ARM Introduces New AI Accelerator, Enhancing Microcontroller Performance - EW24

The Electropages team met Paul Williamson from ARM at Embedded World 2024, who introduced their latest AI accelerator for edge devices, the Ethos-U85, aimed at enhancing microcontroller capabilities significantly compared to the previous generation, Ethos-U55 and Ethos-U65. The Ethos-U85, currently demonstrated on FPGA, represents ARM's forward leap in microcontroller design, promising substantial improvements in speed and efficiency for embedded applications starting next year. This development aligns with ARM's focus on low-power, high-performance solutions suitable for devices like doorbell cameras which require real-time responsiveness. 

Paul detailed how the Ethos-U85 reduces energy consumption while increasing processing power, making it ideal for battery-operated devices needing complex functions like image recognition. The discussion also touched on ARM’s strategy of providing comprehensive design ecosystems to partners, including a reference design with an integrated microcontroller and image signal processor. This approach accelerates the development of real-world systems, ensuring that ARM's innovations translate swiftly from concept to market-ready products. 

To learn more please visit https://www.arm.com/products/silicon-ip-cpu/ethos/ethos-u85.