ARMdevices.net

At Embedded World 2025, John Weil, Vice President and General Manager of Synaptics’ Processor Business, discussed the company’s advancements in AI processors tailored for the intelligent edge. Synaptics focuses on developing microcontrollers (MCUs) and processors compatible with Linux and Android, aiming to balance cost, performance, and power efficiency for edge computing applications. citeturn0search0

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Synaptics is my Embedded World 2025 video coverage sponsor, check out my Synaptics videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhAbQoe9YN4c84SqXxIY3fQ
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Emphasizing an open-source approach, Synaptics provides tools that prevent customer lock-in, ensuring that investments in development remain valuable over time. This strategy offers flexibility, allowing clients to collaborate with partners or undertake projects independently, supported by user-friendly software. citeturn0search6

During the event, Synaptics conducted a workshop introducing the SR series, designed to accelerate prototyping of AI solutions. Recognizing that many clients have AI on their roadmap but may be uncertain about specific use cases, Synaptics offers open-source tools enabling rapid ideation and proof-of-concept (POC) development. This approach facilitates swift progression from concept to productization, empowering engineers to demonstrate tangible results to stakeholders. citeturn0search6

The Astra platform, accessible via Synaptics’ developer portal, provides comprehensive resources such as blogs, educational materials, and documentation on open-source tools. Developers can utilize the Astra Machina SL1680 kit, available through global distributors, to integrate multiple AI models and modalities, expediting the development process. citeturn0search6

Synaptics invests heavily in both hardware and software development, acknowledging that processors require robust software to unlock their full potential. The company collaborates with leading open-source partners to anticipate future AI algorithms and tools, ensuring customers can seamlessly integrate emerging applications into their products. citeturn0search6

The SR series introduces contextual awareness to low-power, cost-effective devices through a mechanism called gear stepping. This process mimics human peripheral vision by maintaining an always-on domain that monitors inputs like imagery and audio at minimal power consumption. Upon detecting significant changes, the system escalates its processing to analyze and identify objects or individuals, enhancing the device’s responsiveness and intelligence. citeturn0search1

Synaptics’ expertise in human presence detection is extended through the SR series, enabling devices across various industries—such as coffee makers, doorbells, and industrial robots—to incorporate advanced contextual awareness. This technology allows devices to recognize user preferences and adapt their functionality accordingly, leading to more intuitive interactions. citeturn0search1

The SR series’ low-power design supports extended battery life and potential for solar-powered operation. By performing continuous environmental monitoring with minimal energy usage, these processors can rapidly transition to high-performance processing when necessary, offering a versatile solution for diverse applications. citeturn0search1

Check out all my Embedded World 2025 videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvjgUpdNMBkGzEWU6YVxR8Ga

My full video coverage from #ew25 Embedded World 2025 in Nuremberg Germany is sponsored by Synaptics, check out all my Synaptics videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhAbQoe9YN4c84SqXxIY3fQ

all my Embedded World 2025 videos are here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvjgUpdNMBkGzEWU6YVxR8Ga

This video was filmed using the DJI Pocket 3 ($669 at https://amzn.to/4aMpKIC using the dual wireless DJI Mic 2 microphones with the DJI lapel microphone https://amzn.to/3XIj3l8 ), watch all my DJI Pocket 3 videos here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7xXqJFxvYvhDlWIAxm_pR9dp7ArSkhKK

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