Design Automation


Upgraded AI/ML SDK for PolarFire FPGAs

30 May 2022 Design Automation

Significant upgrades have been rolled out to Microchip Technology’s VectorBlox Accelerator software development kit (SDK) for convolutional neural network (CNN)-based artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) inference with PolarFire FPGAs. Along with the recent release of version 1.3 comes 19 new tutorials, bringing the total to 37. These include licence plate recognition in TensorFlow, MobileNet v1 and v2 in TensorFlow and TensorFlow2, various ResNet and SqueezeNet models in ONNX, torchvision ResNet in PyTorch and TinyYoloV4 in TensorFlow.

Network sizes have been reduced by 50% by optimising containers for weights and the built-in bit accuracy simulator’s speed has been tripled compared to version 1.2. Other dependencies that have been upgraded in the SDK include OpenVINO version 2021.4.1 and Python version 4.5.5.62. Microchip also upgraded the Libero software example project and programming file to support Libero software version 2021.2 and hot-swappable camera and HDMI inputs.

The company also added a new application notes section in GitHub that covers the following topics:

• Training custom Yolo V2/V3 networks via DarkNet.

• Running custom Yolo V2/V3 networks.

• Inspecting and converting TensorFlow 2 models.

• Face recognition: summary of the demo design.

• Face recognition: changing the faces database to identify other faces.

Powered by VectorBlox Accelerator SDK version 1.3, PolarFire FPGAs offer two to three times more power-efficient inference in mid-range FPGAs. This enables ML inference in applications that are thermally constrained and operates on battery power in environments that are susceptible to single-event upsets such as those experienced in low-orbit aerospace.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Accelerate development of physical AI deployments
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
With Avocado OS now available on the HummingBoard RZ-V2N- AIoT and SolidSense AIoT V2N from SolidRun, teams can move from prototype to deployed fleet in weeks.

Read more...
Universal NFC device
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
Delivering high-end performance in a compact 4 x 4 mm package, the multipurpose NFC reader from ST Microelectronics, enables the convenience of contactless interaction and features for various end applications.

Read more...
Compact direct Time-of-Flight 3D LiDAR module
Altron Arrow AI & ML DSP, Micros & Memory
The VL53L9 from STMicroelectronics is the first direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR all-in-one module in ST’s portfolio, offering a resolution of 2,3K zones, wide field of view, on-chip processing, 100 frames per second, and sensing range from 5 centimeters to 9 meters.

Read more...
SoC brings scalable edge AI to life
Altron Arrow AI & ML
The NXP i.MX 937 applications processor is optimised for performance without excessive power draw and bridges the gap between entry-level chips and high-end processors.

Read more...
Accelerate STM32-based IoT development with SPI EEPROM board
Altron Arrow Computer/Embedded Technology
ST Microelectronics’ ready-to-use STM32 expansion board helps design more efficient battery-friendly IoT devices based on ultra low power 32-Mbit Page.

Read more...
Compact direct Time-of-Flight 3D LiDAR module
Altron Arrow Opto-Electronics Electronics Technology AI & ML
The VL53L9 from STMicroelectronics is the first direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) 3D LiDAR all-in-one module in ST’s portfolio, offering a resolution of 2,3K zones, wide field of view, on-chip processing, 100 frames per second, and sensing range from 5 centimeters to 9 meters.

Read more...
Generating negative voltages from a positive supply
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Passive Components
It is common for IoT devices, industrial sensors, meters, and medical equipment to require both a positive and negative voltage, and this article explains the options available to produce a negative rail from a positive rail supply.

Read more...
Addressing latency and signal integrity challenges
Altron Arrow DSP, Micros & Memory
Strengthening Microchip Technology’s data centre solutions portfolio, its XpressConnect retimers support high-bandwidth architectures, while helping reduce integration complexity.

Read more...
Precision timing in compact package
Altron Arrow Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for use in harsh environments, the EX-423 incorporates a four-point mounted quartz crystal structure that improves shock resistance and reduces g-sensitivity.

Read more...
Advanced STM32 debugging in VS Code
Design Automation
Once an STM32 project is running in VS Code, the IAR C-SPY Debug extension adds a professional-grade analysis layer that scales with project complexity.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved