Hybrid SoC Targets Industrial Linux
Ezurio has launched the Carbon AM62, an industrial computing platform built around the Texas Instruments Sitara AM62x system-on-chip. The device features a hybrid architecture combining quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 application processors with Cortex-M4F and Cortex-R5F real-time microcontroller cores. This design enables the blending of high-level operating systems like Linux with deterministic, low-latency control for industrial applications.
- Ezurio was formerly known as Laird Connectivity, which rebranded in March 2024 after being acquired by Audax Private Equity. The company specializes in wireless modules, system-on-modules (SOMs), and other IoT hardware for medical, industrial, and commercial use. - The underlying TI Sitara AM62x SoC is designed for low power consumption, with some configurations operating under 1 watt, making it suitable for thermally constrained industrial human-machine interfaces (HMIs). - In addition to the main processing cores, the SoC includes a dual-core Programmable Real-Time Unit (PRU) running up to 333 MHz, intended for deterministic, low-latency I/O control for protocols not natively supported by the main peripherals. - The Cortex-R5F core is specifically included to address functional safety (FuSa) requirements, enabling the system to meet industrial safety standards such as IEC 61508. - Ezurio's Carbon AM62 is a 45 x 30mm system-on-module that integrates the TI processor with options for up to 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, up to 128GB of eMMC storage, and Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5.4 wireless connectivity. - For software development, Ezurio provides board support packages for Yocto Linux, Buildroot, and Debian on the Cortex-A53 cores, along with FreeRTOS support for the Cortex-M4F and Cortex-R5F microcontroller cores. - The AM62x's graphics processor supports dual display outputs, with capabilities to drive one display up to 3840 x 1080 at 60fps, targeting applications like industrial control panels, medical equipment, and EV charging stations. - The SoC provides a range of industrial communication interfaces, including two Gigabit Ethernet ports with support for Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), and multiple CAN-FD buses.
