ASRock Industrial Announce The iEP-6010E Series Industrial IoT Controller

ASRock Industrial have announced the launch of the iEP-6010E Series Industrial IoT Controller. This cutting-edge controller is powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/ Jetson Orin Nano system-on-module (SOM), delivering impressive computing power of up to 100 SPARSE (50 DENSE) INT8 TOPS for AI applications.

The iEP-6010E Series, is compact in size, built for high performance, and energy efficient, making it perfectly suited for a range of embedded AI applications including real-time AI video processing at the edge, optical inspection, autonomous operation, traffic management, public safety, and more.

Designed to withstand demanding environments, these controllers feature flexible I/Os and a rugged design, supporting a wide range of DC power input from 12V to 36V and an operating temperature range of -25°C to 60°C.

The iEP-6010E, is based on the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX SOM and features 16GB of 128-bit LPDDR5 memory. The iEP-6011E, iEP-6012E, and iEP-6013E, are each based on different NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano SOM models, with varying memory capacities of 8GB and 4GB, along with corresponding memory bit widths.

The NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX 16GB SOM boasts an impressive performance boost of up to 100 SPARSE (50 DENSE) INT8 TOPS, delivering nearly 5 times the power compared to the previous NVIDIA Jetson Xavier NX SOM. These options are available in compact packages, measuring 55 x 170 x 134mm for the Basic SKU and 68 x 170 x 134mm (W x H x D) for the PoE/5G SKU. With the integration of Jetson Orin NX or Orin Nano SOM, the iEP-6010E Series significantly enhances the AI processing capabilities of embedded and edge computing devices. These devices require improved performance while adhering to size, weight, and power constraints.

The iEP-6010E Series is specifically designed to facilitate the implementation of Edge AI video solutions while offering remarkable flexibility in terms of I/O connectivity. In the Basic SKU configuration, this series provides two USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 ports (one with a locking feature), two USB 2.0 ports, and two Gigabit LAN ports. For the PoE SKU variant, it offers the additional capability of accommodating up to two IEEE 802.3AF PoE ports, enabling seamless camera deployment with both power supply and video transmission functionalities.

The iEP-6010E Series is equipped with various I/O interfaces to cater to diverse needs. It includes one HDMI 2.0 port for Orin NX SOM and one HDMI 1.4 port for Orin Nano SOM. Additionally, there are one RS-232 port, one RS-232/422/485 serial port, and two proprietary DB15 connectors. The first DB15 connector, designed by DIO with a proprietary layout, incorporates signals for Power/GND and Remote Power Button/Reset. The second DB15 connector, also proprietary, encompasses I2C, SPI, CANBUS interfaces, and Power/GND pins, making it ideal for embedded applications.

In terms of storage support, the iEP-6010E Series offers versatile options. It features one M.2 Key M (2280) slot supporting PCIe Gen 4×4 for iEP-6010E/iEP-6011E models and PCIe Gen 3×4 for iEP-6012E/iEP-6013E models, enabling NVMe SSD storage. Additionally, there is one available Micro SD card slot for added storage convenience.

The iEP-6010E Series provides extensive support for various expansions, enabling seamless integration of wireless communication and advanced-level RF connectivity. These expansions include one M.2 Key B socket (3042/3052), available on the 5G SKU, which allows for optional 5G modules or a 4G LTE module. Additionally, there is one M.2 Key E socket (2230) across all SKUs, offering the flexibility to incorporate optional Wi-Fi modules. To ensure excellent communication capabilities, the iEP-6010E Series supports up to four 5G/4G LTE antennas and two Wi-Fi antennas specifically designed for the 5G SKU.

The rugged design of the iEP-6010E Series makes it suitable for challenging environments. It can withstand wide operating temperatures ranging from -25°C to 60°C, and supports a wide range of DC input from 12V to 36V. With features like 80V Surge Protection, OVP (Over Voltage Protection), UVP (Under Voltage Protection), OCP (Over Current Protection), and Reverse Protection, this series guarantees enhanced durability and reliability. Furthermore, it offers flexibility in power options, featuring either the Phoenix type connector or PD3.0 20V USB Type-C power adaptor interface with a locking mechanism. This allows users to leverage the battery bank for mobility device use cases. Additionally, it can serve as a backup DC input when the Phoenix type DC IN falls within the range of 21V to 36V.

Furthermore, the iEP-6010E Series includes a carrier board within the chassis that reserves two dual-lane MIPI-CSI2 interfaces. These interfaces are specifically designed for image capturing purposes, providing additional functionality and versatility to the system.

“With the increasing variety and inspirations in Edge AI applications, it is exciting for ASRock Industrial to extend our new product lineup, powered by NVIDIA® Jetson platform, by introducing the iEP-6010E Series. This release demonstrates our commitment to meeting the expanding breadth and depth for AI application requirements worldwide.” said James Lee, President of ASRock Industrial.

The ASRock Industrial iEP-6010E Series offers a multitude of versatile applications, thanks to its advanced features and capabilities.  Here are some potential areas where this series can excel:

1. Edge AI Video Processing: Benefit from the iEP-6010E Series’ exceptional real-time AI video processing at the edge. It empowers intelligent video surveillance systems and smart security solutions by efficiently handling tasks like object detection, recognition, and tracking.
2. Optical Inspection: Utilise the high-performance computing power and flexible I/Os of the iEP-6010E Series in optical inspection applications. It proves valuable in quality control processes, manufacturing inspections, and automated visual inspection systems.
3. Autonomous Operation: Seamlessly integrate the iEP-6010E Series into autonomous systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and autonomous robots. Leverage its edge computing capabilities for real-time decision-making, navigation, and sensor data processing.
4. Traffic Management: Drive intelligent traffic management systems with the iEP-6010E Series. It excels in traffic monitoring, congestion detection, license plate recognition, and adaptive signal control, enhancing transportation efficiency and safety.
5. Public Safety: Bolster public safety applications, particularly in smart city deployments, with the iEP-6010E Series. Leverage its video analytics capabilities for crowd management, public space monitoring, emergency response systems, and advanced facial recognition to elevate security measures.
6. Embedded AI Applications: The iEP-6010E Series is ideally suited for a broad spectrum of embedded AI applications. Its application extends to smart appliances, industrial automation, robotics, IoT gateways, and other AI-driven devices that require robust processing capabilities within limited size, weight, and power parameters.

These applications merely scratch the surface of the ASRock Industrial iEP-6010E Series‘ versatility. With its formidable computing power, flexible I/Os, rugged design, and wide operating temperature range, it emerges as an ideal solution for a diverse range of AI-powered embedded and edge computing applications.