Socionextrecently partnered with Foxconn Technology Group and Network Optix to produce a newsolution for edge computing, the BOXiedge. But what drives this multicore, edge-computing server and how does its SoC point to the trend in edge computing?

Cloud computing has its disadvantages: latency, security vulnerability, and unreliable network connection. These disadvantages have given rise to edge computing. Edge computing allows IoT devices to run AI algorithms that are trained on the cloud.

Socionext claims that BOXidege is one such edge computingsolution. The fanless deviceincludesa 24-core mini-server that uses 30 watts of power. The BOXiedge is designed for edge computing applications that require intelligence, including factory automation, retail, agriculture, and digital health.

By using many cores on a local system that is capable of running AI algorithms, users will not need to rely ona stable,secure internet connection. Sensitive data is also stored locally on the server, improving security.

A deeper dive into the processor that drives the BOXidege may illustratehow the virtues of edge computingare reflected in the hardware design.

The SynQuacer SC2A11 is a 24-core, 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53clocked at 1GHz. The SoC includesthree levels of cache with 4MB of L3, DDR4 RAM, PCIe, and LAN.

It also includesvarious IOs including UART, I2C, and GPIO.

Each core has two processorstwo levels of cachewhile the L3 cache is used in theinterconnects with all the cores. The SC2A11 is scalable, supporting 64 devices in parallela total possible core count of 1,536.

Designed for power efficiency (specifically, 5W),the SC2A11 is aimed at servers,industrial applications, and edge computing applications. The many cores are said to allow large amounts of data to be processed simultaneously.

The SC2A11 is housed in a metal lid BGA package, measuring 30mm x 30mm. This compact designmakes it a useful option for applications requiring a large number of cores. Several security features are also integrated into the SC2A11, including OPAL andan ethernet processor. Socionext also offersan evaluation board for the device.

The evaluation board includes the SC2A11 with multiple DDR4 memory slots and various I/O.

Microcontrollers are oftengeared for processing a single task.

The SC2A11, however, demonstrates that microcontrollers may take a new direction:multicore designs. While the SC2A11 is a dramatic example of a multicore SoC, it does show how designs are being influenced by edge computing.

The demand for more secure systemsand lower-latency devices (such as those required in self-driving vehicles) emphasizes the utility of parallel designs. It's likely that this focus on security and latency will influence futuremicrocontrollers, including the integration of multiple cores and AI co-processors.

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Socionext Side Steps the Pitfalls of Cloud Computing with New Edge Computing Devices - News - All About Circuits