Synaptics Launches KatanaConnect Miniature Wireless AI Vision and Audio Module

Synaptics launched an interesting new AI System on Module (SoM) at electronica 2022. KatanaConnect combines the Katana low-power Edge AI SoC with Wi-Fi / Bluetooth wireless connectivity in an ultra-small-form-factor package to deliver AI-enabled computer vision and audio sensing capabilities. The SoM, developed with leading module vendor AMPAK, is a ready-to-use solution that enables rapid implementation of AI sensing features for connected designs targeting a range of applications, including smart home and security, and many others.

Infineon Technologies announced a new family of 2x 37W audio amplifiers featuring the second generation of MERUS multilevel switching amplifier technology. Optimized for low power and battery-powered applications, the new devices are the MA2304DNS with an integrated and fully-configurable digital signal processor (DSP), and the MA2304PNS with audio limiter and volume control features. Both are now the most efficient in the Infineon MERUS family, with an idle power mode at least five times lower than traditional class D audio amplifiers.

Enabling smarter connections to the world around us, Texas Instruments (TI) introduced new Matter-enabled software development kits for Wi-Fi and Thread SimpleLink wireless microcontrollers (MCUs) that will streamline adoption of the Matter protocol in connected applications (also named sometimes as Internet of Things or IoT). The software builds on TI’s close involvement with the Connectivity Standards Alliance and innovation in the 2.4-GHz connectivity space.

During the electronica 2022 show in Munich, Germany, Renesas Electronics unveiled plans to deliver a comprehensive set of advanced Wi-Fi offerings to complement its broad portfolio of industrial and connected products. In 2021, Renesas completed its acquisition of Celeno, a company from Israel specializing in wireless communication solutions, including advanced Wi-Fi chipsets for high-performance home networks, and is leveraging that technology to address a wide range WLAN access point applications for Wi-Fi 6/6E and Wi-Fi 7.

NGK Insulators will participate in electronica 2022 from November 15-18, in Munich, Germany for the first time. The Japanese multinational will use the opportunity to showcase its latest solar powered indoor/outdoor position tracker using Exeger's Powerfoyle technology, together with its latest EnerCera thin and flexible ceramic batteries, ideal for wearable and small connected devices, including headphones and portable audio applications.

electronica, the world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics, will take place in 14 halls on the Munich exhibition grounds from November 15 to 18, 2022. This is a highly-anticipated return for a show that promises to reengage multiple critical sectors in development and manufacturing, after four years of absence. This year’s highlights in the electronica Conference will deal with Automotive, Embedded Platforms, Sensors, and Wireless Systems and Applications.