Flexible Low Power Module (In Progress)
Paul Anthony Creaser, Ph.D.
Freelance Executive Technology Mentor with a focus on AI and ML.
An engineers dream is to come up with a simple modular architecture, with interchangeable components which can be used to create different products.
An example architecture is below.
The core of the architecture is an ARM SOC with BLE and WiFi modules and a RTOS OS ( Real Time Operating System).
SOC
The chosen ARM architecture, is a Cortex M4 architecture based one. It is powerful enough to support a RTOS. It can be used in low power systems and in systems which require some significant DSP processing. SOCs of this type support a range of interfaces such as I2C, I2S, SPI, PWM, ADC, Capacitance Sensors etc... They also can drive touch screens, so it is possible to create interactive displays, which operate in the same way as those found on a phone or a tablet.
WiFi and Bluetooth offer possible interconnectivity for configuration, firmware updates and possible online services.
SOC of this type also come with hardware encryption modules, so allowing safe transmission of data over networks.
RTOS
RTOS have come a long way. They now have libraries for touch screens, file systems, and multimedia. Since libraries are available, rapid development is possible.
Products
So using the above simple architecture, what kind of products are possible?
- A smart remote control, which uses voice and an interactive touch screen.
- A Smart Key FOB for cars.
- A Smart device for controlling devices in the house, lights, heating etc...