). Paired with high-speed PCIe, USB 3.0 and integrated ethernet switch interfaces, as well as general industrial connectivity options like UART, I2C, CAN and ADC, the SOM is the ideal foundation for industrial communications systems, factory automation, industrial robot and machinery control, industrial gateways, M2M communication and much more.  

The AM64x SOM family features multiple ordering options for single to dual-core A53 and single to quad-core R5F options based on the TI AM6411, AM6412, AM6421, AM6441 and AM6442 processors. Additionally, SOMs can be optioned with TI’s CC1312 multiprotocol and multiband SimpleLink wireless MCU for sub 1GHz communication. Supporting 6LoWPAN, MIOTY and Wi-SUN protocols allows the SOM to conduct advanced sensing and metering of sensors, which is especially useful for HVAC, smart buildings, advanced medical systems, smart meters, and more.

“Industrial automation, robots, smart buildings and more all require powerful applications processing capabilities as well as robust, real-time communications for precise machine control,” said Dr. Atai Ziv, CEO at SolidRun. “Until now, no single solution could do it all. Our family of AM64x-based SOMs streamlines hardware specifications and enables developers to quickly design compact, precise, and connected edge devices and industrial network solutions for next-generation industrial IoT and automation.”

SolidRun also offers Hummingboard-T AM64X Base and Hummingboard-T AM64X Pro carrier boards that are perfect for prototyping with the AM64x processor-equipped SOMs. These new Hummingboard carriers support up to 1GB of DDR4, 8GB of eMMC flash memory and features expansion and communications options, including:

• GPIO header
• I/Os for USB 3.0, CAN-FD and RS485/RS232, 
• up to three gigabit Ethernet ports with two featuring PRU ICSSG,
• optional Cat 4 LTE with SIM slot
• optional CC1312 SimpleLink 1 GHz wireless MCU

The TI AM64x S SOMs and Hummingboard carrier boards are available through SolidRun. To help expedite the development process, customers will be provided with an optimised board support package, stable long-term support for select software distributions, access to SolidRun’s support tools and sample source code.

 For more information about the TI AM64x-processor-based SOM from SolidRun, please visit SolidRun's website.