The FINANCIAL — Sony Corporation on May 14 announced that it has developed two new products, the SPRESENCE main and extension boards for IoT applications, equipped with a smart-sensing processor.
The new products go on sale July 31. The main board utilizes a multi-CPU structure equipped with Sony’s state-of-the-art GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver and high-res audio codec. A variety of systems for diverse applications, including drones, smart speakers, sensing cameras and other IoT devices, can be built by combining these boards and developing the relevant applications. Technological information about the products’ software and hardware is publicly available via open platform, allowing for a wide range of developmental possibilities and further expanding the market, according to Sony.
Positioning information and audio input/output functions are expected to become ever more important in the expanding IoT market. The main board operates on low power and features a smart-sensing processor, with a built-in GNSS receiver and an audio codec that supports high-resolution audio sources. It employs a hexa-CPU, multi-core configuration that makes it easy for anyone to create high-performance, highly versatile applications.
For example, the new board can be used to control a drone using GPS positioning technology and a high-performance processor, voice-controlled smart speakers, low-power consumption sensing cameras and other IoT devices, etc. It can also be combined with various sensors for use in systems that detect errors in production lines on the factory floor.
The extension board, which will be used by combined with the main board, is equipped with a headphone jack, microphone jack, and SD card slot, which can be used to develop audio applications with audio recording and playback. It is also equipped with a connector that can control the I/O voltage of the main board to switch from 1.8V to between 3.3V and 5.0V, making it possible to connect and utilize some open-platform, general-purpose extension boards.
For technical details and sales information, please visit the Spresense developer web pages. Software can be developed by Arduino IDE or Eclipse IDE, etc., enabling a wide range of applications. The product is scheduled to be sold online and in some stores.
This product is scheduled for display at the Maker Faire Bay Area 2018 starting Friday, May 18 in San Mateo in the United States, and on Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5 at the Maker Faire Tokyo 2018 in Tokyo, Japan.
Main Features (Main board)
Equipped with GNSS functionality
Support for GPS/GLONASS makes highly accurate positioning possible globally.
Enhanced voice and audio functionality
Features microphone input up to 8 channels; supports 24 bit/192kHz high-res audio recording and playback for high-end audio applications.
Low power consumption
The smart-sensing processor uses FD-SOI (fully depleted silicon on insulator), making low operating voltage and low power consumption possible.
Reference information
The CXD5602PWBCAM camera board for sensing cameras is expected to go on sale in August 2018. It is also scheduled to be displayed at Maker Faire Bay Area 2018.
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