Demonstrated in public for the first time at the electronica 2024 show in Munich, Germany, the new Grinn AstraSOM-1680 integrates Synaptics' quad-core Arm Cortex-A73 processor with its PowerVR Series9XE GE9920 GPU and neural processing unit (NPU) for AI acceleration. With 4GB LPDDR4 memory and 16GB eMMC storage, the module handles complex video inputs and outputs seamlessly, making it ideal for real-time image processing and AI-driven applications.
In strategic collaboration with Synaptics, the SL1680 high-performance multimedia SoC was selected for its unique ability to handle both high-speed processing and AI acceleration, key requirements for modern connected designs and on-device AI applications. By integrating the SL1680 into the Grinn AstraSOM-1680, Grinn has delivered a module that combines high computational power with seamless integration of video, smart speaker, and local touch display. The SoC benefits from integration with the SyNAP toolkit, enabling swift development and refinement of secure machine learning (ML) and AI applications tailored for video, vision, and audio domains.
This design also ensures stability in high-speed connections and enables seamless integration for developers and OEMs. Integrated MIPI CSI-2 and ISP functionality are available for edge-based vision inference, minimizing the need for external components. The module also offers USB, PCIe Gen 2.0, and Ethernet interfaces, plus one ADC, 3x I2C, 2x SPI, 4x UART, and one SDIO. Audio designs are supported by 8x I2S, PCM, 4x PDM, and 2x SPDIF inputs.
One of the standout features of the Grinn AstraSOM-1680 is its compact form factor. “Our module is the smallest SOM based on the Astra SL1680 processor, designed with an LGA footprint rather than standard connectors, resulting in lower costs and increased connection reliability," adds Otręba.
"Grinn’s AstraSOM-1680 exemplifies the Astra platform’s ability to bring right-sized AI-native multi-modal processing to Edge AI while accelerating application development with secure, open-source tools within a creative partner ecosystem," says John Weil, Vice President of IoT and Edge AI Processor Business at Synaptics. "Supported by our Astra Machina Foundation Series toolkit, we look forward to working with Grinn and all our customers to unlock the next wave of secure AI innovations."
Grinn has been working in embedded software and electronic design for connected devices for over 13 years. Located in Poland, the company has extensive experience in wireless protocols including audio streaming, having supported the development of numerous products already in the market from European brands. A member of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Grinn's engineering team has extensive project development experience and offers a range of ready-to-use platforms based on the most cutting-edge technology for connected devices.
The Grinn AstraSOM-1680 marks just the beginning of an ongoing collaboration between Grinn and Synaptics. With each development, the two companies aim to drive new advances in embedded computing, helping businesses and developers create smarter, more capable devices. The Grinn AstraSOM-1680 is available now.
www.synaptics.com
www.grinn-global.com
