Electronics-Lab.com Blog

New series of miniature embedded industrial computers of the credit card size manages HD videos, multimedia presentations and other demanding tasks in a real time.

i.MX53 is after i.MX25 and i.MX51 already the 3-rd member in the family of computers i.MX (SBC – Single Board Computer, COM – Computer On Module) from company Voipac. A big advantage of a common concept, i.e. usage of common operating systems is, that these computers are cross-compatible, thus all experience, programs and drivers, which you have for example from development of applications for i.MX25, are also usable for i.MX53.

OS Linux, Android and soon also Windows Embedded compact 7, USB 2.0 OTG/HOST, LCD 1600×1200 controller, ethernet and many other built-in peripherials make the i.MX53 a top choice for devices with small dimensions. A high-performance 1.2 GHz multimedia processor i.MX535 from Freescale provides a high performance at a low power consumption (passive cooling). i.MX53 is constructed on only 1mm thick 10-layer HDI board with microvias and provides a vast majority of peripherials expected from embedded systems. i.MX53 is able to boot not only from NAND Flash memory, but also from I2C EEPROM, SPI Flash and uSD card (all 3, including a uSD connector are on the board).

i.MX53 is, similarly like recent models of Voipac, available in 3 versions – Basic, Pro and Max. The key factor saying in favor of i.MX53 in comparison to competitors´ products is the price/ performance ratio.

A maximum hardware configuration contains literally all, what so small computer can offer. The module even contains a 3-axis accelerometer and a switch-mode power supply for user applications. For the i.MX53, there´s also available the development board (usable also for i.MX25 and i.MX51) and the multitouch capacitive display. The most simple way for development is to use complete reach-featured development kits. Voipac products are also extraordinary by the fact, that the producer supplies complete schematics and PCB from the Altium environment to every purchased development kit. Voipac provides an extensive support in a form of pre-paid 1 or 3-month support and in files free to download in a binary as well as source code.

Detailed information will provide you the i.MX53 flyer, i.MX53 datasheet as well as attached video. Further files can be found on the producer´s website in the downloads section (http://www.voipac.com/#Downloads).

In case of interest, please contact us at info@soselectronic.com.

i.MX53 – a “credit card”  with an operating system increased its performance - [Link]

With this post open-electronics.org compares the latest arrived boards in the world of hobbyists electronics. Here’s the list of platforms compared:

• Arduino Uno
• Arduino Due
• MBED
• Discovery
• Rasperry PI
• Android based Mini PCs based on MK802II/MK802III

The Ultimate Comparison of IOT Development Boards - [Link]

pcDuino is a high performance, cost effective mini PC platform based on ARM Cortex A8 CPU and is able to run full-featured operating systems such as Ubuntu and Android ICS.

Features:

• 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 CPU
• GPU: OpenGL ES2.0, OpenVG 1.1 Mali 400 core
• 1GB DRAM
• Onboard Storage: 2GB Flash, microSD card (TF) slot for up to 32GB
• HDMI Video Output
• Linux3.0 + Ubuntu12.10 Supported

pcDuino – 1GHz ARM Cortex A8 Dev Board with 1GB memory - [Link]

This is a simple project of Android Bluetooth Car with Bluetooth control. This project is open source and multiplatform: Arduino (Processing), STM32, MSP430, PIC, AVR, FEZ Panda II (.NET Micro Framework) and may be even В Raspberry Pi.

To control the car used Android-device with a built-in accelerometer. Tilt forward – car goes forward, tilt to the left – car turns to the left, tilt back – car goes back. Speed of movement or rotation depends on how much you tilt the device. Sensitivity and value of the tilt set in the configuration Android-apps. Also are provided a normal way to control: the buttons on the screen. In addition to all I implemented the touch control. Total 3 ways to control the RC Car.

