Microchip unveils the SAMA7G54 microprocessor based on Arm's Cortex A7

     The embedded market requires AI solutions with higher performance and lower power consumption to be deployed at the edge where power consumption is usually higher. AI solutions often require advanced imaging and audio functions, but these functions are usually only available in high-performance and high power multi-core microprocessors. In order to enable developers to obtain these high-performance peripheral functions without sacrificing power consumption, Microchip Technology Inc announced the introduction of the SAMA7G54 microprocessor (MPU) based on Arm Cortex A7, which can operate at up to 1 GHz. SAMA7G54 is equipped with MIPI CSI-2 camera interface and a traditional parallel camera interface, which can help developers design low-power stereo vision applications with more accurate depth perception.

     Microchip is committed to providing the industry's lowest power consumption MPU product portfolio. SAMA7G54 can provide flexible low power consumption mode and voltage and frequency regulation, extending the low power consumption trend to support Linux 1 GHz performance level MPU. If the new MCP16502 power management IC (PMIC) of Microchip is used together, MPU can help embedded designers to precisely tune the terminal application, so as to obtain the best overall power consumption and performance, and also optimize and realize the lowest overall system cost. The mainstream Linux version of Microchip for SAMA7G54 supports MCP16502, which can easily enter and exit the available low power consumption mode, and supports dynamic voltage and frequency regulation.

     Rod Drake, Vice President of Microchip 32-bit MPU Business Department, said, "SAMA7G54 provides a low-risk approach to help designers develop edge deployment oriented AI solutions with power consumption and performance optimization. Designers can now create high-performance imaging and audio based AI applications without using much higher power consumption multi-core MPUs."

     For audio applications, SAMA7G54 integrates enhanced audio features, such as four I2S digital audio ports, an 8-microphone array interface, an S/PDIF transmitter and receiver, and a four stereo channel audio sample rate converter. It is equipped with multiple microphone inputs, which can improve sound source positioning to improve the performance of smart speakers or video conferencing systems. SAMA7G54 also integrates Arm TrustZone Technology, with functions such as safe startup, safe key storage and fast encryption. Customers can work with Microchip's security experts to assess their own security needs and implement a level of protection appropriate to their design.