Simple RC car for beginners (Android control via Bluetooth) - [Link]

APC 8750 is a mini PC runs a custom Android system, built for keyboard and mouse input. A basic selection of applications is preinstalled. Also included is a full set of consumer I/O ports, enabling APC to connect to your PC monitor or TV.

Powered by a VIA WonderMedia ARM processor, Android PC system (APC) integrates memory, storage, and a full set of consumer I/O features in a small footprint Neo-ITX motherboard. The system also features a custom build of Android that has been optimized for keyboard and mouse input, and comes with a browser and a selection of preinstalled apps.

• Optimized Android OS
• HD TV support
• Hardware acceleration of the most demanding video formats
• VIA WonderMedia ARM 11 SoC
• 2 GB NAND Flash Memory
• 512 MB DDR3 SDRAM Memory
• VGA and HMDI display ports
• Four USB 2.0 ports
• One microSD slot
• One 10/100 Ethernet port
• Audio-out/ Mic-in
• 9 VDC power socket (2.5 mm, centre pin positive)
• Neo-ITX form factor (170 x 85 mm)

Internet PC for €52 - [Link]

ODROID-U2 is a micro sized open development platform which is powered by Exynos4412 Prime. 1.7Ghz ARM Cortex-A9 Quad Cores show PC-like performance. Enjoy various PC peripherals on Android & Ubuntu Linux.

• Low-cost development platform
• Ultra compact size with full metal enclosure
• Quad core ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore
• 10/100Mbps Ethernet with RJ-45 LAN Jack
• 2 x High speed USB2.0 Host port
• Audio codec with headphone jack and microphone on board
• Android 4.x & Ubuntu 12.10
• Community-driven projects & supports

ULTRA COMPACT 1.7GHz QUAD-CORE BOARD - [Link]

This is a great App that allows you to view .brd and .sch Files from CADSOFT Eagle V6.x and up on your android device. The demo version allows you to view only the demo files and a paid version costs only 0.99 EUR. App works really smooth and it allows you to select your desired layers! A must have app for electronic engineers!

Eagle Viewer for Android! - [Link]

Small Arduino compatible USB host board. Take control of your Android phone or other USB device in your next project.

This project began the day I saw the Google IO 2011 talk about the new Android Accessory Development Kit (ADK). I had never seen or used an Arduino before. I had written a few Android programs but something about being able to connect custom hardware to my phone inspired me to start this long trip down hardware lane. Specifically, I was inspired to create motorcycle navigation software knowing that I would be able to create a remote control for my phone that would allow me to control the software with gloved hands. I finished the navigation software a few months later, and it has been a great success. This board has allowed me to complete that project; I now have a remote control attached to my motorcycle.

Mini USB Host Microcontroller Board – Arduino Compatible - [Link]

Irdroid v2.0 is advanced version of the Irdroid remote control hardware. The unit is standalone, powered by 12V DC adapter and it has a bluetooth communication module. The unit features a infra-red remote control for android and a Bluetooth Music receiver in one. The module can be used simultaneously to control home TV/AV equipment and to turn any speaker into a wireless bluetooth speakers.

Irdroid v2.0 – universal remote for Android - [Link]

Exynos 5 Dual supports resolutions of up to 2560×1600 as well as SATA, USB 3.0.

amsung has just released details about its new Exynos 5 5250 SoC for mobile devices. This dual-core, 1.7GHz chip is the first one on the market to feature the new Cortex A15 CPU architecture from ARM, which will provide substantially improved performance over the Cortex A9-based chips used in most of today’s smartphones and tablets.

The chip also includes ARM’s new Mali-T604 GPU designed to power Retina-class displays and support high-performance connectivity options like SATA and USB 3.0. These improvements make it a substantial upgrade over current-generation products like NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 or Samsung’s own Exynos 4. We’ll look at different aspects of the chip to see not just how the Exynos 5 and other Cortex A15 SoCs will benefit current tablets, but also how those improvements could lead to more viable laptop replacements.

New Samsung Cortex A15-based chip opens door to “Retina” Android tablets - [Link]